4GL 【Fourth-generation programming language】
4GL is an abbreviation for fourth-generation language. The term fourth-generation programming language was first used formally by James Martin in his 1982 book 'Applications Development without Programmers'.
Fourth-generation programming languages are successor to the third generation programming languages. The third generation programming languages are difficult to use for ordinary users. There for 3GL development methods can be slow and error prone. It became clear that some applications could be developed more rapidly by adding a higher-level programming language and methodology which would generate the equivalent of very complicated 3GL instructions with fewer errors. Fourth-generation programming languages are designed to reduce programming effort, the time it takes to develop software, and the cost of software development.