Programming languages

EGL: Enterprise Language Simplified

EGL: A Comprehensive Overview of the Enterprise Generation Language

Introduction to EGL

The Enterprise Generation Language (EGL) is a modern, multi-platform programming language developed by IBM, designed to simplify the development of enterprise applications. Initially created to address the specific needs of businesses running on IBM’s mainframe systems, EGL has evolved into a versatile language suitable for a wide range of environments. Today, it is available as an open-source project under the Eclipse Public License (EPL) through the EDT (EGL Development Tools) initiative, which makes it accessible to developers outside IBM’s ecosystem. This article explores EGL’s origins, its features, and how it plays a crucial role in streamlining the development of enterprise-grade applications across various platforms.

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The Origins of EGL

EGL was first introduced by IBM in 2008 as part of its broader initiative to bridge the gap between modern, web-based technologies and legacy enterprise systems. The language was designed to make it easier for developers to create business applications that could run across multiple environments, including mainframes, servers, and web browsers. At its core, EGL aimed to offer a higher-level programming model than traditional languages like Java or COBOL, making it easier for developers to write complex business logic without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.

The language’s roots in IBM’s vast experience with enterprise computing are evident. IBM’s mainframe platforms, such as IBM System z and IBM System i, were integral to EGL’s initial development. These systems had long supported business-critical applications, but with the increasing demand for web and mobile applications, there was a growing need for a language that could simplify the process of writing applications that could run in diverse environments.

Key Features of EGL

EGL’s primary value proposition is its ability to support cross-platform application development. Unlike many programming languages that are confined to a specific runtime environment or platform, EGL allows developers to write code that can be deployed on a variety of systems, from Java Virtual Machine (JVM) platforms to traditional mainframes. Below are some of the defining features of EGL:

  1. Multi-platform Support: EGL can generate executable code for various environments, including:

    • Java-based platforms: such as WebSphere Application Server and Apache Tomcat
    • IBM System z: with CICS Transaction Server, IMS, and z/OS Batch
    • IBM System i: supporting platforms like IBM i5/OS and WebSphere Application Server
    • Web browsers: supporting Ajax and JavaScript for rich web applications

  2. Unified Programming Model: EGL offers a high-level abstraction that shields developers from the intricacies of different middleware, operating systems, and hardware platforms. This allows developers to focus on building business logic without worrying about the underlying technical complexities.

  3. Statically Typed with UML-like Stereotypes: EGL combines the benefits of statically typed languages like Java and COBOL with the ability to use stereotypes (borrowed from Unified Modeling Language or UML) to define business processes more intuitively. This combination makes EGL accessible to developers familiar with other statically typed languages while offering richer modeling capabilities for complex business scenarios.

  4. Support for Common Business Logic: Developers can write EGL code that models business processes and workflows in a natural way. EGL abstracts away the complexity of interacting with different systems and allows the code to focus on the business domain.

  5. Code Generation: Once written and tested, EGL applications can be compiled into multiple target languages, including COBOL, Java, and JavaScript. This flexibility in code generation ensures that applications written in EGL can be deployed in various runtime environments without major rewrites.

  6. Integration with Legacy Systems: EGL’s design is particularly beneficial for enterprises with significant investments in legacy systems. EGL provides seamless integration with older systems like COBOL-based applications running on mainframes, while also facilitating the development of new applications that target modern web-based environments.

  7. Open Source: Under the Eclipse Public License (EPL), EGL is available as an open-source project. This encourages contributions from a global community of developers and ensures that the language continues to evolve in line with contemporary software development needs.

How EGL Works

EGL applications are typically written at a high level of abstraction, which simplifies the process of developing complex enterprise applications. The process of creating an EGL-based application generally follows these steps:

  1. Writing EGL Code: Developers use EGL to write code that defines the logic of the application. This includes defining variables, data structures, and business processes in a manner that is intuitive to those familiar with other statically typed languages.

  2. Testing and Debugging: EGL provides a robust development environment with features that help developers test and debug their applications before deployment. These features allow for efficient debugging at the source code level, ensuring that the logic behaves as expected.

  3. Compiling to Target Code: Once the application has been developed and tested, the EGL code is compiled into target code. The EGL compiler generates code in languages like COBOL, Java, or JavaScript, depending on the deployment target. This generated code is then ready to be executed in its respective environment, whether it’s a mainframe, a JVM-based server, or a web browser.

  4. Deployment: The compiled code is deployed to the appropriate platform. EGL’s support for multiple platforms ensures that the same business logic can run on various systems, making it an ideal choice for businesses that need to operate across heterogeneous environments.

EGL in Modern Enterprise Application Development

The advent of multi-platform and hybrid cloud environments has presented new challenges for enterprise application developers. Businesses today require applications that are capable of running across multiple platforms without being tightly coupled to a single vendor or runtime environment. EGL addresses this need by enabling developers to write code once and deploy it across a wide range of systems.

For instance, an organization running critical applications on IBM mainframes can use EGL to extend the functionality of these legacy systems to modern cloud-based or web-based platforms. Similarly, companies that have adopted cloud-native architectures can use EGL to generate code that runs seamlessly in Java-based environments, integrating both old and new components in a single application.

EGL’s ability to bridge the gap between legacy systems and modern application frameworks is a key factor in its continued relevance. By allowing developers to maintain and extend legacy applications while also building new cloud-native applications, EGL ensures that businesses can maximize the value of their existing investments while embracing the future of enterprise computing.

Comparison with Other Languages

When comparing EGL to other programming languages, it’s important to understand the context in which EGL was developed. The language was specifically designed to address the needs of enterprise developers, many of whom were working with legacy systems but needed modern application frameworks. Thus, EGL is not a direct competitor to languages like Python, Ruby, or C++, but rather complements them by providing a specialized solution for enterprise application development.

  1. EGL vs. Java: While Java is a popular choice for cross-platform development, EGL offers an abstraction layer that simplifies the development process. Java developers often need to deal with complex system-specific details when interacting with middleware, databases, and other services. EGL abstracts these details, allowing developers to focus more on business logic.

  2. EGL vs. COBOL: COBOL is still heavily used in legacy systems, especially in mainframes. However, COBOL lacks the flexibility and modern features needed for web and cloud development. EGL enables businesses to extend their COBOL applications by generating code that runs on newer platforms, providing a path forward for COBOL developers.

  3. EGL vs. JavaScript: JavaScript is the backbone of web development, but it lacks the features needed for complex enterprise applications. EGL, with its ability to generate JavaScript code, provides a way to create sophisticated enterprise applications that can be deployed in a web browser. Additionally, EGL’s strong typing and business-focused abstractions make it more suitable for enterprise-grade development than JavaScript alone.

Use Cases for EGL

EGL has a wide range of applications, particularly in the enterprise sector. Some common use cases for EGL include:

  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): Businesses can use EGL to develop ERP systems that need to operate across multiple platforms and integrate with legacy systems.
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM): EGL’s cross-platform capabilities make it an excellent choice for CRM applications that need to interact with various systems and provide a unified user experience.
  • Business Process Management (BPM): EGL can model complex business processes, making it ideal for creating BPM systems that need to integrate with various backend systems.
  • Legacy System Modernization: EGL is particularly useful for organizations looking to modernize legacy applications without fully rewriting them. EGL allows businesses to retain the core functionality of their legacy systems while extending their capabilities to newer platforms.

The Future of EGL

As an open-source project, EGL is poised to continue evolving. The language’s ability to target multiple platforms and integrate with both legacy and modern systems makes it a valuable tool for businesses looking to stay competitive in a rapidly changing technological landscape. With its active community and the backing of IBM, EGL is likely to remain a key player in enterprise application development for years to come.

Conclusion

The Enterprise Generation Language (EGL) represents a significant innovation in the world of enterprise application development. By offering a high-level, multi-platform programming model, EGL simplifies the development process while maintaining the flexibility needed to work with a variety of environments and legacy systems. As businesses continue to seek solutions that can bridge the gap between old and new technologies, EGL will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of enterprise software development.

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