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The Natural map editor is used to create and modify a Natural object of type map. A map is a screen layout that can be referenced in a Natural object such as a program by using either an INPUT USING MAP statement (for input maps) or a WRITE USING MAP statement (for output maps).

A map contains text fields and data fields. Text fields are literal strings and data fields are variables. Data fields can be either user-defined variables or Natural system variables.

Once a map has been created, it can be stored as a source object and a cataloged object in a library in a Natural system file.

Note:
The map editor supports fields with Unicode format and Unicode strings. However, when reading the source of a Unicode map into the editing area of a map editor in a local UNIX, OpenVMS or mainframe environment, all Unicode strings will be removed from the source.

The Map Editor documentation covers the following topics:

• Inserting Map Fields and Menus

• Character Encoding of Literal Strings

• Modifying Map Contents

• Defining Fields

• Defining Field Attributes

• Defining Arrays

• Modifying Field Colors and Representation

• Using Field Rules

• Defining Data Areas for Maps

• Testing Maps

• Previewing Maps

• Reversing Maps

• Modifying the Map Profile

• Saving and Cataloging Maps

Related Topics:

• Map Editor Features in Editor Features With SPoD

  Setting the Options and Map Editor Options in the Using Natural Studio documentation

• Shortcut Keys in the Using Natural Studio documentation

Inserting Map Fields and Menus

You can create the following types of fields:

• text constants

• data fields

• menus

• push buttons

• bitmaps

• toggle buttons

• radio buttons

• selection boxes

Text constants and data fields correspond to the fields used in character-oriented Natural platforms (Mainframe Natural, for example). All other field types apply only to applications with graphical user interfaces.

Note:
Map editor field types are not the same as the dialog elements with the same name used in the dialog editor. Whereas the dialog editor's dialog elements are identified by a handle definition in a data area, the map editor's fields are not defined in a data area. Each is therefore addressed differently in Natural code: the map fields are addressed by an INPUT USING MAP statement, whereas the dialog elements are addressed by event-driven programming features.

The procedures in this section for inserting map fields assume the use of a mouse. The keyboard equivalents are provided in Keyboard Equivalents.

To insert a map field

1. From the Insert menu, choose a field type.

   Or:
   Click the toolbar button for the required field type.

2. Move the mouse pointer into the editor.

   The cross-hair pointer is displayed with a symbol for the selected field.

3. Position the mouse pointer at the place in the map where you want to put the field, hold down the left mouse button and drag the mouse to size the field (up, down, right, or left, depending on the type of field).

   A box is displayed to indicate graphically the size of the field you are creating. Its actual length is displayed in the Len field in the editor status line.

4. Release the mouse button.

   The map field appears in the map editor. It is selected and its properties are displayed in the status line.

To create a map menu field using the mouse

• From the Insert menu, choose Menu.

  Or:
  Click the Create Menu toolbar button.

  If no menu has been created yet for the map, a menu bar appears at the top of the map editor with a menu field. The menu field is selected.

  If a menu has already been created for the map, then a menu field is added to the menu bar. The menu field is selected.

For information on manipulating map fields once they have been created, see Modifying Map Contents.

For information on importing variables from other Natural objects, see Importing Fields.

Character Encoding of Literal Strings

If a field contains a literal string (for example, a label) with one or more characters that cannot be retained using the current code page of the map source, a dialog box appears prompting you to encode the characters in UTF-8 (Universal Transformation Format, 8-bit form):

• Choose Yes (default) to encode the characters in UTF-8.

  The characters are encoded in UTF-8 as can be seen when saving or compiling the source or when viewing the Properties dialog box.

  UTF-8 encoding prevents any character from being replaced by a substitution character.

• Choose No if you do not want to use UTF-8 encoding.

  Each character that cannot be retained with the current code page of the map source is replaced by the substitution character specified with the SUBCHAR profile parameter (see the Parameter Reference documentation).

• Choose Cancel to exit the dialog box without any action.

  (Any current command processing is terminated.)

Modifying Map Contents

This section covers the following topics:

• Keyboard Equivalents

• Selecting Fields

• Deselecting Fields

• Copying Fields

• Cutting Fields

• Pasting Fields

• Deleting Fields

• Moving Fields

• Resizing Fields

• Aligning Fields

• Importing Fields

• Importing System Variables

Keyboard Equivalents

Most of the actions described in this section can be performed using the keyboard instead of the mouse. The table below provides key sequences for each action.

Selecting Fields

To select a single field

• Point to the field you want to select and click the left mouse button.

  The field handles appear indicating that the field is selected.

To select more than one field

• Use either of the following methods:

  1. Point to a spot outside the range of fields to be selected.

  2. Drag the mouse across the map, drawing a rubber band box that surrounds the fields.

  3. Release the mouse button and the field handles appear.

  Or:

  1. Select the fields requested by pressing the SHIFT key and the left mouse button together.

  2. To move the fields drag the selected area to where needed, by keeping the left mouse button pressed.

  3. Release the mouse button to place the fields.

Deselecting Fields

To deselect a field

• Move the pointer away from the field you want to deselect and click the left mouse button.

  The field handles disappear.

Copying Fields

Fields can be copied within the same map or between two different maps.

To copy a field

1. Select the field(s) to be copied using the instructions provided in Selecting Fields.

2. From the Edit menu, choose Copy.

   Or:
   Click the Copy toolbar button.

   Or:
   Press CTRL+C.

   The field is copied to the clipboard and can now be pasted within the same map or another map. For instructions on pasting fields, see Pasting Fields.

Cutting Fields

The cut function can be used to delete fields from a map or to move fields within/between maps.

To cut a field

1. Select the field(s) to be cut using the instructions provided in Selecting Fields.

2. From the Edit menu, choose Cut.

   Or:
   Click the Cut toolbar button.

   Or:
   Press CTRL+X.

   The field is cut to the clipboard and can now be pasted within the map or to another map. For instructions on pasting fields, see Pasting Fields.

Pasting Fields

The paste function is used to place a field at a specific position within an editor after it has been copied or cut to the clipboard from another position within the same map or another map. A field, which has been copied or cut to the clipboard, can be pasted repeatedly without recopying it.

To paste a field

1. Copy or cut the field to be pasted as described in Copying Fields or Cutting Fields.

2. If the field is to be pasted in another map, select the map.

3. From the Edit menu, choose Paste.

   Or:
   Click the Paste toolbar button.

   Or:
   Press CTRL+V.

   The field is pasted to the map.

4. To paste the same field again, repeat Steps 2 and 3.

Deleting Fields

When a field is deleted, it is cut from the map but is not placed on the clipboard.

To delete a field or a range of fields

1. Select the field(s) to be deleted using the instructions provided in Selecting Fields.

2. Select the field or range of fields.

3. From the Edit menu, choose Delete.

   Or:
   Click the Delete toolbar button.

   Or:
   Press DEL.

   The field is deleted from the map.

Moving Fields

To move a field or a range of fields to a different location on the map

1. Select the field(s) to be moved using the instructions provided in Selecting Fields.

2. Place the pointer within the field handles and drag the field or range of fields to the new location.

3. Release the mouse button.

Resizing Fields

To resize a field

1. Select the field(s) to be resized using the instructions provided in Selecting Fields.

2. Point to any of the field handles surrounding the field.

   The pointer changes to a double-sided arrow.

3. Drag the mouse until the field(s) reach the required length.

4. Release the mouse button.

Aligning Fields

As an alternative to arranging fields within a map individually using the move function, you can arrange fields more accurately with respect to each other or with respect to the map by using the align function. You can align fields in a map in the following ways:

• Justify selected fields to the left, right, top, or bottom of their field handles.

• Center selected fields vertically or horizontally with respect to each other.

• Center selected fields horizontally with respect to the map editor window.

To align fields

1. Select the field(s) to be aligned using the instructions provided in Selecting Fields.

2. From the Field menu, choose Alignment and, from the cascading menu, one of the entries.

   Or:
   Click one of the alignment toolbar buttons.

   The selected fields are aligned.

Importing Fields

You can import data fields, system variables, toggle buttons, selection boxes, and radio buttons into the active map. Fields can be imported from any object, including DDMs (data definition modules), in any library. Imported fields are placed on the system clipboard. You can paste them into as many map editor windows as required.

To import one or more fields from another object into the map editor window

1. From the Insert menu, choose Import and one of the following types of field: Data Field, Toggle Button, Radio Button, Selection Box or System Variable.

   (For system variables, see Importing System Variables.)

   The Import dialog box appears. The name of the current library is displayed in the Library list box.

2. If the object containing the fields you want to import is located in a different library, open the Library list box and select the library.

   The list contains all libraries that reside in the current FNAT and FUSER system file, which are displayed as nodes in the Natural Studio tree view (the display can be limited by using the Display Filter function of Natural Studio). In addition, the list contains all libraries from inactive system files as specified in the steplib table.

3. From the Type group box, select the type of Natural object from which you want to import fields.

   A list of all Natural objects in the current library of the type you selected appears in the Object list box.

   The list contains all objects, which are displayed in the library nodes of the Natural Studio tree view (the display can be limited by using the Display Filter function of Natural Studio).

4. Select the object that contains the fields you want to import.

   The fields in the selected object appear in the Importable Data list box.

5. Select the fields that you want to import.

6. Choose Import.

7. Choose Quit.

   The dialog box closes and the fields appear in the upper left-hand corner of the map editor window. You can move the fields around within the map.

   Note:
   If you import a multiple-value field or a periodic group from a view definition in a local or a global data area, the number of occurrences is automatically copied from the selected field into the array definition box.

Importing System Variables

To import one or more system variables into the map editor window

1. From the Insert menu, choose Import > System Variable.

   The Import System Variable dialog box appears.

2. Select the system variables that you want to import.

3. Choose Import.

4. Choose Quit.

   The dialog box closes and the system variables appear in the upper left-hand corner of the map editor window. You can move the system variables around within the map editor window.

Note:
If you are working with Natural Single Point of Development (SPoD), only the system variables available for the environment you are using (that is, your operating system and Natural version) will be displayed.

Defining Fields

When a map field is inserted, it is given a default field definition and/or default field attributes which can be modified at any time.

To modify a definition for a field

1. Select the field to be modified.

2. From the Field menu, choose Definition.

   The Field Definition dialog appears.

This section covers the following topics:

• Defining Text Constants

• Defining Data Fields

• Defining Selection Boxes

• Defining Radio Buttons

• Defining Toggle Buttons

• Defining Menu Items

• Defining Push Buttons

• Defining Bitmaps

Defining Text Constants

This field is always alphanumeric. You can modify the text in a text constant at any time.

To modify a text constant

1. Double-click on the text field to be modified.

   Or:
   Select the field and choose Definition from the Field menu.

   The background in the text field is highlighted.

2. Enter the required text directly in the text field. For text field modification, you can also use the context menu.

   If the text is long, it could be necessary to increase the size of the text field. See Resizing Fields.

3. Deselect the text field.

Defining Data Fields

To modify a data field definition

1. Double-click on the field to be modified.

   Or:
   Select the field and choose Definition from the Field menu.

   The Field Definition dialog box appears.

2. The Field text box contains the current name of the field. You can change it by typing in a new name.

3. From the Format list box, choose a Natural data format for the field. The default format is A (alphanumeric).

   For valid input values, see Format and Length of User-Defined Variables in the Programming Guide.

   Note:
   Because the information required to define a field depends on the Natural data format, text or list boxes in the Field Definition dialog box may appear/disappear when the format changes.

4. In the Length text box, enter the internal length of the field which is used by a program that references this field.

   This field is only displayed for Natural data formats F, A, B, I, N, P and U.

   For valid input values, see Format and Length of User-Defined Variables in the Programming Guide.

5. You can specify the output length to be used when displaying the field by using the following boxes:

   AL	For Natural data formats A (alphanumeric) and U (Unicode). For valid input values, see the possible settings of the corresponding AL session parameter described in the Parameter Reference documentation.
   NL	For Natural data formats B (binary), I (integer), N (numeric) and P (packed numeric). For valid input values, see the possible settings of the corresponding NL session parameter described in the Parameter Reference documentation.
   FL	For Natural data format F (floating point). For valid input values, see the possible settings of the corresponding FL described in the Parameter Reference documentation.
   DF	For Natural data format D (date). For valid input values, see the possible settings of the corresponding DF session parameter described in the Parameter Reference documentation.
   DL	For Natural data formats A (alphanumeric) and U (Unicode). This box can be used to specify the output length for Unicode strings which can require extra space. For further information on using this box and valid input values, see the corresponding session parameter DL described in the following documentation: DL - Display Length for Output in Parameter Reference Display Length for Output - DL Parameter in the Programming Guide DL versus AL in Session Parameters in Unicode and Code Page Support

   For a description of all profile and session parameters that can be used to control the output format of fields, see Parameters to Influence the Output of Fields in the Programming Guide.

6. Select the SG toggle button to specify whether a sign position is to be allowed for the field.

   This field is only displayed for Natural data formats F, I, N and P.

7. The Rules field displays the number of processing rules that are defined for the data field.

8. The Mode field displays the current mode of the data field. The following table describes the possible modes.

   Data	The field was created by selecting a field from a DEFINE DATA definition.
   Sys	The field is a system variable.
   Undef	The field was created directly on the screen and has a dummy name.
   User	The name of the field was created by changing the field name
   View	The field was created by selecting a field from a view (DDM).

9. Select the Array toggle button to define an array for the data field.

   The Array button is enabled. For more information, see Defining Arrays.

10. The AD field displays the current attribute definition for the data field. For instructions on modifying attribute definitions, see Defining Field Attributes.

11. From the PM list box, choose a print mode for the field:

    blank	The standard character set is used.
    C	An alternative character set is used.
    I	Inverse print direction.
    N	No hardcopy can be made.

    For further information, see the session parameter PM (Print Mode) in the Parameter Reference documentation.

12. From the CD list box, choose a color definition for the field content.

    Note:
    You can also define a color for a field by choosing Color from the Field menu.

13. In the CV text box, you can enter a dynamic field attribute control variable.

    This is the control variable that will contain the attributes to be used for the data field. The variable must be defined with Natural data format C (for attribute control) in the program that references the map.

    The control variable also contains a MODIFIED data tag, which indicates if the field has been modified following map execution. A single control variable can be applied to several map fields, in which case the MODIFIED data tag will be set if any of the fields referencing the control variable have been modified.

    See the Parameter Reference documentation for more information on the CV parameter.

14. From the Dim list box, you can select the number of dimensions for an array of a control variable. The default is none.

    You must mark the array box in order to specify the control variable as an array.

15. In the DY text box, enter the dynamic string attributes.

    The dynamic string parameter is used to assign attributes for dynamic attribute field display. See the Parameter Reference documentation for more information on the DY parameter.

16. Select the ZP toggle button to specify zero printing for the field. If this button is selected, zero values are printed as one zero. If this button is not selected, zero values are suppressed.

    This field is only displayed for Natural data formats F, I, N and P.

17. In the EM text box, enter the edit mask to be used for the data field.

    See the Parameter Reference documentation for more information on the EM and the EMU parameters.

    Note:
    The edit mask overrides the display length.

18. In the Helproutine text box, enter the name of a helproutine or help map to be assigned to the map field. The helproutine or help map is then invoked for the map field at execution time when a help request is made for this map field.

    In the Parameters text box, enter the name of the parameter(s) that are to be passed to the helproutine or help map specified in the Helproutine text box. Removing a parameter from the Parameters text box field implies that the parameter is also removed from the map, unless the parameter is a map field or is associated with any other map field as a help parameter or Start From value (see Defining Arrays).

    The syntax that applies to specifying names and parameters in the Helproutine and Parameters text boxes, corresponds to the syntax of the HE session parameter described in HE Parameter Syntax (Parameter Reference documentation). In addition to the syntax explanations provided there, the following applies when using the map editor:

    operand1:

    • If a variable name is specified which corresponds to the name of a map field, this field must be in the Natural data format A8.

    • If a variable name is specified for which no map field yet exists, a map parameter with that name is automatically defined in the Natural data format/length field A8.

    operand2:

    • If a variable name is specified for which no map field yet exists, a map parameter with that name is automatically defined in the Natural data format/length N7.

19. Select the Array toggle button and choose the Array button if you want to define a parameter as an array.

    For additional information, see Defining Arrays.

Defining Selection Boxes

To define a selection box, use the same procedure as described under Defining Data Fields. Note that all variables you define for a selection box must have the same Natural data format.

To define attributes for a selection box, see Defining Field Attributes.

To define items for a selection box

1. Access the Field Definition dialog box for the selection box.

2. Choose Items.

   The Selection Box Definition dialog box appears. The field name is displayed in the Selection Box field. The existing items are displayed in the Items list box. A default item Item is displayed.

The functions you can execute from the Selection Box Definition dialog box, are described in the following section:

• Defining Constant Selection Box Items
• Defining Variable Selection Box Items
• Importing Selection Box Items
• Modifying Selection Box Items
• Removing Selection Box Items
• Moving Selection Box Items

Defining Constant Selection Box Items

To add an item constant

1. Choose Add Constant.

   The Selection Box Item - Constant dialog box appears.

2. In the Constant text field, enter the name of the new item.

   The length of the constant cannot be longer than the value you specified in the Length list box of the Field Definition dialog box.

3. Choose OK to define the selection box item.

Defining Variable Selection Box Items

To add an item variable

1. Choose Add Variable.

   The Selection Box Item - Variable dialog box appears.

2. In the Variable text box, enter the name of the variable to serve as an item.

   The variable must be a valid Natural identifier. The length of the variable value is fixed at the value set for Length in the Field Definition dialog box.

3. If the variable is an array, you can define the array by choosing Define Array.

4. Choose OK to define the selection box item.

Importing Selection Box Items

To import an item from another object

1. Choose Import Item.

   The Import Selection Box Item dialog box appears. The name of the current library is displayed in the Library list box.

2. If the object containing the fields you want to import is located in a different library, open the Library list box and select the library.

3. From the Type group box, select the type of Natural object from which you want to import fields.

   A list of all Natural objects in the current library of the type you selected appears in the Object list box.

4. Select the object that contains the fields you want to import.

   The fields in the selected object appear in the Importable Data list box.

5. Select the fields that you want to import.

6. Choose Import.

   The dialog box closes and the fields appear at the bottom of the Items box.

Modifying Selection Box Items

To modify an item

• From the Items list box, select the item to be modified and choose Modify Item.

  If the item is a constant, the Selection Box Item Constant dialog box appears. See Defining Constant Selection Box Items.

  If the item is a variable, the Selection Box Item Variable dialog box appears. See Defining Variable Selection Box Items.

Removing Selection Box Items

To delete an item

• From the Items list box, select the item to be deleted and choose Remove Item.

  The item is removed from the Items list box.

Moving Selection Box Items

When you add an item to a selection box, it is placed at the bottom of the Items list box. In most cases, you will want to reorder these items in logical groupings.

To move an item to another position in the list box

1. In the Items list box, select the item to be moved and drag the cursor to the new position.

   A dashed line between items indicates the position to which the item will be moved.

2. Drop the item in the new position.

   The item is inserted at the new position.

Defining Radio Buttons

To define a radio button, use the same procedure as described under Defining Data Fields. Note that all variables you define for a radio button must have the same Natural data format.

To define attributes for a radio button, see Defining Field Attributes.

Defining Radio Button Contents

To define the contents of a radio button

1. Open the Field Definition dialog box for the required radio button.

2. Choose Contents.

   The Edit Constant or Variable dialog box appears.

3. In the Type group box of the Edit Constant or Variable dialog box, specify the following:

   Depending on the type of radio button you want to define, select either the Constant or the Variable radio button.

   In the Name text box, enter the name of the constant or variable. The length of the name must not exceed the length specified in the Length text box.

   For information on naming conventions for constants and variables, see Defining Fields in the Programming Guide.

   If Variable is selected, you can choose the Import command button to import an alphanumeric field from another Natural object.

   For information on how to import variables from other Natural objects, see Importing Fields.

   If Variable is selected and you want to define an array, you can select the Array toggle button and choose the Define command button. For information on how to define an array, see Defining Arrays.

4. Choose OK when you have finished typing in all items to be defined.

   The Edit Constant or Variable dialog box is closed.

Defining Toggle Buttons

To define a toggle button, use the same procedure as described under Defining Data Fields.

To define attributes for a toggle, see Defining Field Attributes.

Defining a Toggle Button Label

The Natural data format is always L (Logical).

To define the label of a toggle button

1. Access the Field Definition dialog box for the required toggle button.

2. Choose Label.

   The Edit Constant or Variable dialog box appears.

3. In the Type group box of the Edit Constant or Variable dialog box, specify the following:

   Depending on the type of toggle button you want to define, select either the Constant or the Variable radio button.

   In the Name text box, enter the name of the constant or variable. The length of the name must not exceed the length specified in the Length text box.

   For information on naming conventions for constants and variables, see Defining Fields in the Programming Guide.

   If Variable is selected, you can choose the Import command button to import an alphanumeric field from another Natural object.

   For information on how to import variables from other Natural objects, see Importing Fields.

4. If Variable is selected and you want to define an array, you can select the Array toggle button and choose the Define command button. For information on how to define an array, see Defining Arrays.

5. Choose OK when you have finished typing in all items to be defined.

   The Edit Constant or Variable dialog box is closed.

Defining Menu Items

To define items for a menu

• In the menu bar, double-click on any menu item.

  The Edit Menu dialog box appears.

The functions you can execute from the Edit Menu dialog box, are described in the following section:

• Editing a Menu Name
• Adding Menu Items
• Adding a Submenu
• Adding Menu Separators
• Modifying Menu Items
• Moving a Menu Item
• Removing Menu Items

Editing a Menu Name

To edit a menu name

1. From the Edit Menu dialog box, choose Menu Name.

   The Edit Constant or Variable dialog box appears.

2. In the Type group box, specify whether the menu name is to be a constant or a variable.

3. In the Name text box, modify the name of the constant or variable. If you want to import a variable from another Natural object, select Variable and choose Import.

   For information on how to import variables from other Natural objects, see Importing Fields.

4. If the menu is an array, select the Array toggle button and choose Define.

   For information on how to define an array, see Defining Arrays.

5. Choose OK.

Adding Menu Items

To add items to a menu

1. From the Edit Menu dialog box, choose Add Item.

   The Define Menu Item dialog box appears.

2. Choose Item Name.

   The Edit Constant or Variable dialog box appears.

3. In the Type group box, specify whether the menu item is to be a constant or a variable.

4. In the Name text box, modify the name of the constant or variable. If you want to import a variable from another Natural object, select Variable and choose Import.

   For information on how to import variables from other Natural objects, see Importing Fields.

5. If the item is an array, select the Array toggle button and choose Define.

   For information on how to define an array, see Defining Arrays.

6. Choose OK.

   The Define Menu Item dialog box appears.

7. From the Key name list box, choose a PF-key name for the item.

   PF keys that have already been allocated do not appear in the list box.

8. Select the Enabled toggle button to permit menu item selection. Otherwise, the menu item cannot be selected.

9. Choose OK.

   The Edit Menu dialog box appears with the new menu item.

Adding a Submenu

To define a submenu for a menu item

1. From the Edit Menu dialog box, choose Add Submenu.

   The Edit Submenu dialog box appears.

2. From the Edit Submenu dialog box, choose Submenu Name.

   The Edit Constant or Variable dialog box appears.

3. In the Type group box, specify whether the submenu name is to be a constant or a variable.

4. In the Name text box, modify the name of the constant or variable. If you want to import a variable from another Natural object, select Variable and choose Import.

   For information on how to import fields from other Natural objects, see Importing Fields.

5. If the submenu is an array, select the Array toggle button and choose Define.

   For information on how to define an array, see Defining Arrays.

6. Choose OK.

   The Edit Submenu dialog box appears.

7. To add items to the submenu, choose Add Item and follow the instructions under Adding Menu Items.

8. To add a separator to the submenu, choose Add Separator and follow the instructions under Adding Menu Separators.

9. To modify a submenu item, choose Modify Item and follow the instructions under Modifying Menu Items.

10. To remove a submenu item, choose Remove Item and follow the instructions under Removing Menu Items.

11. Choose OK to complete the submenu definition/modification.

Adding Menu Separators

You can designate logical groupings in your menus or submenus by separating these groupings with horizontal lines.

To add a separator to a menu or submenu

1. From the Edit Menu or Edit Submenu dialog box, choose Add Separator.

   A selected separator is placed behind the last menu item.

2. Drag the separator to the new position.

   A dashed line between items indicates the position to which the separator will be moved.

3. Drop the separator in the new position.

   The separator is inserted at the new position.

Modifying Menu Items

To modify a menu item

1. In the Menu Items list box of the Edit Menu dialog box, select the item to be modified and choose Modify Item.

   The Define Menu Item dialog box appears.

2. Follow the instructions as described in Adding Menu Items.

Moving a Menu Item

When you add an item to a menu or submenu, it is placed at the bottom of the Menu Items list box. In most cases, you will want to reorder these items in logical groupings.

To move an item to another position in the list box

1. In the Menu Items list box of the Edit Menu dialog box, select the menu item to be moved and drag the cursor to the new position.

   A dashed line between items indicates the position to which the item will be moved.

2. Drop the item in the new position.

   The item is inserted at the new position.

Removing Menu Items

To delete a menu item

• In the Menu Items list box, select the menu item to be deleted and choose Remove Item.

  The menu item is removed from the Menu Items list box.

Defining Push Buttons

To define a push button

1. Double-click on the push button to be defined.

   The Define Push Button dialog box appears.

2. Choose Edit Label.

   The Edit Constant or Variable dialog box appears.

3. In the Type group box of the Edit Constant or Variable dialog box, specify the following:

   Depending on the type of push button you want to define, select either the Constant or the Variable radio button.

   In the Name text box, enter the name of the constant or variable. The length of the name must not exceed the length specified in the Length text box.

   For information on naming conventions for constants and variables, see Defining Fields in the Programming Guide.

   If Variable is selected, you can choose the Import command button to import an alphanumeric field from another Natural object.

   For information on how to import variables from other Natural objects, see Importing Fields.

4. If Variable is selected and you want to define an array, you can select the Array toggle button and choose the Define command button. For information on how to define an array, see Defining Arrays.

5. Choose OK.

   The Define Push Button dialog box appears.

6. From the Key name list box, choose a PF-key name for the push button.

   PF keys that have already been allocated do not appear in the list box.

7. Select the Enabled toggle button to permit push button selection. Otherwise, the push button cannot be selected.

8. Choose OK.

   The push button is displayed with the new name.

Defining Bitmaps

To define a bitmap

1. Double-click on the bitmap to be defined.

   The Define Bitmap dialog box appears.

2. Choose Edit Label.

   The Edit Constant or Variable dialog box appears.

3. In the Type group box, specify whether the bitmap name is to be a constant or a variable.

4. In the Name text box, modify the name of the constant or variable. If you want to import a variable from another Natural object, select Variable and choose Import.

   For information on how to import variables from other Natural objects, see Importing Fields.

5. If the bitmap is an array, select the Array toggle button and choose Define.

   For information on how to define an array, see Defining Arrays.

6. Choose OK.

   The Define Bitmap dialog box appears.

7. Choose Edit File Name.

   The Edit Constant or Variable dialog box appears.

8. Repeat Steps 3 to 6.

9. From the Key name list box, choose a PF-key name for the bitmap.

   PF keys that have already been allocated do not appear in the list box.

10. Select the Enabled toggle button to permit bitmap selection. Otherwise, the bitmap cannot be selected.

11. Select the Scale bitmap toggle button to cause the bitmap to be displayed with the size defined by the map. Otherwise, the bitmap is displayed in its original size.

12. Choose OK.

    The bitmap is displayed with the new name.

Defining Field Attributes

Field attributes can be defined for data fields, toggle buttons, radio buttons and selection boxes.

To define the attributes for a field

1. In the Field Definition dialog box of the required field, choose Attributes.

   The Attribute Definitions dialog box appears.

2. To change the definition for an attribute, open the list box for the attribute and select a different value. A description of the options for each attribute is provided in the following table.

3. To change the filler character, in the Filler character text box, enter a different character.

   Empty input fields or modifiable output fields are filled with this character. When you edit an input field, which is padded with blanks to its maximum length, it may appear as if the text cannot be edited. In such cases, the blanks must be explicitly deleted from the end of the field.

4. Choose OK.

Defining Arrays

You can define an array of up to three dimensions for a data field. The order in which the dimensions of the array are mapped to the map layout is determined by the values you enter.

Note:
The map editor does not support X-arrays (eXtensible arrays).

The Array command button is inactive unless the Array toggle button is selected.

To define an array and its dimensions for a data field

1. Choose Array.

   The Define Map Array dialog box appears.

2. From the Dimensions list box, select the number of dimensions for the array.

   The default number of dimensions is 1. Text boxes appear for the number of dimensions specified.

3. In the Line spacing text box, enter the number of blank lines to be inserted horizontally between each dimension occurrence in the array.

4. In the Column spacing text box, enter the number of blank columns to be inserted vertically between each dimension occurrence in the array.

5. For a field defined as a three-dimensional array the Cls/Ls text box is displayed. Enter the number of blank lines to be inserted vertically or columns to be inserted horizontally between dimensions 1, 2, or 3, depending on the layout definition for dimension 3.

   The values specified in the Layout list boxes determine in which direction each of the dimensions are painted in the edit area of the map. (V = vertical, H = horizontal, VD/HD = vertical/horizontal, position of third dimension)

6. In the Start from text box, enter the starting index value for each dimension.

   You can enter a number or the name of a variable; the actual value is supplied in the program that invokes the map definition. Unless defined otherwise as a field in the map, the variable is assumed to be defined as Natural data format/length N7.

   Note:
   Removing a Start from value from an array implies that the variable is removed from the map, too, unless it is a map field or it is associated to any other map field as a Start from value or help parameter.

7. In the Upper bounds text box, enter a value for each dimension.

   This number is the highest occurrence of the first, second and third dimension. A field defined in a program (a user-defined variable or a database field) can be imported to define the map array. In this case, the upper bounds of the field, as defined in the program, are used. All values can be overwritten for imported data fields. However, when you choose OK in the Field Definition dialog box, you are asked if you really want to change an imported field's definition.

   If the array is initially defined in the map, the number of occurrences defined for the vertical, horizontal and fixed indexes sets the upper bounds.

8. In the Occurrences text box, enter a value for each dimension.

   This is the number of occurrences that will be displayed on the map. This does not apply to the third dimension of a 3-dimensional array because only two ranges of occurrences can be displayed on the screen. One-dimensional arrays can be displayed as multi-line/multi-column fields. For these arrays, the second number of occurrences and the layout for the second dimension can be defined.

9. From the Layout list box, select a layout value for each dimension.

   Layout values determine the axis assumed by each dimension of the array. This determines how the array is represented in the map layout. For arrays of one and two dimensions, the only possible values are H (horizontal axis) and V (vertical axis). For arrays with three dimensions, you must decide how the third dimension will be represented. The options are HD (horizontally detached) or VD (vertically detached). The dimension specified as HD or VD is represented by members, which are grouped in a horizontal or vertical orientation.

10. Choose OK.

    The array is defined and you are returned to the Field Definition dialog box.

When defining multi-dimensional arrays, note that the defaults for the first and second dimensions have been reversed, which means that horizontal will be vertical and vice versa; in addition, the first and second dimensions can now also be specified as "fixed"; the third dimension is still "fixed" by default.

Changing the Number of Displayed Occurrences in an Array

Once you have defined an array, you can use the mouse to graphically modify the number of displayed occurrences and, indirectly, the upper bounds without accessing the Define Map Array dialog box.

To modify the number of displayed occurrences and/or upper bounds for an array

1. Place the mouse pointer on one of the four corner field handles.

2. Drag the mouse to increase/decrease the number of elements in the array.

   During resizing, a dotted outline indicates the intended modification.

3. When you have reached the required size for the array, release the mouse button.

   If you increase the number of displayed occurrences for a dimension beyond the upper bound, then the upper bound is automatically increased as well. If you decrease the number of displayed occurrences for a dimension, the upper bound remains at its previous value.

Modifying Field Colors and Representation

For any text constant, data field, toggle button, radio button or selection box you can specify a color and a display style for its name.

To define the color and/or representation for a field

1. In the map editor, select the required field.

2. From the Field menu, choose Color.

   Or:
   Click the Field Color toolbar button.

   The Field Color and Representation dialog box appears.

3. From the Color Selection group, select a color.

4. From the Field Representation group, select an option.

5. Choose OK.

Using Field Rules

Field rules can be defined for any data field, toggle button, radio button or selection box. A field can have up to 100 processing rules (ranked 0 - 99). At map execution time, the processing rules are executed in ascending order, first by rank, then by screen position of the field.

For optimum performance, the following assignments are recommended when assigning ranks to processing rules:

Processing rules can be defined as either inline processing rules or Predict free rules.

Inline processing rules are rules that are defined within a map source and do not have a name assigned.

An ampersand (&) within the source code of a processing rule is dynamically replaced by the fully-qualified name of the field for which the rule is defined. Array indexes are not affected by the replacement; you must explicitly specify the index notation after the ampersand (&) as shown in the following example.

Examples:

IF &    = ' ' THEN REINPUT 'ENTER NAME' MARK *&   /* For a scalar field
IF &(1) = ' ' THEN MOVE 'X' TO &(*)               /* For an array field

You can access Predict free rules that are stored in either a local or a remote Predict environment located on a UNIX, Windows, OpenVMS or mainframe computer.

Predict free rules that are stored in a remote environment on a UNIX, Windows, OpenVMS or mainframe host can also be accessed by using a Natural RPC server.

For information on how to connect to a Predict server, see the profile parameter USEDIC (Parameter Reference documentation) and Dictionary Server Assignments in the section Overview of Configuration File (Configuration Utility documentation).

Note:
When modifying or adding a processing rule, keep in mind that you must recatalog the map(s) that reference this rule so that the changes become effective.

This section covers the following topics:

• Creating Field Rules

• Copying Field Rules

• Editing Field Rules

• Changing Field Rule Ranks

• Unlinking or Deleting Field Rules

• Linking Predict Free Rules

• Converting Predict Free Rules to Inline Rules

• Defining Key Rules

Creating Field Rules

To create a field rule

1. Select the map field for which you want to create a field rule.

2. From the Field menu, choose Rules.

   The Field Rule dialog box appears.

3. From the Field Rule dialog box, choose Create.

   The program editor appears.

4. Enter the rule.

5. When you are finished, save the rule by choosing Save from the Object menu.

   The Rule Selection dialog box appears.

6. From the Rank list box, select a rank number.

7. Choose OK.

8. Close the program editor.

Copying Field Rules

To copy a field rule

1. Select the map field containing the field rule to be copied.

2. From the Field menu, choose Rules.

   The Field Rules dialog box appears.

3. From the Ranks list box, select the number of the rule to be copied.

4. Choose Copy.

   The Rule Selection dialog box appears.

5. From the Rank list box, select a rank for the new rule.

6. Choose OK.

   If you chose the rank number of an existing rule, then you are asked whether you want to overwrite the rule. Otherwise, the rule is copied and the Field Rules dialog box is redisplayed. The rule is displayed in the Rule Text Fragment box.

Editing Field Rules

To edit a field rule

1. Select the map field containing the field rule to be edited.

2. From the Field menu, choose Rules.

   The Field Rules dialog box appears.

3. From the Ranks list box, select the rank number of the rule to be edited.

4. Choose Edit.

   The program editor appears.

5. Edit the rule.

6. When you are finished, save the rule by choosing Save from the Object menu.

7. Close the program editor.

Changing Field Rule Ranks

To change the rank of a field rule

1. Select the map field containing the field rule to be modified.

2. From the Field menu, choose Rules.

   The Field Rule dialog box appears.

3. In the Ranks list box, select the rank number of the rule to be reranked.

4. Choose Move.

   The Rule Selection dialog box appears.

5. In the Rank list box, select another rank for the rule.

6. Choose OK.

Unlinking or Deleting Field Rules

Unlinking is the same as deleting a field rule.

To delete a field rule

1. Select the map field containing the field rule to be deleted.

2. From the Field menu, choose Rules.

   The Field Rule dialog box appears.

3. In the Ranks list box, select the rank number of the rule to be deleted.

4. Choose Unlink.

   You are asked if you really want to unlink (delete) the field rule.

5. Choose Yes to delete the field rule.

Linking Predict Free Rules

To link a free rule to a selected field

1. Select the map field to which you want to assign a Predict free rule.

2. From the Field menu, choose Rules.

   The Field Rule dialog box appears.

3. Choose Free Rule.

   Since free rules cannot be created but only selected, the Create command button changes to Select.

4. Choose Select.

   The Free Rule Selection dialog box appears.

5. Enter the rule name, the Predict owner and up to five keywords under which the rule is stored in Predict.

   Asterisk notation can be used for the rule name, the keywords can be combined with the Boolean operators AND and OR, and a BUT NOT keyword can be specified, too.

6. Choose OK.

   A list of free rules is displayed, from which you can select the rule(s) you want to link to the field.

   Choose Read Source to read the source code into the Free Rule Text Fragment information box of a selected rule.

7. Choose OK.

   With each selected rule, you are asked to assign a rank.

8. Specify a rule rank.

   The rule is now linked to the field. At this point, you can convert a linked free rule into an inline rule as described in Converting Predict Free Rules to Inline Rules.

Converting Predict Free Rules to Inline Rules

To convert a linked Predict free rule to an inline rule

1. From the Field menu, choose Rules.

   The Field Rule dialog box appears.

2. Select the rank of the free rule you want to convert.

   The Free rule toggle button is selected and the free rule appears in the Rule Text Fragment information box.

3. Deselect the Free rule toggle button.

   A message box appears asking you whether you want to change the rule type to inline.

4. Choose OK.

   The free rule becomes an inline rule and its source code is displayed in the Rule Text Fragment information box.

Defining Key Rules

The PF-Key Rules function allows you to create, edit, move, copy and unlink (delete) function-key related processing rules for the active map. Key rules also can be defined as either inline processing rules or Predict free rules.

Key rules can be used to assign activities to program sensitive function keys during map processing. For function keys that already have a command assigned by the program, this command is executed without any rule processing.

Example:

IF *PF-KEY = 'PF3' ESCAPE ROUTINE END-IF

When this rule is executed, map processing is terminated without further rule processing.

To create, copy, and edit function key rules

• From the Map menu, choose PF-Key Rules.

  The PF-Key Rules dialog box appears.

  Key rules are defined exactly like field rules. For detailed instructions, see Using Field Rules.

Defining Data Areas for Maps

You can define a local data area for a map to define variables to be used for map processing rules. You can define a parameter data area for a map to define the parameters that can be received from programs.

The procedures for defining, modifying, and deleting local and parameter data elements are virtually identical and are therefore explained generically in the following section.

• Defining a Data Element

• Modifying a Data Element

• Removing a Data Element

Defining a Data Element

To define a data element for a map

1. From the Map menu, choose Local Data or Parameter Data.

   The Define Local/Parameter Data dialog box appears.

2. Choose Add to add a data definition.

   The Data Definition dialog box appears.

3. In the Name text box, enter the name of the data element to be defined.

4. From the Format drop-down list box, select a Natural data format.

5. If you selected Natural data format A, B, F, I, N or U, in the Length box, enter the field length.

6. If the data element is an array, in the Dimensions text box, select the number of dimensions (1 - 3).

   The Lower bounds and Upper bounds text boxes appear for each dimension.

7. Enter the lower bound and upper bound for each dimension in the array.

8. Choose OK.

   The Define Local/Parameter Data dialog box appears. The data element is displayed in the information box.

Modifying a Data Element

To modify a data element for a map

1. From the Map menu, choose Local Data or Parameter Data.

   The Define Local/Parameter Data dialog box appears.

2. In the information box, select the data element to be modified.

3. Choose Modify to modify the data definition.

   The Data Definition dialog box appears.

4. Modify the data definition as required.

5. Choose OK.

   The Define Local/Parameter Data dialog box appears. The modified data element is displayed in the information box.

Removing a Data Element

To delete a data element for a map

1. From the Map menu, choose Local Data or Parameter Data.

   The Define Local/Parameter Data dialog box appears.

2. In the information box, select the data element to be deleted.

3. Choose Remove to delete the data definition.

   The data definition is removed from the information box.

4. Choose OK.

Testing Maps

Once you have created and successfully saved a map, you can test it so see how it will appear in an application.

To test a map

1. Open the map to be tested.

2. From the Object menu, choose Test.

   The Natural output window is opened and the map appears as it would in the application.

3. Double-click on the output window or press ENTER or ESC to return to the map editor.

Previewing Maps

Maps that are larger than the area shown in the map editor window can be scrolled using the scroll bars on the right, and at the bottom of the map editor window. Extremely large maps can be displayed in the map editor window by using the Preview Mode function.

When preview mode is active, the display size of the map fields is reduced so that the entire map fits into the map editor window. All map editor functions work normally when preview mode is in effect.

To display a map in preview mode

• From the Window menu, choose Preview Mode.

  The map is displayed in preview mode.

Reversing Maps

You can toggle the screen direction of the active map from left-to-right to right-to-left, or vice versa. This is only a visual change; the physical field position defined in the map source is retained.

See also Bidirectional Language Support in the Unicode and Code Page Support documentation.

To reverse the screen direction of a map

• From the Map menu, choose Reverse Map.

  The screen direction of the map is reversed.

Example:

The default screen (left-to-right) of a map looks as follows:

The reversed screen (right-to-left) of this map looks as follows:

Modifying the Map Profile

With the map profile, you set the profile parameters for the active map. These parameters are saved with the map.

To set profile parameters

1. From the Map menu, choose Map Profile.

   The SYSPROF - Map Editor Profile dialog box appears.

2. Set profile parameters. Each parameter is described in the table below.

3. Choose OK to save the profile for the active map.

Map editor profile option settings are described in the following table.

Note:
The settings for Zero printing and Upper case are copied into the field definition when a new field is created. These settings can be modified for each new field.

Saving and Cataloging Maps

You can save a map definition as a source object and/or a cataloged object (generated program) in the current Natural library in the current Natural system file.

For the naming conventions that apply to an object, refer to Object Naming Conventions in the Using Natural Studio documentation.

To save a map as a source object

• Proceed as described in Saving Objects in the Using Natural Studio documentation.

To save a map as a source object and/or a cataloged object

• Proceed as described in either Stowing Objects or Cataloging Objects in the Using Natural Studio documentation.

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