Reasons Why Programmers May Not Like This Software

Reason 1

It is not using using SQL or relational database. Virtually all applications today use relational databases. Relational database management systems act as traffic controllers where multiple users access files at the same time. Many of the file-handling logic that were painstakingly coded by programmers many years ago are now automatically handled by databases. 

This is not an issue with GenRe because... although it has multi-user capability, GenRe is a single-user application. Microsoft Excel and Word do not use relational databases. 

As to the file-handling logic, it is already part of the generic code that users never have to worry about. When they create the screens, the files are automatically created.

It is ironic that many years ago IBM had a little software called SQL which was designed to be used by non-technical people so they could create reports without having to worry about the technical complexities of the then prevailing hierarchical databases. Over the years, SQL evolved into a database management system for use by technical experts only.

Reason 2

GenRe uses flat files and handles up to 20,000 records per file only.

True, GenRe is not designed for large databases. However, it will handle say accounts receivable consisting of 20,000 customers and 20,000 invoices every year. This volume is more than enough for professionals, micro and small business.

In spite of the maximum 20,000 records per file, GenRe, using a data-aggregation method,  is capable of creating reports out of databases that hold millions of records..

Flat files are the simplest form of file structure. Data corruption can be resolved by users themselves. On the other hand, corruption on relational, hierarchical and multi-dimensional databases would normally require technical assistance.

Reason 3

Computer programming is a meticulous step-by-step activity. Need to cross the T's and dot the I's before proceeding to next steps. These include program design, file design, coding, compiling, testing and debugging.  A minor change in file structure almost always requires changes to program logic and the need to re-test and debug the whole program and convert the file. Non-technical users could not possibly carry out these tasks.

GenRe does not require computer programming as we know it. Most program components are already in place and fully operational. The sample screens link illustrates how easy it is to create programs and reports.

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