Version 5.3.1
 —  Natural Construct Administration and Modeling  —

Appendix A: Glossary of Terms

The following terms are used throughout this documentation:

Term Definition
Browse program Program that retrieves records from a specified file and allows users to select a record for processing. Sometimes referred to as a query program.
Browse a file View the records in a specified file.
Code frame Block of code that performs a specified function. A code frame is the basic element of a model; it is a skeleton outline of the code generated by the model.
Constant Value that is always the same.
Copycode Static code that is provided to copy and use in INCLUDE statements.
Cursor-sensitive or Cursor sensitivity Ability to move the cursor to an item on the screen and press Enter to select the item. If you are using a PC connection to access Natural Construct, you can double-click with the mouse to select.
Data area Natural module in which data is stored. For example, a parameter data area (PDA) stores parameters that are passed between subprograms, and a global data area (GDA) stores data that is used by all programs within an application.
Enter Type a value in a field and press Enter (or Return).
Execute Start or display a program, menu, panel, editor, utility, etc. Also referred to as “invoke”.
Field Area in a window or on a panel that either displays information or requires the user to specify information (for example, type or select information).
Function Menu option, for example, the Maintain Models function on the Administration main menu.
Helproutine Natural module that displays a help panel.
Invoke See Execute.
Mark a field Type any non-blank character in the field.

Note:
You may also be required to press the Enter key.

Model Natural Construct template used to record specifications and generate source code into a Natural buffer.
Module Any object that is generated by Natural Construct or created in Natural.
Object Any entity that represents a business function and is used by Natural Construct.
Optional field Field for which information is optional rather than required.
Panel Screen or map on which parameters may be specified.
Parameter Value for a field.
PF-key Program function key. To perform the associated function, press that key. For example, pressing PF1 (help) displays help information.
Program Block of code that performs a function, such as a subprogram, subroutine, helproutine, etc. Also referred to as a module.
Query program See Browse program.
Required field Field for which input is required.
Return code Code entered on a menu to return to the previous panel. The return code on Natural Construct menus is a period (.)
Scroll Move forward (down), backward (up), left, or right through the information displayed on a panel or in a window.
Specify Supply a value for an input field (for example, by typing a value in the field and pressing the Enter key or by marking the field).
Subprogram Self-contained block of code that is called via parameters by a program to perform a function.
Subroutine Block of code (within a larger block of code) that is referenced one or more times. A subroutine is typically used to perform repetitive tasks or to isolate a specific task.
Substitution parameters Parameters that have the same format and different values at generation time.
Terminate End your Natural Construct session.
User exit Area in the program code that is reserved for user-defined functions. In these areas, users can change the functionality of the generated functions to suit their own requirements. User exit code is preserved when the program is regenerated.
Utility Supplied program that performs a specific function (for example, the model load utility).
Variable Value that represents one of many possible values. The actual value can be supplied by Natural when the program is executed or supplied by other variables (either user-supplied or derived).
Window Separate, self-contained area displayed on a panel (for example, a help window).

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