This document describes the objects available to build, maintain and control applications with Natural.
The following table is an overview of Natural and non-Natural objects, their use, and the Natural editors or utilities provided to create and maintain them.
| Object Type | Use | Editor or Utility |
|---|---|---|
| Data Areas: | Variable and parameter definitions for other Natural objects | |
| Data Definition Module | Natural data definitions for database file access | |
| Programs and Subordinate Routines: | Main programs, invoked routines, and functions | |
| Helproutine | Help requests for applications | |
| Copycode | Source code for repeated use in other Natural objects | |
| Text | Documentation for Natural objects | |
| Class | Component-based applications | |
| Map | Character-based screen layouts | |
| Adapter and GUI Layout | Complex graphical user interfaces and rich GUI pages generated from external page layout | Natural for Ajax Developer (see the Natural for Ajax documentation) |
| Dialog | Event-driven applications |
n/a (storage and display only) |
| Resource | Non-Natural objects such as HTML files or bitmaps | n/a
(storage and display only) |
| Recording | Recorded sessions for testing and controlling | Recording Utility |
| Error Message | Natural system and user-defined messages | SYSERR Utility |
| Command Processor | Command-driven navigation | SYSNCP Utility |
| Editor Profile | Default settings for the program or data area editor | Program Editor or Data Area Editor |
| Map Profile and Device Profile | Default settings for the map editor | Map Editor |
| Parameter Profile | Default parameters settings for session start | SYSPARM Utility |
| Debug Environment | Control of program execution | Debugger |
| Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) | Natural APIs | SYSEXT Utility |
| APIs of Natural Add-On Products | SYSAPI Utility |
For detailed information on using Natural objects, see maintaining and executing Natural objects and object naming conventions in the Using Natural documentation.