dzhang@redondo.usc.edu (01/19/90)
In Informix-4GL I wrote an application program for a small library. The top level menu looks like this: Search Report Update Exit I want to be able to control who can execute what commands. For example, while every user should be allowed to search, only people in charge of the library should be allowed to update (new books, borrow, return, etc). I went through Informix-4GL manuals and didn't find anything about this kind of access control. So it seems that it can't be done in Informix-4GL. Any language can do this readily? Why not? What's needed? We need a facility to specify who can run what commands. As for how it looks to a user, either he can see only those commands allowed, or he can see all commands but when he chooses a command he's not supposed to run he's denied and shown a message (or he's asked for a password?). I think it's important for developers to be able to have such a language facility, for super users to be able to enforce this kind of "commands level" or "interface level" (my terms) access control, and better yet, for users to to able to change/organize the interface. After all, why the interface is the same for all users at all times? Anything relevant is being done/researched out there? If not, why? Any pointers/comments/suggestion are welcome. -- David