NATURAL language is a fourth-generation programming language (4GL) that was developed in the late 1960s by Software AG. It was designed to be used for business applications and is used primarily for creating software for mainframes and other large systems. In this guide, we will explore the history of NATURAL language, its syntax, provide examples of how to write it, and discuss the best applications for it.
History of NATURAL Language
As previously mentioned, NATURAL language was developed by Software AG in the late 1960s. It was originally intended to be used in the field of business applications, and its development coincided with the increasing use of mainframe computers in the business world. It was designed to be a high-level language that would be easy to learn and use, even for non-programmers.
NATURAL language became popular in the 1970s and 1980s when mainframe computers were the primary means of data processing. The language allowed businesses to develop complex applications quickly and efficiently. As newer programming languages began to emerge in the 1990s and 2000s, the use of NATURAL language began to decline. However, it still remains in use in some industries today.
Syntax of NATURAL Language
NATURAL language is a structured language, which means that it uses a specific syntax and structure. The syntax is designed to be easy to read and understand, even for non-programmers. Here is an example of a simple NATURAL program:
```
DEFINE DATA LOCAL
1 #NAME (A20)
1 #AGE (N2)
END-DEFINE
*
INPUT 'ENTER YOUR NAME' #NAME
INPUT 'ENTER YOUR AGE' #AGE
*
WRITE 'HELLO ' #NAME '!'
IF #AGE >= 18
WRITE 'YOU ARE AN ADULT.'
ELSE
WRITE 'YOU ARE A MINOR.'
END-IF
```
This program defines two variables, #NAME and #AGE, and then prompts the user to input their name and age. The program then uses an IF statement to determine whether the user is an adult or a minor, based on their age.
Applications of NATURAL Language
NATURAL language is primarily used for creating business applications for mainframes and other large systems. It is used in a wide range of industries, including finance, healthcare, and government. Some examples of applications that can be built using NATURAL language include:
- Accounting systems
- Inventory management systems
- Customer relationship management (CRM) software
- Banking systems
- Healthcare information systems
One of the biggest advantages of NATURAL language is that it allows businesses to create complex applications quickly and efficiently. The structured syntax of the language makes it easy to read and understand, even for non-programmers. Additionally, because it was designed specifically for business applications, it includes many features that are useful for these types of applications, such as support for handling large amounts of data.
Conclusion
NATURAL language is a powerful programming language that is well-suited for developing business applications. Its structured syntax and ease of use make it an ideal choice for companies that need to create complex applications quickly and efficiently. While the use of NATURAL language has declined in recent years, it is still used in some industries today and remains a valuable tool for developers who need to build applications for mainframes and other large systems.