The Natural map editor is used to create 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:
Using Natural Studio in a Windows environment, 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.
Note:
The map editor has been disabled in your environment by default. For
more information, see Disabled
Natural Editors.
The Map Editor documentation covers the following topics:
There are four major steps involved in the creation of a map:
Definition of the map profile (that is, the field delimiters, format settings, context settings and filler characters to be used). A menu is provided from which you select the desired items.
Definition of the map. A map can be defined in two different ways:
First define a prototype map, next make the corresponding data definitions in the object that references the map, then integrate the map into the application.
Fields can be defined directly on the map editing screen. Each field is assigned a default name. Subsequently, when the corresponding data definitions have been made in the respective object, these data definitions can be assigned to the map fields (post assignment).
Define a map using existing data definitions.
If data definitions already exist in an object that references the map, the map fields can be created by using the data definitions contained in this object. In this case, all characteristics of the data definitions are copied into the map.
Definition of the fields to be used in the map. Map fields can be created by either typing the field definitions directly in the map editing screen or by selecting data definitions from another Natural object (see also Selecting Data Definitions).
The saving and/or cataloging of the 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, a map can be invoked from a Natural program.
You invoke the Natural map editor to create a new map or edit an existing one as described in the following section.
From the Natural main menu, select and press ENTER to invoke the Direct Command window.
Note:
You can also invoke the Direct Command window
by selecting from an object
selection list that is displayed after you have selected a library from the
Natural main menu.
In the Direct Command window, enter the following command:
EDIT MAP
or, in short form
E M
Press ENTER. The MAP EDITOR menu will be displayed:
···············································································
NATURAL MAP EDITOR (Esc to select field) ·
Create Modify Erase Drag Info OFF Lines Ops. Map Quit ·
···············································································
|
From the Natural main menu, select Direct and press ENTER to invoke the Direct Command window.
In this window, enter the following command:
EDIT map-name
or, in short form
E map-name
If you do not remember the name of the map you want to edit, select Library from the Natural main menu and press ENTER. A list of all available libraries will be displayed.
From the list, select the desired library with the cursor, and press ENTER. A list of all objects in this library will be displayed.
Note:
File designations are listed under the column
Type.
With the cursor keys, scroll through the list until the desired map
appears on the list. Then mark it with an E (Edit) in the column
before the object name and press ENTER. The map editor will then be
invoked for the selected map.
Note:
The F2 key invokes a window listing valid functions (for
example, C for Check, D for Read,
E for Edit) for this specific object for the item
Ops.
Map.
Regardless of the map invoked, you are prompted at the bottom of the screen to use the cursor keys to select a field and to press ENTER. The selected field is highlighted.
Note:
The rightmost position of the bottom line displays the column and
row number of the highlighted field.
Press ESC and the MAP EDITOR menu is invoked.
Note:
To change the programming mode (structured/reporting) for an
existing map, enter the following commands in the Direct
Command window:
READ map-name
GLOBALS SM=ON/OFF
SAVE map-name
The MAP EDITOR menu shown earlier is the main menu of the map editor. The menu items are described in the following section.
If you press ENTER, a list containing the following items is displayed:
A - Parameter Data Area
G - Global Data Area
H - Helproutine
L - Local Data Area
M - Map
N - Subprogram
P - Program
S - Subroutine
T - Text Constant
U - User Defined
V - View (DDM) Defined
1 - Parameter Defined
2 - Local Defined
These items are used to select fields/variables from an object for an
object of this class. The object class can also be invoked by entering
C and the object class abbreviation (key-sensitive). For more
detailed information, see the section
Selecting
Data Definitions.
Modify enables you to modify a selected field. The selected field is the current field and it is highlighted.
A window displaying field attributes (extended field editing) is displayed in which the contents of these attributes can be modified.
Erase enables you to delete the current field. You are then prompted:
Delete field (Y/N)?
All responses are key-sensitive; caution is recommended.
If the current field is an array field, the entire array (not just the field) will be deleted.
Drag enables you to move the current field to any unoccupied position on the screen. The selected field can be moved without restriction, using the cursor.
Once the field is positioned and ENTER is pressed, this field position takes effect.
Info ON/OFF is used to switch the display of the Extended Field Editing window on and off (toggle switch). OFF is the default value.
The ENTER key or I (key-sensitive) is used to switch between ON and OFF.
Lines invokes a selection list from which you can select the following line-specific functions:
Insert After Erase Line Copy After Duplicate Line Move After Split Line Join Line |
These functions can be selected to perform operations on an entire line (not a single field) in a map. All operations are performed on the current line.
Note:
These functions are self-explanatory and prompts appear at the
bottom of the screen for each item selected.
Ops. Map (map operations) invokes the following selection list:
C Check Map E Edit Map V Reverse Map K Key Rules L List Map P Prof. Map R Read Map S Save Map T Test Map W Stow Map |
The list contains the following items:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Check Map | Causes syntax checking and generation of source code. |
| Edit Map | Invokes the map editing screen for modification of an existing map definition. The map editor will start a new edit session. |
| Reverse Map | This feature only applies if the
default code page supports languages that are written from right-to-left (RTL)
such as Hebrew.
Reverses the screen direction of a map from left-to-right (this is the default) to right-to-left, or vice versa. This is only a visual change; the physical field position defined in the map source is retained. The screen direction remains reversed until you select again. |
| Key Rules | Invokes editing of function-key-related processing rules. |
| List Map | Generates source code and lists it. |
| Prof. Map | Invokes a map profile window, which is described under Map Profile. |
| Read Map | Invokes the map editing screen to read an existing map definition. |
| Save Map | Performs a source code generation check and then saves the map. The map definition is saved in source form in the Natural library. |
| Test Map | The current map definition is tested to ensure that it can be executed successfully. This includes testing of all processing rules and help facilities. |
| Stow Map | Performs a source code generation check, as well as a save and catalog of a map definition. The map definition is cataloged and also saved in source form in the current Natural library. |
Quit terminates the map editor session.
If you have edited the map (not saved), selected Quit and pressed ENTER, the following prompt appears:
Modifications have not been saved, quit anyway Y/N
?
Note:
Replies are key-sensitive; caution is recommended.
If the editor session is terminated, the Natural main menu is displayed.
Select from the Create list and press ENTER.
Depending on the map type invoked, a screen appears.
At the bottom of the screen, you are always prompted to position the cursor and enter text.
Position the cursor to the start of an empty field.
Note:
You cannot overwrite existing fields.
Enter the text. The first character entered causes the line to be highlighted. Highlighting indicates the maximum space available for text entry. Characters can be entered or deleted until you press ENTER.
Note:
The ESC key cancels text entry.
Press PF2 to select an attribute and color to be used for the
text entered. Use the UP-ARROW and DOWN-ARROW keys to
scroll through and select one of the available attributes/colors or use the
corresponding abbreviation (for example, B for blinking or
RE for red) and press ENTER. Using the
LEFT-ARROW and RIGHT-ARROW keys, you can toggle between
attribute and color definition.
Text entry is now complete.
Note:
If you want to create and/or define a data variable after having
defined the text, see the section
Using
Natural System Variables in a Map.
Select User Defined from the field list and press ENTER.
An Extended Field Editing window similar to the example below appears:
Extended Field Editing Field : Format: A Len: AL: PM: ZP: N SG: N Rules : 0 Rule Editing: N Array: Array Editing: N Mode: AD: CD: CV: DY: N HE: N EM: |
A message appears at the bottom of the screen, prompting you to:
Position cursor and press Enter or format char.
Position the cursor to the start of a field position and press ENTER.
A selection list appears, with all valid Natural data formats such as A for data type alphanumeric.
Note:
If you know the Natural data format, you can enter it directly in
the field position where you placed the cursor. The display of available data
formats is thus avoided.
Select the Natural data format required and press ENTER.
The Natural data format is now entered in the Extended Field
Editing window and a default name (for example, #1) is
assigned to the field.
There are two length fields displayed on this screen:
AL (alphanumeric length): the display length.
Len: the internal length of the field.
The lengths of user-defined variables are defined by performing the following steps:
Enter the length of the first field (for example, Alphan. Len... ).
When the field length definition is complete, press ENTER.
You are then prompted to enter a field name for the variable. Having selected the appropriate field name, press ENTER.
The definition function for the first field is now complete.
The cursor moves automatically to the second length field (Len... ). Change the length field definition or use the TAB key. Continue this process to define all other pertinent information to be used for the field being defined.
For further information on these fields, see Modifying a User-Defined Variable - Field Editing.
When this definition is complete, press ENTER.
Natural system variables can also be specified in a map definition.
A Natural system variable can be selected with a > field.
Select * (System) from the field list and select the system variable from the list provided.
The Natural data format of the specified system variable is inserted in the field definition form.
The map editor is used to define a field with all its attributes.
Select Create or Modify from the MAP EDITOR menu and press ENTER. An Extended Field Editing window similar to the example below appears, which displays all attributes for the current field:
Extended Field Editing Field : Format: A Len: AL: PM: ZP: N SG: N Rules : 0 Rule Editing: N Array: Array Editing: N Mode: AD: CD: CV: DY: N HE: N EM: |
With the Extended Field Editing window, any selected field can be modified. A selected field is the current field, which is highlighted.
The field attributes contained in the Extended Field Editing window are explained in the following table:
| Field Attribute | Explanation | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field | The field name. Field name assignment is related
to the method with which the field was originally defined.
If the field was taken from a data definition in another Natural object, it is assigned the same name as the field definition in this object. If the field was specified as a Natural system variable, it is assigned the name of the specified variable. If the field is neither of the above, it is assigned a dummy name. You must assign a name to such a field prior to map execution. The name of a field can be changed. However, a prefix must not be used for a field which did not have a prefix assigned previously. To obtain a prefixed field name, select the field from the data definition in another Natural object. You are prompted to enter a name. If modifications have been made you must press ENTER to continue. Otherwise, you can move through the field attributes using the TAB key. Note: |
||||||||||||
| Format | The Natural data format of the field. These can be changed by overwriting the current entry. | ||||||||||||
| Len | The internal program length of the variable. | ||||||||||||
| AL or NL or FL or DF |
|
||||||||||||
| PM | Print Mode.
This input field corresponds to the session parameter PM. For detailed information on using this field and valid input values, see PM - Print Mode in the Parameter Reference. |
||||||||||||
| ZP | Zero printing. You can only enter a value in ZP if
the field is numeric or a time system variable.
This input field corresponds to the session parameter ZP. For detailed information on using this field and valid input values, see ZP - Zero Printing in the Parameter Reference. |
||||||||||||
| SG | Sign position. You can only enter a value in SG if
the field is numeric or a time system variable.
This input field corresponds to the session parameter SG. For detailed information on using this field and valid input values, see SG - Sign Position in the Parameter Reference. |
||||||||||||
| Rules | The number of processing rules currently defined for the field. | ||||||||||||
| Rule Editing | Editing of processing rules; you are prompted:
Note: |
||||||||||||
| Array | Indicates whether the field is an array or not (blank). | ||||||||||||
| Array Editing | Editing of arrays; you are prompted:
|
||||||||||||
| Mode | Indicates how the field was created:
Data - Field was copied from the data definition in another Natural object (except DDM). Sys - Field is a system variable. Undef - Field was created directly on the screen and has a dummy name. User - The name of the field was created by extended field editing. View - Field was copied from the field definition in a DDM. |
||||||||||||
| AD | Field attributes.
This field corresponds to the session parameter
You are prompted:
An Attribute definition window, containing the following items is displayed:
This function incorporates a toggle feature. If the attribute definition character displayed is correct, use the ESC key and the character is not changed. To change the attribute characteristics of a field, select the desired attribute and press ENTER; the modification is inserted in the AD definition. Press ESC to exit this function. Each item selected invokes an attribute window. These windows are self-explanatory. |
||||||||||||
| CD | Color attributes; you are prompted:
Press PF2 to edit the color definition, use the cursor to select a color and confirm with ENTER. |
||||||||||||
| CV | Control variable for dynamic field attributes; you
are prompted:
The name of a variable which contains the attributes to be used for this field. This variable must be defined with Natural data format C in the program. The control variable also contains a MODIFIED data tag, which indicates whether 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 is set if any of the fields referencing the control variable has been modified. |
||||||||||||
| DY | Dynamic string attributes; you are prompted:
This parameter is used to define certain characters contained in the text string of an alphanumeric variable to control the attribute setting. For detailed information on valid input values, see DY - Dynamic Attributes in the Parameter Reference. |
||||||||||||
| HE | The HE option is used to
assign a helproutine or a help map to the map field. A helproutine or help map
is then invoked at execution time when a help request is made for the map
field. For detailed information, see the description of the HE session
parameter in HE
Helproutine in the Parameter
Reference.
If you enter a The syntax that applies to specifying names and parameters in the
HE field corresponds to the syntax of the
operand1:
operand2:
Removing a parameter from the HE 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 Starting from value. |
||||||||||||
| EM | Edit mask to be used for the field. | ||||||||||||
Three of the above items are of special interest:
Three types of processing rules can be defined:
Inline processing rules
Predict free rules
Predict automatic rules
Inline processing rules are defined within a map source and do not have a name assigned. The availability of Predict is not required for inline rules.
Note:
Field-related inline processing rules can also be executed on a
field-by-field basis; for further information, see the section
Field-Sensitive
Processing.
Predict free rules have a name assigned and are stored in the Predict Dictionary. You cannot modify an existing Predict free rule (this can only be done in Predict); however, you can read a free rule into the editor, modify it, and store it under a different name to create a new free rule.
You can access Predict free rules that are stored in either a local or a remote Predict environment.
Predict free rules that are stored in a remote environment on a UNIX, an OpenVMS or a mainframe host can 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) and
Dictionary
Server Assignments in the section Overview of
Configuration File Parameters (Configuration
Utility documentation).
Inline rules can become Predict free rules (and vice versa) if you assign/remove the rule name.
Predict automatic rules apply to database fields and are defined by the Predict administrator. If a field is created from the data definition in another Natural object, and if the field is a database field, all automatic rules for that field are linked to the map definition. All automatic rules are concatenated and treated as a single map rule.
The rank of the automatic rules is defined in the map profile settings (default 1).
Automatic rules cannot be modified using the map editor. They can,
however, be assigned a different rank by either using the command
P=n or just overwriting the old
rank.
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.
IF & = ' ' THEN REINPUT 'ENTER NAME' MARK *& /* For a scalar field IF &(1) = ' ' THEN MOVE 'X' TO &(*) /* For an array field
The field name notation
&.field-name within the source code
of a processing rule allows you to have DDM-specific rules that cross-check the
integrity of values between database fields, without having to explicitly
qualify the fields with a view name. As
field-name you specify the name of the
database field as defined in the DDM, and at compilation time, Natural
dynamically qualifies the field by replacing the ampersand (&) with the
corresponding view name. This allows you to use the same processing rule for
specific fields, regardless of which view the fields are taken from.
Two types of function-key-related processing rules can be defined:
Inline processing rules
Predict free rules
Function-key-related processing rules can be used to assign activities to program sensitive function keys during map processing. For function keys which already have a command assigned by the program, this command is executed without any rule processing.
IF *PF-KEY = 'PF3' ESCAPE ROUTINE END-IF
When this rule is executed, map processing is terminated without further rule processing.
A field can have up to 100 processing rules (Rank 0 to 99). At map execution time, the processing rules are executed in ascending order by rank and screen position of the field. PF-key processing rules are always assumed to have the first screen position.
For optimum performance, the following assignments are recommended when assigning ranks to processing rules:
| Rank | Processing Rule |
|---|---|
| 0 | Termination rule |
| 1 - 4 | Automatic rules |
| 5 - 24 | Format checking |
| 25 - 44 | Value checking for individual fields |
| 45 - 64 | Value cross-checking between fields |
| 65 - 84 | Database access |
| 85 - 99 | Special purpose |
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.
To edit field-related processing rules, select Rule Editing in the Extended Field Editing window. To edit function-key-related processing rules, select from the Ops. Map selection list.
The following window containing the options Rules and Fields appears:
··Current Field: PERSONNEL.STREET··············································
· R U L E E D I T I N G (Esc = Quit) ·
·Rules Fields ·
···············································································
Hobby: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Address
-
State : XX
Zip : 99999
City : XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Street/Number: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 99999
Create or modify a rule for this field
|
Select one of these options with the cursor and press ENTER.
If you select Fields, a list of variables used in the current map appears (for information purposes only).
If you select Rules, a selection list of existing rules for the current field appears.
On each list, the Predict rules are identified by their names, the inline rules by their first three source code lines.
There are the following ways to define processing rules for a field or key:
Create a new processing rule
define a new rule
modify an existing rule and save it under a new name
Assign an existing rule and
edit or
move or
copy or
unlink the rule.
To define a new processing rule
Select Create.
An empty rule editor is displayed.
Enter the rule. (Use source code in the same way as in the Natural program editor.)
If you want the rule to be a Predict free rule, name it. If you want the rule to be an inline rule, do not name it before saving it.
Save the rule, see the section Commands for Editing Processing Rules.
Important:
Once you have saved the rule, you can only modify it in
Predict.
To
modify an existing processing rule
In the Rule Editor header, enter the name of a Predict rule in the field Rule and press ENTER.
The rule is displayed in the rule editor.
Modify the rule. (Use source code in the same way as in the Natural program editor.)
Rename the rule and save it, see section Commands for Editing Processing Rules.
Important:
Once you have saved the rule, you can only modify it in
Predict.
To assign an existing rule
Select an existing rule from the list.
Press ENTER.
A window with the following options is displayed: edit, move, copy, unlink.
Edit
Select edit to modify the rule. The name and contents of the rule
(if it is a free rule) are displayed in the editor. See Step 2 of the section
to modify an existing processing rule.
Move
Select move to modify the rule's rank. When you press
ENTER a list is displayed from which you can select the new
rank.
Copy
Select copy to copy the rule but assign it a new rank. When you
press ENTER a list is displayed from which you can select the new
rank.
Unlink
Select unlink to remove the rule from the field.
Quit with ESC.
Note:
If rules are written referencing a database statement, a label
should be used, not a line reference number.
After the desired field processing rule has been entered, issue the command
P=nn
where nn is the processing rule rank.
This command saves the rule automatically.
In the processing-rule editor, processing rules can be selected for editing by using the following commands in the editor command line:
| Command | Function |
|---|---|
P
nn |
Select rule with rank
nn.
|
P* |
Select the rule from selection list. |
P |
Advance to the next rule defined for the field. |
P=nn |
Assign the rule on the current rank to rank
nn and save it automatically.
|
U |
Unlink (Delete) |
. |
End processing-rule editing and save the rule. |
To invoke array editing, use the TAB key to select the item
Array Editing in the field attributes window. Replace the
character N by Y (key sensitive) or press
PF2 and the Array Definition window
appears:
·Array Definition······························································ Name #1 Upper Bnds 1_____ 1_____ 1_____ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dimensions Occurrences Starting from Spacing 1 . Index vertical 1__ ________ 0 Lines 0 . Index horizontal 1__ ________ 1 Columns 0 . Index (H/V) V 1__ ________ 0 Cls/Ls ··············································································· |
This window displays the fields as defined on the map. If changes are not required, press TAB to proceed to the next field; if you want to return to a previous field, press SHIFT+TAB.
Note:
The map editor does not support X-arrays (eXtensible arrays).
The Array Definition window contains the following entries:
Enter the desired information and press ENTER. You are returned to the next item (AD) listed in the field attributes window.
A one-dimensional array consisting of 10 vertical occurrences with 2 blank lines to be inserted between each occurrence.
·Array Definition······························································ Name #1 Upper Bnds 10____ 1_____ 1_____ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dimensions Occurrences Starting from Spacing 1 . Index vertical 10_ ________ 2 Lines 0 . Index horizontal 1__ ________ 1 Columns 0 . Index (H/V) V 1__ ________ 0 Cls/Ls ··············································································· |
Same as example 1 except that the array is to be horizontal.
·Array Definition······························································ Name #1 Upper Bnds 10____ 1_____ 1_____ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dimensions Occurrences Starting from Spacing 0 . Index vertical 1__ ________ 0 Lines 1 . Index horizontal 10_ ________ 1 Columns 0 . Index (H/V) V 1__ ________ 0 Cls/Ls ··············································································· |
A two-dimensional array. The first dimension consists of 10 vertical occurrences with 1 blank line between each occurrence. The second dimension consists of 5 horizontal occurrences with 2 blank columns between each occurrence.
·Array Definition······························································ Name #1 Upper Bnds 10____ 5_____ 1_____ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dimensions Occurrences Starting from Spacing 1 . Index vertical 10_ ________ 1 Lines 2 . Index horizontal 5__ ________ 2 Columns 0 . Index (H/V) V 1__ ________ 0 Cls/Ls ··············································································· |
Same as example 3 except that the order of the dimensions is reversed.
·Array Definition······························································ Name #1 Upper Bnds 5_____ 10____ 1_____ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dimensions Occurrences Starting from Spacing 2 . Index vertical 10_ ________ 1 Lines 1 . Index horizontal 5__ ________ 2 Columns 0 . Index (H/V) V 1__ ________ 0 Cls/Ls ··············································································· |
A three-dimensional array. The first dimension consists of 3 vertical occurrences with 1 blank line between each occurrence. The second dimension consists of 5 horizontal occurrences with 2 blank columns between each occurrence. The third dimension consists of 2 occurrences, expanded vertically within each occurrence of the first dimension.
·Array Definition······························································ Name #1 Upper Bnds 3_____ 5_____ 2_____ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dimensions Occurrences Starting from Spacing 1 . Index vertical 3__ ________ 1 Lines 2 . Index horizontal 5__ ________ 2 Columns 3 . Index (H/V) V 2__ ________ 0 Cls/Ls ··············································································· |
An example of using Starting from. The first
dimension consists of 10 vertical occurrences starting from the index
I. I is defined in the map editor with Natural data
format/length N7 by default. The second dimension consists of 5 horizontal
occurrences starting from the index 3.
·Array Definition······························································ Name #1 Upper Bnds 10____ 5_____ 1_____ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dimensions Occurrences Starting from Spacing 1 . Index vertical 10_ I_______ 1 Lines 2 . Index horizontal 5__ 3_______ 2 Columns 0 . Index (H/V) V 1__ ________ 0 Cls/Ls ··············································································· |
An example of making a two-dimensional display from a one-dimensional array. The array consists of 40 elements. It is displayed in two columns with 20 lines each. This is achieved by specifying 0 as the horizontal index.
·Array Definition······························································ Name #1 Upper Bnds 40____ 1_____ 1_____ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dimensions Occurrences Starting from Spacing 1 . Index vertical 20_ ________ 0 Lines 0 . Index horizontal 2__ ________ 10 Columns 0 . Index (H/V) V 1__ ________ 0 Cls/Ls ··············································································· |
Attribute definition editing is performed as follows. Use the TAB key to move to the AD item in the field attribute window.
Press PF2 to invoke the following Attribute Definition window:
Children : 99 Years-Educ: 99
Family Status: XXXXXXXXXX Years-Comp: 99
Sex : X Vacation-D: 99
Sick-Days : 99
Hobby: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Address
-
State : XX ··Attribute Definition···
Zip : 99999 ·Representation ·
City : XXXXXXXXXXX·Alignment ·
Street/Number: XXXXXXXXXXX·I/O Characteristics ·
·Mandatory Characters ·
·Length Characteristics ·
·Upper/Lower Case ·
·Filler Character ·
··Extended Field Editing·······················································
·Field= PERSONNEL.STREET ·
·Format= A Len= 20 Alphan. Len= 20 PM= ·
·Rules: 0 Rule Editing? N Array: Array Editing? N Mode= Data ·
·AD= FHWOIL CD= CV= DY= -> HE= -> ·
·EM= ·
···············································································
|
Select the desired item with the cursor keys.
Press ENTER and an additional selection window for each item selected appears.
Note:
If the attribute definition character displayed is correct, use the
ESC key and this character is not changed. The ESC key
terminates AD editing.
A map field can be defined by selecting a data definition from another Natural object. Data definitions are either field definitions in a Natural DDM (data definition module) or variable definitions.
To select a data definition, first select the object class. Valid object classes are:
| Object Class | Description |
|---|---|
| A | Parameter Data Area |
| G | Global Data Area |
| H | Helproutine |
| L | Local Data Area |
| M | Map |
| N | Subprogram |
| P | Program |
| S | Subroutine |
| V | View (DDM) |
Programs, subroutines, subprograms and helproutines can only be used if
they contain a DEFINE
DATA statement.
For demonstration purposes, a Natural object of type DDM will be used.
From the MAP EDITOR menu, select
and then . Alternatively, enter C (for
) and then V (for View
Defined).
From the pop-up window that opens, select the library that contains the required DDM.
The following library list appears on the screen:
···············································································
· NATURAL MAP EDITOR (Esc to select field) ·
·Create Modify Erase Drag Info OFF Lines Ops. Map Quit ·
···············································································
N· A Parameter Data Area ·XXXX·ACTIO · : XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I· G Global Data Area · ·ACTION · : 999999
F· H Helproutine ·XXXX·AEH-BEDIENSTETER ·ion: 999999
C· L Local Data Area · ·AEH-HDAT ·duc: 99
F· M Map · ·BED ·omp: 99
S· N Subprogram · ·EMPLOYEES ·n-D: 99
· P Program · ·EMPLOYEES-FILE ·ys : 99
· S Subroutine · ·FUNC ·
· T Text Constant · ·FUNCTION ·XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
A· U User Defined · ·GEN_CODE ·
-· V View Defined · ·HILFSDAT ·
S. 1 Parm Defined . ·MAP ·
Z. 2 Local Defined . ·OBJ ·
C·························XXXX·OBJECTTYPE ·
Street/Number: XXXXXXXXXXXXXX·PERSONNEL ·
·PERSONNEL-FILE ·
······LIB= SYSTEM··
Take variable definition from view
|
Select the desired DDM (for example, PERSONNEL) and press
ENTER. The selected DDM is displayed in a window:
*** Personnel Data Detail Display Function ***
Person Data Employment Data
- -
Name : XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Job : XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Initial : X Salary : 999999
First-Name : XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Commission: 999999
Children : 99 Years-Educ: 99
Family Status: XXXXXXXXXX Years-Comp: 99
Sex : X Vacation-D: 99
Sick-Days : 99
Hobby: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Address
-
··PERSONEL·····································································
· 1 AA PERSONNEL-NUMBER N 8.0 D ·
· 1 AA PERSONAL-NUMMER N 8.0 D ·
· 1 AA NUMERO-PERSONNEL N 8.0 D ·
·G 1 G1 PERSON ·
· 2 BA NAME A 20 N D ·
···············································································
HD=PERSONNEL/NUMBER
|
This window displays, for the highlighted field, three additional information lines at the bottom of the screen.
These lines display the following information for the current field:
Edit mask
Header
Comments
The field name consists of the DDM name concatenated with the field name by a period, for example:
Select the fields which are to be included in your map and press ENTER.
The library window, listing the selected field in the "Field= " line appears and you are prompted to:
Position cursor and press Enter.
Position the cursor to the start of a field position and press ENTER.
Continue modifying fields as described under Creating a User-Defined Variable.
Repeat this procedure until all fields required for your map have been defined.
New parameters or local variables can be created or existing ones can be modified by selecting the item Parm Defined or Local Defined from the menu and pressing ENTER.
The following topics are covered below:
If you select the Parm Defined item, the following window appears:
··PARAMETER···································································· ·<CREATE> · ·TEST1 L 001:003 · ·TEST2 L 001:003,001:004 · ·TEST3 L 001:003,001:004,001:005 · ··············································································· |
With this function, new parameters can be added and existing parameters can be modified.
If you want to modify an existing parameter (for example,
TEST3), select it with your cursor and press ENTER. A
window pops up prompting you to select the desired action: you can
Edit or Delete the selected
parameter, or Cancel the action.
If you select Edit, the following window appears, in which you can edit the selected parameter:
··PARAMETER···································································· ·Name.....: TEST3 · ·Format...: L · · · ·Dimension: 3 · · Lower Bnds : Upper Bnds · ·1. Index.: 1 3 · ·2. Index.: 1 4 · ·3. Index.: 1 5 · ··············································································· |
If you want to create a new parameter, select the <CREATE> option. The same window appears, but this time it is empty so that you can make the specifications for the parameter to be created.
When you leave the above window, a further window pops up prompting you whether you want to either save your modifications/specifications or cancel the action.
If you select the "Local Defined" item, the following window appears:
··LOCAL········································································ ·<CREATE> · ·TESTA L 001:003 · ·TESTB L 001:003,001:004 · ·TESTC L 001:003,001:004,001:005 · ··············································································· |
With this function, new local variables can be added and existing variables can be modified. Local variables can be used to pass values from one processing rule to another.
If you want to modify an existing local variable (for example, TESTC), select it with your cursor and press ENTER. A window pops up prompting you to define the desired action: you can Edit the selected variable, Delete it, or Cancel the function.
If you define the action Edit, the following window appears, in which you can edit the selected local variable:
··LOCAL········································································ ·Name.....: TESTC · ·Format...: L · · · ·Dimension: 3 · · Lower Bnds : Upper Bnds · ·1. Index.: 1 3 · ·2. Index.: 1 4 · ·3. Index.: 1 5 · ··············································································· |
If you want to create a new local variable, select the <CREATE> option. The same window appears, but this time it is empty so that you can make the specifications for the variable to be created.
When you leave the above window, a further window pops up prompting you whether you want to either save your modifications/specifications or cancel the function.
This section describes the process of defining the map settings (profile) for a map.
The Map Profile is invoked by selecting "Prof. Map" from the "Ops. Map" selection list. The following screen is displayed:
···············································································
· NATURAL MAP EDITOR (Esc to select field) ·
·Cr··Map Settings······························································
·Format Context ·
·------------------------- ------------------------- ·
Add·Page Size .....: 24 ·
- ·Line Size .....: 79 WRITE Statement ...: N ·
Sta·Layout ........: ·
Zip· dynamic ......: N Helproutine ......: ·
Cit·Zero Print ....: N Help Parameter ....: ·
Str·Upper Case ....: Y as field default .: N ·
·Documentation Skip ...: N Help Text .........: N ·
·Decimal Char ..: . Position Line ....: 0 Column : 0 .
·Standard Keys .: N AutoRuleRank ......: 1 ·
·Right Justify .: Y ·
·Print Mode ....: Filler Characters ·
· ------------------------- ·
·Control Var ...: Optional, Partial .: _ ·
· Required, Partial .: _ ·
·Field Sensitive: N Optional, Complete : _ ·
Required, Complete : _ ·
·········································································
Modify map profile
|
This map profile screen comprises map profile settings and filler characters.
The following topics are covered below:
The following map profile settings can be used:
| Entry | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Page Size | The number of map lines to be edited (1 - 250); if
"Std Keys" (see below) is set to "Y", the number of lines is restricted to 3 -
250. For a map which is output with a WRITE statement
(see the entry "WRITE Statement" in the Context column of the Map Settings),
you specify the number of lines of the logical page output with the
WRITE statement, not the map size. Thus, the map may
be output several times on one page.
|
| Line Size | The number of map columns to be edited (5 - 249). |
| Layout dynamic | The name of a map source definition which contains
a predefined layout.
Y - Specifies the layout to be dynamic. The dynamically used layout does not become a fixed part of the map at compilation time, but is executed at runtime. Thus, subsequent modifications of a layout map become effective for all maps using that layout map. If the layout map includes user-defined variables, you have to define these parameters in the map using the layout map. Input fields and modifiable fields in the layout map are not open at runtime. Parameters can be added by pressing F9 within the Field and Variable Definitions function. N - Specifies the layout to be static. The static layout is copied into the source area when a map is initialized. Filler characters are not transferred; "N" is the default setting. |
| Zero Print |
Y - displays a field value of all zeros as one zero only. N - displays a zero value as blanks. This value is copied into the field definition when a new field is created and can be modified for individual fields using the extended field editing function. |
| Upper Case |
Y - indicates that all input entered for fields at map execution time is to be converted to upper case. N - indicates that no lower to upper case conversion is to be performed. This value is copied into the field definition when a new field is created, and can be modified for individual fields using the extended field editing function. |
| Manual Skip |
Y - Does not automatically move the cursor to the next field in the map at execution time even if the current field is completely filled. N - Moves the cursor automatically to the next field in the map at execution time when the current field is completely filled; "N" is the default setting. |
| Decimal Char | The character to be used as the decimal notation
character. This character can only be changed with the
GLOBALS
command.
|
| Standard Keys |
Y - leaves the last two lines of the map empty so that function-key specifications can be entered at execution time. N - causes all lines to be used for the map. |
| Right Justify | The type of field justification to be used for
numeric and alphanumeric fields taken from data definitions in other Natural
objects:
Y - right justified |
| Print Mode | The default print mode for variables:
C - indicates that an
alternative character set is to be used (special character table). |
| Control Var | The name of a control variable, the content of which determines the attribute characteristics of fields and texts that have the attribute definition AD=Y or (Y). The maximum length of a control variable is limited to 8 characters. The control variable referenced in the map must be defined in the program using that map. |
| Field Sensitive |
Y - specifies that processing rules attached to map fields are executed on a field-by-field basis; that is, immediately after you have left a given field. N - specifies that no field sensitivity is to be defined for the map, which means that the map is not to be processed until you have entered all necessary values in the map fields and pressed ENTER (or any F key). |
| WRITE Statement |
Y - Marking this field with
Y produces a N - Marking this field with
N will cause the result of the map definition
process to be an |
| Helproutine | The name of a helproutine which is invoked at runtime when the help function is invoked for this map (global help for map). For detailed explanation of the syntax, see the parameter "Help" in the section Modifying a User-Defined Variable - Field Editing. |
| Help Parameter | The help parameter which is invoked at execution
time when the help function is invoked.
Note: |
| as field default |
Y - specifies that the helproutine for the map is to apply as default to each individual field on the map, which means that the name of each field is passed individually to the helproutine. N - specifies that the name of the map is passed to the helproutine. |
| Help Text | Y - specifies that this map is actually help text; default = "N". |
| Position Line Column | The position where the help map is to appear on the screen at execution time. |
| AutoRuleRank | The rank (priority) assigned to Predict automatic rules when they are linked to the map during field definition. Default is 1. |
Filler characters can be assigned to indicate whether information for a field is mandatory and whether the field must be completely filled:
| Field Type | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Optional Partial | Is not mandatory, need not be completely filled. |
| Required Partial | Mandatory, need not be completely filled (AD=E). |
| Optional Complete | Is not mandatory, must be completely filled (AD=G). |
| Required Complete | Mandatory, must be completely filled (AD=EG). |
Filler characters may also be defined for individual fields using the
extended field editing function. For definition of field types, see also the
session parameter AD.
A field which has been previously defined in the screen layout of a map
may be assigned the field name and field attributes of a DDM field definition
or a DEFINE DATA definition.
Note:
Duplicate field names are only allowed for fields defined as "output
only fields".
A map field which has been created from a DDM must be redefined by using
the appropriate DDM field definition from this DDM or a DEFINE
DATA definition. However, this is only possible if it is the same
database field.
Post assignment of a DDM field definition can only be done by deleting
the respective field definition from the map and selecting a new DDM field
definition from a DDM or a DEFINE DATA definition
(see also
Selecting
Data Definitions).
Post assignment cannot be used for view arrays (in a DDM field
definition or a DEFINE DATA definition) if one or
more dimensions of that array are smaller than the dimensions of the array in
the layout.
In the map profile, you can specify whether a map is to be processed after you have entered all necessary values in the map fields and pressed ENTER, or whether the processing rules attached to the map fields are to be handled on a field-by-field basis.
When handled on a field-by-field basis, the processing rules attached to a field are executed immediately as soon as you have filled this field entirely or you move the cursor to another position; they are executed in the same order as without field sensitivity.
The following topics are covered below:
The advantages of field-sensitive processing are described in the following section.
Note:
To exploit the advantages of field-sensitive processing, you need
to adapt your existing processing rules accordingly. For more information on
processing rules, see
Rule
Editing - Processing Rules.
Without field-sensitive processing, the application would wait until all the fields have been filled in and you have pressed ENTER, before checking if the data entered are valid. In the worst case, you would have wasted time and effort filling in all the fields, before being informed of the error.
However, with field-sensitive processing, as soon as you have entirely
filled a field or leave the field by either pressing END or
SHIFT+END or moving the cursor with one of the cursor movement keys,
the data input is checked immediately, and other fields can be pre-filled
automatically (via REINPUT FULL) with data based on
the value entered in the previous field. Depending on this value, these data
may also be the result of a database query.
The information under which condition a field was left can be
retrieved from the *PF-KEY system variable, which
contains either "FULL" (if the field was entirely filled) or the name of the
key most recently pressed as shown in the following table.
| Pressed Key | *PF-KEY |
|---|---|
| LEFT-ARROW | LEFT |
| RIGHT-ARROW | RIGT |
| UP-ARROW | UP |
| DOWN-ARROW | DOWN |
| PAGE-UP | PGUP |
| PAGE-DOWN | PGDN |
| TAB | TAB |
| HOME | HOME |
| END | END |
| BACKTAB | BTAB |
| ENTER | ENTR |
| Field is full | FULL |
With field-sensitive processing, you can be guided from field to field, depending on the values entered. The cursor can skip fields that are pre-filled and take you to the next input field.
As messages are displayed immediately after a field has been checked, you are informed more promptly and more precisely as to what to do.
Depending on the value entered in a particular field, you can be prompted, for example, for a special password to access the requested information.
All these mechanisms described above make interaction with the application much faster and more efficient.
To be able to use field-sensitive processing, you first need to define a map as being field-sensitive by setting Field Sensitive to "Y" in the Map Profile. A window appears asking you whether field sensitivity should be with or without automatic field recognition:
···············································································
· NATURAL MAP EDITOR (Esc to select field) ·
·Cr··Map Settings······························································
·Format Context ·
·------------------------- ------------------------- ·
Add·Page Size .....: 24 ·
- ·Line Size .....: 79 WRITE································· ·
Sta·Layout ........: · Automatic Field Recognition ? · ·
Zip· dynamic ......: N Help · YES NO · ·
Cit·Zero Print ....: N Help ································· ·
Str·Upper Case ....: Y as field default .: N ·
·Documentation Skip ...: N Help Text .........: N ·
·Decimal Char ..: . Position Line ....: 0 Column: 0 .
·Standard Keys .: N AutoRuleRank ......: 1 ·
·Right Justify .: Y ·
·Print Mode ....: Filler Characters ·
· ------------------------- ·
·Control Var ...: Optional, Partial .: _ ·
· Required, Partial .: _ ·
·Field Sensitive: Y Optional, Complete : _ ·
Required, Complete : _ ·
·········································································
Modify map profile
|
Field sensitivity within a Natural map can be achieved in two different ways:
With automatic field recognition, which means that you need not code any conditions for activating the right processing rule.
Note:
If you upload such a map to the mainframe, the Natural mainframe
map editor does not understand the syntax of the uploaded map, because of new
syntax extensions.
Without automatic field recognition, which means that you are
responsible for being informed about which field was left with the last
keystroke. You can achieve this by using the system variables
*CURS-COL and
*CURS-LINE in your Natural program.
Note:
If you upload such a map to the mainframe,
STOW the map on the mainframe, and the same source
code will be generated.