“4GL” stands for Fourth-Generation Language.

It refers to a type of high-level programming language designed to be easier and more efficient than earlier languages (like 3GL such as C or Pascal).

Key idea:

• You describe what you want, not step-by-step how to do it.

Examples and uses:

• SQL (database queries)
• Report generators
• Application development tools with minimal coding

In short, 4GL = programming languages that are more abstract and closer to human language, mainly used for databases and rapid development.