This document covers the following topics:
When you invoke Natural, the main menu is displayed:
2008-03-10 NATURAL Library: SYSTEM
15:12:57 V 6.3.4 Software AG 2008 Mode : REPORT
User: SAG Work Area : empty
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
¦Library Direct Services OS Fin ¦
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Select Library |
The top left-hand corner of the main menu displays the following information:
The current date and time.
The current user ID. By default, this is your OpenVMS user ID.
The top right-hand corner of the main menu displays the following information:
The name of the current library. See also Using Natural Libraries.
A minus (-) character after the library name indicates that in this
library the line numbers are suppressed in the source code which is saved in
the file system. The line number suppression state can be changed using the
FTOUCH utility.
The current programming mode (reporting mode or structured mode). See also Programming Modes below.
The name of the programming object currently in the editor work area. This work area is where Natural places a programming object which is to be edited. The string "empty" indicates that there is no object in the work area.
For information on the menus provided in the main menu, see Overview of Menus below.
Natural supports two programming modes:
Structured Mode
Structured mode is intended for complex applications with a clear and
well-defined program structure. It is recommended to use structured mode
exclusively.
Reporting Mode
Reporting mode is useful only for the creation of ad hoc reports and
small programs which do not involve complex data and/or programming
constructs.
For more information on the differences between reporting and structured mode, see Natural Programming Modes in the Programming Guide.
To switch to another mode
Select the menu and press ENTER.
In the resulting Direct Command window enter the system
command GLOBALS as
described below and press ENTER.
To switch from reporting mode to structured mode:
GLOBALS SM=ON
To switch from structured mode to reporting mode:
GLOBALS SM=OFF
The following menus are available from the main menu:
If you choose this menu, you can create a new Natural library or log on to an existing Natural library. For detailed information, see Using Natural Libraries.
If you choose this menu, the Direct Command window
is displayed in which you enter the name of the system command or program you
wish to be executed (provided the program is in your current library, the
steplib or the library SYSTEM). See also
Commonly Used System
Commands.
Natural system commands are used, for example, to:
find, access, manipulate, check, and compile objects in a Natural library;
start, end, and display information about a Natural session;
access Natural utilities.
Notes:
MORE prompt. In this case, the program that is being executed will
be stopped and the system command will be executed.
If you choose this menu, a window appears and you can choose one of the following commands:
| Command | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Data Definition Modules (DDMs) can be created/edited, and various other DDM maintenance functions can be performed. For detailed information, see DDM Services in the Editors documentation. | |
| Various library-related functions can be performed. For detailed information, see SYSMAIN Utility in the Tools and Utilities documentation. |
If you choose this menu, a window appears and you can choose the following command:
| Command | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Creates a subprocess and invokes the DCL prompt. You can then enter an OpenVMS system command or program name. |
To return to the current Natural session, enter the command
logout at the DCL
prompt.
Note:
If you are not able to create a subprocess, shell access has
been disallowed in the Configuration
Utility (profile parameter SHELL); in this
case, contact your Natural administrator.
If you choose this menu, you are asked whether you want to exit from Natural.