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Tincup Enterprise System - Code Generator

In Search of a World-Class Programming Environment

You should expect speed and consistency from any development platform, whether a code generator or a Fourth Generation Language (4GL). What sets Tincup® Code Generator apart is the level of control you have over the output. We have yet to meet the programmer who wants to consistently and speedily generate code that fails to meet internal standards. You are the one who sets standards and evaluates code quality. You are the one who is striving for world-class quality in your shop. You are the one whose creativity and productivity are hurt if your development environment refuses to do things right—the way you want them.

"World-class" implies being ready, willing, and able to consistently change for the better. That's Tincup®. Here's how.

Code Generator System Components

Tincup® Code Generator writes COBOL source code according to your specifications:

• Data Dictionary. File and field information can be created "on the fly" or imported from existing copy libraries.
• Source Code Templates. Templates contain the basic structure and logic of the source code to be generated. Code Generator comes with pre-defined templates for programs (file maintenance and reports) and for data files (SELECT, FD, Working Storage, Declaratives, and I/O). You are free to edit these templates, or to create others.
• Program Features. This is where the programmer enters information about the program—for example, where on the screen each field should be placed for a file maintenance program.
• Code Generator Engine. The generator engine takes information from the other three system components and generates the source code that meets those requirements.

Flexibility and Control

Here are some of the features built into Tincup® Code Generator to increase your control:

• The real "smarts" of the system are in the template files, where you can get to them. Many 4GLs and code generators bury their logic in the generator engine.
• Program Features may be readily changed and the program regenerated as many times as necessary. There is no need to re-enter any program features.
• Template files are text files (like source code). You do not need to "build" or "dump" indexed files for the generator's convenience. Treat them like any other source files.
• You define where you want source files to be stored on your system.
• Files and programs are organized by system (application package) for added control over components of a system.
• Constructs for user code and user options.
• Code Generator has flexibility built into its own design. This increases the likelihood that we can add features that you will want in the future.
• If for any reason we do not move fast enough for you, you have the flexibility to license source code and expand the product to meet your needs.
• Because of its template-driven design, it is capable of generating code for any flavor of COBOL, and possibly even for other languages.
• Runs on a wide variety of hardware platforms and operating systems.

Where to Use Tincup® Code Generator

• Rapid Development Prototyping
• Development of Packaged Systems
• Adding new programs to existing modules
• "Quick & dirty" one-time jobs

The Tincup® Environment

Flexibility to do things your way is only part of the Tincup® story. We also hope you will want to use the Tincup® environment. It is our way of doing things. Unless you are committed to another environment, it is a good place to start.

• Security, Menu, and Help system. See the "System Manager" brochure for details on these features.
• Standard Libraries include copy files for primary & secondary file maintenance, date & time routines, lookup programs, selection boxes, inquiry programs, print routines, linking programs together, and many others.

System Requirements

A minimum software configuration includes the Tincup® System Manager and Code Generator, an appropriate AcuCOBOL runtime, a COBOL compiler, and a text editor. You may also be interested in the Tincup® accounting and business information software products.