Largest Provider of Commercial Smalltalk
Cincom is one of the largest commercial providers of Smalltalk, with twice as many customers and partners as other commercial providers.
Tom Nies
From the software pioneers of Xerox PARC to the capable engineers of Cincom Systems Inc., Smalltalk has revolutionized the field of modern programming. This influential object-oriented programming language has left a mark on the global tech industry, shaping the way developers write and structure their code.
With its emphasis on simplicity and readability, Smalltalk offers a unique approach to software development. It allows programmers to break down complex problems into manageable components, fostering collaboration and code reuse. This, in turn, increases efficiency and productivity, making Smalltalk a favorite among developers worldwide.
Smalltalk’s impact goes beyond the realm of programming. Its philosophy of “everything is an object” has influenced other programming languages through the years, shaping their syntax and principles. Smalltalk has also paved the way for modern development tools and frameworks, empowering developers to create robust and scalable applications.
Let’s look at what happened to Smalltalk.
The original developers of Smalltalk played a crucial role in its development and often spoke of the idea of “modeling” during the object-oriented language’s infancy. While early Smalltalk pioneers used the concept of mapping to create objects and interfaces, later tool builders used the concept of mapping to map objects to persistent storage.
It wasn’t until the early 90s that the current Modeling and Mapping tools in Cincom ObjectStudio made its debut. In 1992, Enfin Software rolled out a product known as ENFIN/2, designed for OS/2 and Windows. It garnered attention in its era for its superior graphical user interface (GUI) and robust support for crafting business applications. This included database connectivity, a feature that positioned it ahead of its competitors because all major RDBMS systems were supported, along with some IBM mainframe database systems and protocols like EHLLAPI and APPC.
Easel Corporation took over the product later in 1992, investing heavily in its development and promotion. One of Easel’s significant feats was persuading IBM to embrace Enfin Smalltalk as the endorsed solution, largely due to it being a native 32-bit OS/2 solution. After enhancing the product with object modelling and relational mapping capabilities, Easel renamed it to ObjectStudio.
Next-Generation User Interface (NG UI) Cincom ObjectStudio’s Next Generation User Interface (NG UI) propels application development into the future. It leverages the latest Windows native widgets, eliminating the need for primitives and fully utilizing Smalltalk with FFI (DLLCC) to access the Windows API. This integration supports a wide range of image formats and grants access to advanced GDI+ features, including gradient brushes and alpha blending. The NG UI also introduces a revamped Launcher, providing centralized access to essential tools and resources, enhancing productivity and streamlining the development process.
The Essence of Modeling and Mapping Tools At the heart of ObjectStudio are its Modeling and Mapping Tools, designed to bridge the gap between developers and their clients. These tools offer a visual representation of the application, from front-end to back-end, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned before significant resources are invested. The Modeling and Mapping Tools not only facilitate rapid application development but also provide a platform for demonstrating potential enhancements or validating the feasibility of a project. This clarity is invaluable for business owners, enabling informed decision-making and strategic planning.
Object Modeling: A Visual Approach to Complexity The ObjectStudio modeling tool is a powerhouse for designing intricate business objects. It presents a user-friendly interface for object manipulation, supporting case analysis, event diagramming, CRC cards, and UML notations. This tool accelerates the transition from design to deployment, allowing for graphical arrangement of class hierarchies and object relationships. Changes to the model automatically generate the corresponding code, simplifying maintenance and updates.
Object Mapping: Streamlining Database Integration The ObjectStudio mapping tool simplifies the connection between objects and databases through visual, drag-and-drop functionality. Its Object Relational Mapper eliminates the need for SQL coding, automating database interactions. This focus on objects over database specifics frees developers to concentrate on application logic, enhancing efficiency and productivity.
Round-Trip Engineering: Adapting to Change ObjectStudio’s round-trip engineering ensures that any modifications to the business object model are reflected in the code and vice versa. This continuous synchronization provides developers with an up-to-date business model, facilitating a deeper understanding of complex applications. It empowers business analysts, training personnel, and IT staff to engage more effectively with the enterprise software, reducing the learning curve and accelerating productivity.
Interested in exploring the capabilities of the Modeling and Mapping Tools? Here are some examples, demonstrations and tutorials: