Version 4.2.6 for Mainframes (Update)
 —  Editors  —

Summary of Map Creation

This section summarizes four major steps involved in map creation.


Step 1 - Defining a Map Profile

You define a map profile (that is, the field delimiters, format settings, context settings and filler characters to be used) by selecting the required settings from a menu.

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Step 2 - Defining a Map

You define a map before or after you make the corresponding data definitions in the Natural object(s) that reference the map, such as a program or data area. The two methods of defining a map are described below:

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Step 3 - Defining Map Fields

Map fields can be created by either typing the field definitions directly in the map editing area or by selecting data definitions from another Natural object as explained in Selecting Data Definitions.

The map editor provides the following functions to define fields:

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Step 4 - Saving a Map Definition

Once a map has been defined as described in the previous steps, it can be saved as a source object and/or cataloged object in the current library and Natural system file. Once saved as a source object, the map can be read and modified during a subsequent map editor session. Once saved as a cataloged object, the map can be invoked from a Natural program.

Note:
The map editor uses the Auto Save Numbers function of the program and data area editors described in Editors - General Information.

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