第四代编程语言（4GL），基本上是传统软件工程界为了「范式开发」（prototyping）而设计出来的语言，同时具有进程性与非进程性（就是宣告性）的特性，用来快速开发连接数据库的编程语言。如今天的PowerBuilder、SQLWindows等等。

A fourth-generation programming language (4GL) is a computer programming language envisioned as a refinement of the style of languages classified as third-generation programming language (3GL). Each of the programming language generations aims to provide a higher level of abstraction of the internal computer hardware details, making the language more programmer-friendly, powerful and versatile. While the definition of 4GL has changed over time, it can be typified by operating more with large collections of information at once rather than focusing on just bits and bytes. Languages claimed to be 4GL may include support for database management, report generation, mathematical optimization, GUI development, or web development. Fourth-generation languages have often been compared to domain-specific languages (DSLs). Some researchers state that 4GLs are a subset of DSLs.