Active4D Cost-effectiveness

So you want to build a web site. How much will it cost? How much time will it take?

Let’s estimate the relative time cost of implementing a web site with 30 pages, all with dynamic content, of which 15 are lists and 15 are entry forms, using 4D’s built in tag system and Active4D’s embedded scripting engine.

Task 4D Tags Active4D
Read and truly understand the HTTP specification in detail 20-30 hrs Included
Build complete HTTP server which correctly parses and generates message headers 50-100 hrs Included
Implement parsing of form variables and query parameters and create a system for easy access within your web pages 30-50 hrs Included
Implement automatic, world-class session support with support for storing arrays, caching in memory or database 50-100 hrs Included
Implement parsing of multi-part forms, including uploaded files 20-40 hrs Included
Implement text file based configuration of every aspect of system, automatically updated when config file is modified

20-40 hrs

Included
Add virtual host support to HTTP server, hot-configurable from a simple text file 30-50 hrs Included
Add security realm support to HTTP server and scripting system, hot-configurable from a simple text file 20-40 hrs Included
Create a system for automatic character set conversion on input and output 10-30 hrs Included
Make a session monitor for dynamically monitoring all current sessions and their memory usage 10-20 hrs Included
Write over 200 utility methods to facilitate web data access, string handling, path manipulation and much more 150-250 hrs Included
Extend the 4D language with many of the most asked for enhancements Can’t be done Included
Allow fully dynamic scriptability within the web page Can’t be done Included
Total hours to implementation 410-750 hrs 0
Total cost of implementation @ $100/hr $41,000-$75,000 $270

We’re not done yet! Please continue