fourthgeneration

Fourth generation is a term used to describe a stage in various technological evolutions. In computing, telecommunications, and software, it denotes a shift characterized by greater abstraction, higher-level tools, and broader adoption. The exact meaning depends on context; commonly it refers to the fourth generation of computers, the fourth generation of mobile networks (4G), or fourth-generation programming languages (4GL).

In computing, the fourth generation of computers refers to microprocessor-based systems developed from the 1970s into the 1990s. Central features include the use of integrated circuits and microprocessors, the rise of personal computers and workstations, and software ecosystems enabling productivity, graphical interfaces, and networking. This generation helped popularize PCs in business and home use and laid groundwork for modern operating systems and software.

Fourth generation networks, known as 4G, are mobile communications standards designed for high-speed data and IP-based services. Deployed from the late 2000s onward, 4G (and its LTE and WiMAX variants) supports mobile broadband, video conferencing, and cloud access with speeds that enable ubiquitous internet access and multimedia applications. 4G superseded 3G and set a foundation for 4.5G and 5G developments.

Fourth-generation programming languages, or 4GLs, are high-level languages aimed at increasing developer productivity for specific tasks such as database querying, reporting, and business analytics. They emphasize non-procedural specifications and domain-specific capabilities, contrasting with traditional programming approaches. SQL is commonly cited as a prototypical 4GL, along with other database and reporting languages.

Overall, the label fourth generation denotes a transition toward higher abstraction, specialized tools, and broader usability across multiple technological domains.