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A programming language is a machine-readable artificial language designed to express computations that can be performed by a machine, particularly a computer. Programming languages can be used to create programs that specify the behavior of a machine, to express algorithms precisely, or as a mode of human communication.
Many programming languages have some form of written specification of their syntax and semantics, since computers require precisely defined instructions. Some are defined by a specification document (for example, an ISO Standard), while others have a dominant implementation. Thousands of different programming languages have been created, mainly in the computer field [1], where many more are being created every year.
A few popular programming languages are listed below:
- ASP.NET
- BASIC (Beginners All-Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code)
- C, C++, C# (Pronounced as C-Sharp)
- COBOL
- dBASE
- Eiffel
- Fortran
- FoxPro
- HTML
- Java, Jave Script, JSP, J2EE, J2ME
- Pascal
- PERL
- PHP
- Python
- PL/SQL
- ProvideX
- REXX
- Visual Basic, Visual Basic.NET
- VBScript
Object-oriented programming (OOP) is a programming paradigm that uses "objects" and their interactions to design applications and computer programs. Programming techniques may include features such as encapsulation, modularity, polymorphism, and inheritance. It was not commonly used in mainstream software application development until the early 1990s. Many modern programming languages now support OOP.
OOP may be seen as a collection of cooperating objects, as opposed to the more conventional model, in which a program is seen as a list of tasks (subroutines) to perform. In OOP, each object is capable of receiving messages, processing data, and sending messages to other objects.
In recent years, object-oriented programming has become especially popular in scripting programming languages. Python and Ruby are scripting languages built on OOP principles, while Perl and PHP have been adding object oriented features since Perl 5 and PHP 3, and ColdFusion since version 6.
List of some popular languages which support Object Oriented Programming concept:
- ABAP
- ActionScript
- C++, C# (Pronounced as C-Sharp)
- COBOL
- Cobra
- Cold Fusion
- Fortran2003
- Java
- JavaScript, JScript
- Object REXX
- PHP
- Python
- VB.NET
- VBScript
- VBA
- Visual FoxPro
A database is a structured collection of records or data that is stored in a computer system. The structure is achieved by organizing the data according to a database model. The model in most common use today is the relational model. Other models such as the hierarchical model and the network model use a more explicit representation of relationships.
A database model or database schema is the structure or format of a database, described in a formal language supported by the database management system. Schemas are generally stored in a data dictionary. Although a schema is defined in text database language, the term is often used to refer to a graphical depiction of the database structure.
Following is a list of some of the different database management systems in use:
- RDBMS – Relational Database Management System
- HDBMS – Hierarchical Database Management System
- IDBMS – Integrated Database Management System
- OODBMS – Object Oriented Database Management System
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is an enterprise-wide information system designed to coordinate all the resources, information, activities needed to complete business processes such as order fulfillment or billing.
The initials ERP originated as an extension of MRP (material requirements planning; later manufacturing resource planning) and CIM (Computer Integrated Manufacturing). It was introduced by research and analysis firm Gartner in 1990. ERP systems now attempt to cover all basic functions of an enterprise, regardless of the organization's business or charter. Non-manufacturing businesses, non-profit organizations and governments now all use ERP systems.
To be considered an ERP system, a software package must provide the function of at least two systems. For example, a software package that provides both payroll and accounting functions could technically be considered an ERP software package
An ERP system supports most of the business system that maintains - in a single database - the data needed for a variety of business functions such as manufacturing, supply chain management, financials, projects, human resources and customer relationship management.
An ERP system is based on a common database and a modular software design. The common database can allow every department of a business to store and retrieve information in real-time. The information should be reliable, accessible, and easily shared. The modular software design should mean a business can select the modules they need, mix and match modules from different vendors, and add new modules of their own to improve business performance. Ideally, the data for the various business functions are integrated. In practice the ERP system may comprise a set of discrete applications, each maintaining a discrete data store within one physical database.
Following is the list of popular ERP software packages:
- Oracle E-Business Suite
- Microsoft Dynamics (Navision, Axapta, Solomon & Great Plains)
- SAP R/3
- SAP Business One
- JD Edwards Enterprise One
- Lawson Software
- Baan
Customer relationship management (CRM) consists of the processes a company uses to track and organize its contacts with its current and prospective customers. CRM software is used to support these processes; the software system can be accessed, and information about customers and customer interactions can be entered, stored and accessed by employees in different company departments. Typical CRM goals are to improve services provided to customers, and to use customer contact information for targeted marketing.
While the term CRM generally refers to a software-based approach to handling customer relationships, most CRM software vendors stress that a successful CRM effort requires a holistic approach. CRM initiatives often fail because implementation was limited to software installation, without providing the context, support and understanding for employees to learn, and take full advantage of the information systems.
List of popular CRM Vendors:
- Siebel (Oracle) – Siebel CRM
- SAP – mySAP CRM
- Oracle CRM
- Peoplesoft (Oracle) – Peoplesoft CRM
Supply chain management (SCM) is the management of a network of interconnected businesses involved in the ultimate provision of product and service packages required by end customers (Harland, 1996). Supply Chain Management spans all movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods from point-of-origin to point-of-consumption.
Supply Chain Management Software (SCMS) is a business term which refers to a range of software tools or modules used in executing supply chain transactions, managing supplier relationships and controlling associated business processes.
While functionality in such systems can often be broad – it commonly includes:
- Customer requirement processing
- Purchase order processing
- Inventory management
- Goods receipt and Warehouse management
- Supplier Management/Sourcing
A requirement of many SCMS often includes forecasting. Such tools often attempt to balance the disparity between supply and demand by improving business processes and using algorithms and consumption analysis to better plan future needs. SCMS also often includes integration technology that allows organizations to trade electronically with supply chain partners.
A Human Resource Management System (HRMS) or also called HR modules, refers to the systems and processes at the intersection between human resource management (HRM) and information technology. It merges HRM as a discipline and in particular its basic HR activities and processes with the information technology field, whereas the programming of data processing systems evolved into standardized routines and packages of enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
On the whole, these ERP systems have their origin on software that integrates information from different applications into one universal database. The linkage of its financial and human resource modules through one database is the most important distinction to the individually and proprietary developed predecessors, which makes this software application both rigid and flexible.
Currently Human Resource Management Systems encompass:
- Payrolls
- Work Time
- Benefits Administration
- HR management Information system
- Recruiting
- Training/ Learning Management System LMS
- Performance Record
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