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Questions tagged [4d-database]

4D is an integrated development platform containing all of the components needed to create and distribute professional applications.

History

Initially developed in 1984 by Laurent Ribardière, it was initially negotiated that 4D would be published by Apple. However, due to pressure from other database publishers, those plans eventually fell through, and 4D was published independently by Laurent Ribardière, in partnership with French businesswoman, Marylene Delbourg-Delphis.

Although independently published, Apple did support the venture and used 4D extensively throughout the organization for diverse projects such as fitness center management to CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing). This support from Apple undoubtedly helped the product to mature and gain traction in a difficult marketplace.

In 1987 4D was reviewed by Info World in their September 28 1987 publication.

In 1993, 4D Server, the client/server version of 4th Dimension was introduced and since 1995, 4D has supported both the Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh operating systems.

Syntax

The 4D syntax is unique, but bears some similarity to Visual Basic, Perl, and Python. One very unique aspect of 4D is that it's SQL engine is directly integrated into the language. The screenshot below demonstrates the Method Editor interface, showing the mixture of 4D and SQL syntax.

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Current/Supported versions

Hotfix Versions

  • 4D v15.2 Hotfix 1, released on 4 July 2016 (fix list)
  • 4D v14.5 Hotfix 1, released on 11 July 2016 (fix list)

Legacy/Unsupported Versions

  • 4D v15.6, Final release on 25 Apr 2018; (first v15 release on 16 Jul 15).
  • 4D v14.6, Final release on 20 Dec 2016; (first v15 release on 12 Dec 13).
  • 4D v13.6, Final release on 18 Jun 2015; (first v13 release on 14 Feb 12).
  • 4D v12.6, Final release on 08 Oct 2013; (first v12 release on 03 Jun 2010).
  • 4D v11.9, Final release on 07 Jul 2011; (first v11 release on 25 Sep 2008).
  • 4D 2004.8, Final release on 30 Jun 2009; (first 2004 release on 31 Aug 2004).
  • 4D 2003.8r2, Final release on 11 Apr 2006; (first 2003 release on 17 Mar 2003).
  • 4D v6.8.6, Final release on 24 Sep 2004; (first 6.8 release on 15 Apr 2002).

Additional Resources

Related Tags

116 questions
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4D - is it any good?

Recently I found out that the company a friend of mine co-owns uses 4D, which I've never heard of before. They swear by it, but they're non-technical and what they say about it sounds like memorized marketing blurb. Unfortunately the 4D website also…
Michał Tatarynowicz
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Sublime Text - Extend HTML Syntax Inside New "HTML (Custom)" Syntax

Background I am working with a language called Webclerk, which uses custom tags to query a 4D database. It works similarly to PHP. Instead of a .php file which is processed into HTML, this uses a '.wc' file which is processed into HTML. Instead of…
Kelderic
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Pros and cons of building apps with proprietary database systems

I've been interested in 4D SAS' database product for a long time, though have barely touched it in eons. In considering what tools to use for application development, especially one that will require a database component, what should be looked for…
warren
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How do I extract data from a 4D database?

A client of mime has an old program running on 4D. I am not familiar with this format, but I have 4 files; a .4DC , .rsr , .4DD and one .4DR file. I suspect that the data is in the .4DD file. How can I extract the data?
kbck
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Please tell me how to open 4d database?

I trying to open (using 4d v12) the database with the extension .4dc (in addition there are files with extensions .4dd and .4dr). The result is an error: You cannot convert compiled database. Perhaps this is an old version of the database, but I…
user932416
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PHP Connect to 4D Database

Trying to connect to 4D Database. PHPINFO says PDO is installed etc etc... Testing on localhost MAMP system. However when I run my code I get: Fatal error: Uncaught exception 'PDOException' with message 'could not find driver' in…
Matt Reid
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Uploading large files to a server (non blocking)

So I'm working on a php application that needs to communicate with a 4d application. The 4d application uses a SOAP web service for external communication. The SOAP web service has a function to enable file uploads to the 4d application. Because of…
moleculezz
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Do I need to know SQL to learn 4D database?

i was offered a task in relation to 4D database, however, I do not have any database skill such as SQL, I can program but not in database aspect, just wondering should I learn some SQL before 4D database? Or are they totally different? Thanks for…
Wang Pei The Dancer
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PHP Use 'eval' As a Function (Get Return Value)

Background I'm using a 4D server. 4D has a built in PHP processor, but in an odd way. I have to start an inline 4D script in my webpage, then I have to call up PHP Execute, and give it the path of a .php file. 4D…
Kelderic
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Connect to MySQL database from 4Dv12 or later version?

Can anybody help me in connecting my MySQL database from my 4D database application. I have tried but still could not find any help. Please note that i want it without ODBC and want to directly connect to my MYSQL db.
Uzair Bin Nisar
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Create document in network on 4D database

I'd like to ask if its possible for 4D to create a document on a network directory. For example: vIP:="\\100.100.100.100" // this is a hypothetical IP vPath:=vIP+"\storage\" vDoc:=Create document(vPath+"notes.txt") If(OK=1) SEND…
Jun Dolor
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PHP truncating hashed password on retrieval from database

I'm currently having some trouble getting a login system to work and I believe I have found the reason why, though I have no idea why it is happening or what specifically is causing it. I have a hashed password stored in a database. The value of the…
Roy
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Error logging using rsync and the --log-file option

We are having problems with a client's SAN storage and files "vanishing" whenever the storage synchronizes. We have a custom 4D database that is executing a simple script to sync files from one location to another, via rsync. The script we are…
Nathan
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Exceptions using 4D ODBC Driver in C#

I have a 4D database that I'm trying to get data from (and export to an SQL DB) using their ODBC Driver. Most of the tables I can read, so I know the driver works. But I have 5 tables that throw 4 diferent exceptions in the Fill method of the…
Ricardo Gomes
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Why is my 4D Write document not saving with the rest of record?

In 4D, how do you guarantee that a 4D Write document is saved with the rest of the record?
D Porter
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