DEVELOPMENT SYSTEM WITH METHODS FOR VISUAL INHERITANCE AND IMPROVED OBJECT REUSABILITY

Relational database management system (RDBMS) with an object-based, interactive visual-programming language provides programming by "visual inheritance." A user places screen objects (e.g., boxes, screen buttons, table objects, and the like) on an on-screen window or "form," visually attaches selected "properties" and "methods" to the screen objects, and then establishes an containership-based event model that dictates how and when these properties and methods will be invoked. An object inherits or derives properties and methods from other (parent) objects via its visual containership. The creation and maintenance of application programs is greatly simplified.