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.
Current/Supported versions
- 4D v17R2, released on 9 Oct 2018
- 4D v17, released on 10 Jul 2018
- 4D v16.4, released on 10 Jan 2017 (fix list)
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).
