A Natural system file stores Natural objects that belong to either user-defined applications or Natural system applications (for example, utilities) supplied by Software AG.
Natural objects stored in a system file include cataloged objects and source objects as described in Natural Compiler in the section Natural Nucleus. Natural system files are stored in database file or storage systems such as Adabas and VSAM. Depending on the system environment, Natural system files can reside in different database file or storage systems.
A Natural system file is accessed when a user reads or modifies a Natural object. In addition, a system file is accessed when an object is loaded into the buffer pool for subsequent execution (see the section Natural Buffer Pool).
This section contains information on:
The table below lists and describes the Natural system files that are usually available in a Natural environment. The availability of the systems files and the data contained in the files depends on the Software AG products installed in addition to base Natural.
| System File | Availability with | File Contents |
|---|---|---|
| FNAT | Base Natural | All objects required for Natural system applications. |
| FUSER | Base Natural | User-specific objects required for user-defined applications. |
| FDIC | Base Natural | Natural Data Definition Modules (DDMs).
If Predict is installed, FDIC also contains data for the Predict dictionary system. If the Natural Development Server is installed, FDIC also contains application data and holds object locking information. |
| FSEC | Natural Security | Control information required for security definitions. |
| FSPOOL | Natural Advanced Facilities | Control and spooling information required to output a report on a screen or printer and obtain print statistics. |
| Scratch-pad file | Base Natural | Data that is not stored explicitily as a Natural object in another system file. |
Natural objects contained in the Natural system files FNAT and FUSER are grouped into logical constructs called libraries as illustrated in the diagram below:
Cataloged Object and Source Object - Natural Compiler, Natural Nucleus
Natural Security documentation
Natural Advanced Facilities documentation
Natural Data Definition Modules - DBMS Interface - Database Access
Predict documentation
Natural Development Server documentation
