The architectural concept of Natural for Mainframes is primarily based on the principle of open architecture and is realized via the definition of interfaces. Information is exchanged between these interface and external components during both application development and program execution.

The functions of the Natural system are available on all platforms on which Natural runs and where they are applicable. Natural hides the complexity of the system environment (operating system, TP system, database system, user environment) from the application development environment.

Special system-dependent tables and routines embed the Natural components into the system environment and provide the internal functions with the required resources.

This section describes the major components of Natural and how they interact to provide Natural's functionality as a development tool.

For information on each component, click on an item in the diagram below or choose an item from the menu below.

Natural Nucleus	Major components of the Natural nucleus: compiler, runtime system, command interpreter and configuration settings (Natural parameters).
User Session Data	Temporary data storage in user-specific work areas.
Natural Buffer Pool	Principles of Natural buffer pool operation and object loading.
Natural Editors and Utilities	Natural editors and utilities used for building and maintaining an application.
TP/OS Interface	TP monitor and OS (operating system) interfaces provided by Natural.
User Interface	User interfaces supported by Natural.
Print Files Work Files	Use of print files and work files.
Natural System Files	Storage of object modules in Natural system files.
DBMS Interface Database Access	Database management system (DBMS) interfaces provided by Natural. Natural access to data stored in databases.