With Natural for DL/I, a Natural user can access and update data stored in a DL/I database. The Natural user can be executing in batch mode or under the control of the TP monitor CICS or IMS TM.
A DL/I database is represented to Natural as a set of files, each file
representing one database segment type. Each file or segment type must have an
associated DDM generated and stored on the Natural system file
FDIC
.
Since Natural for DL/I is an extension to Natural, nearly all of the information contained in the Natural documentation applies to its use in the DL/I environment as well as in the Adabas environment.
The Natural statements used to access DL/I databases are a subset of those provided with the Natural language. No new statements are needed to access a DL/I database.
Applications developed using Natural for DL/I operate as standard DL/I
applications. This means that all access to DL/I databases performed by Natural
follows the DL/I product conventions. For an online Natural session or batch
Natural program to issue a DL/I database call, a PSB must first be scheduled.
The PCB in use must have segment sensitivity and the appropriate
PROCOPT
parameter must be specified for Natural, to be
able to perform a segment update. Only standard DL/I database calls are issued
by Natural.