Adabas Vista provides a file translation feature that can be used to change file numbers dynamically within Adabas applications at runtime. The file numbers are translated based on the translation rules defined in Adabas Vista.
Many organisations have a requirement that an application can use either test or production data without requiring that the application itself be modified. The ability to do so reduces the risk involved in modifying applications immediately prior to their being placed into production mode.
For example, a Natural program is compiled in a test environment using a test DDM to access file 25 in database 10. After testing has been completed, the program is to be placed into production using file 67 in database 41. By providing this information to Adabas Vista using translation rules, the switch to production mode can be made without any application modification.
Translation rules are extended further by the use of Profile IDs and Target Categories. Profile IDs allow sets of rules to be grouped together. Target Categories allow rules for the same source file to be translated to different target files.
Profile IDs are typically used to group rules on the basis of business area or employee role. Target Categories are often used to switch between different versions of data as an application progresses from development into production.