Re: Efficacy of code generators

["Nathan M. Andelin" <nandelin@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

From: "Jim Franz" <franz400@triad.rr.com>
> You speak as if common interface patterns is a "bad" thing.
> Easier to train users, easier for new programmers,
> easy/cheaper TCO (total cost of ownership)...

Good point.  Patterns are a good thing.  The question is when to use a code
generator, when to use a utility, and when to write your own program?

A pattern, when implemented as a utility, may be better than generating new
code.  For example, the IBM middleware that generates the 5250 stream is a
utility.  It transforms predefined structures directly into the user
interface stream.  In contrast, Webfacing uses the same structures to
generate new code (Servlets, JSPs, and Java Beans), which in turn generate
the user interface stream.  No additional function (as far as I can tell),
just a lot more code to manage, maintain, and run.

Code generators have a place.  However, my opinion is that they are often
promoted and used for purposes that would be better handled by utilities
and/or custom written code.

Nathan M. Andelin
www.relational-data.com