Learning Powerhouse 4GL - Revisited

[Bob Benson]

Sunny:

After reading some of the additional replies to you with the emphasis on
taking the classes I thought I might revisit this subject.  In general, I
think the others are correct in that regard.  My bias against taking the
classes is mainly rooted in the fact that I am deaf.  I also consider
myself a quick study, as I must be to keep up in the ever changing IT world
without the benefit of classes.

So, here is my advice once again with a slight twist on it.  I would not
take a class at the outset.  As I suggested in my first response, since you
have prior programming experience, I would recommend you start by playing
with the language with the manuals at your side.  Build a very small
application at your own pace.  Include PDL, Quiz, QTP and Quick modules in
your exercise.  Once you become familiar with the major aspects of PH then
take a class or series of classes to add to your knowledge and to verify
you are coding in an efficient manner.

Also, don't fall for the mistaken assumption that these classes are going
to turn you into a Powerhouse Whiz.  While these classes may or may not get
you off to a good start, it takes a lot of practice to master PH,
especially Quick, assuming you want to do anything of a substantial nature
with it.

I will reinforce one subject that we all probably touched on and that was
the mentor issue.  In the long run, a good mentor is 10 times more valuable
than a good class.

Once again, good luck with Powerhouse.

Bob Benson

----------
> From: Bob Benson <appysys@inreach.com>
> To: Sunny <umbhulle@cc.UManitoba.CA>; powerh-l@lists.swau.edu
> Subject: Re: Learning Powerhouse 4GL
> Date: Sunday, February 21, 1999 5:06 PM
> 
> Sunny:
> 
> Is PH your first programming language?  If you have been programming for
a
> number of years in another language you can probably pick up the PH
> concepts by playing with the language with the manuals at your side. 
> That's what I did but I already had many years of COBOL and Basic under
my
> belt.  If PH is your first language then definitely take Mr Deskin's
advice
> and enroll in a PH class.  If a class is not an option then make friends
> with someone that knows the stuff and is willing to help you along.
> 
> We Powerhouse programmers find a lot of things we like in Powerhouse but
we
> also sing the PH Blues a good deal of the time.  My personal opinion,
based
> on the 5 PH sites I've worked at over the last 12 years, is that most
> companies do not get deep enough into the many good things you can do
with
> Quick screens.  While it is important to understand that Quick, Quiz and
> QTP each fill an important niche, Quick  is by far the most powerful of
the
> three.  I've found that most sites content themselves with utilizing Quiz
> and QTP but shy away from Quick or highly under utilize it.
> 
> Welcome to the PH club.  I guarantee you will leave it a little crazier. 
> Good luck!
> 
> Bob Benson
> 
> 
> ----------
> From: Sunny <umbhulle@cc.UManitoba.CA>
> To: powerh-l@lists.swau.edu
> Subject: Learning Powerhouse 4GL
> Date: Sunday, February 21, 1999 11:05 AM
> 
> Hello,
>     I am just beginning to learn Powerhouse programming.  I
> was wondering if anyone knew of any good educational
> web sites on the topic, or of any books that could be read
> on the subject?  Since it is a 4th generation language I am
> assuming I should also be looking for a book on general
> fourth generation programming.
> 
> -- Sunny
> 
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