The following terms are used throughout this documentation:
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Browse program | Program that retrieves records from a specified file and allows users to select a record for processing. Sometimes referred to as a query program. |
| Browse a file | View the records in a specified file. |
| Code frame | Block of code that performs a specified function. A code frame is the basic element of a model; it is a skeleton outline of the code generated by the model. |
| Constant | Value that is always the same. |
| Copycode | Static code that is provided to copy and use in INCLUDE statements. |
| Cursor-sensitive or Cursor sensitivity | Ability to move the cursor to an item on the screen and press Enter to select the item. If you are using a PC connection to access Natural Construct, you can double-click with the mouse to select. |
| Data area | Natural module in which data is stored. For example, a parameter data area (PDA) stores parameters that are passed between subprograms, and a global data area (GDA) stores data that is used by all programs within an application. |
| Enter | Type a value in a field and press Enter (or Return). |
| Execute | Start or display a program, menu, panel, editor, utility, etc. Also referred to as “invoke”. |
| Field | Area in a window or on a panel that either displays information or requires the user to specify information (for example, type or select information). |
| Function | Menu option, for example, the Maintain Models function on the Administration main menu. |
| Helproutine | Natural module that displays a help panel. |
| Invoke | See Execute. |
| Mark a field | Type any non-blank character in the field.
Note: |
| Model | Natural Construct template used to record specifications and generate source code into a Natural buffer. |
| Module | Any object that is generated by Natural Construct or created in Natural. |
| Object | Any entity that represents a business function and is used by Natural Construct. |
| Optional field | Field for which information is optional rather than required. |
| Panel | Screen or map on which parameters may be specified. |
| Parameter | Value for a field. |
| PF-key | Program function key. To perform the associated function, press that key. For example, pressing PF1 (help) displays help information. |
| Program | Block of code that performs a function, such as a subprogram, subroutine, helproutine, etc. Also referred to as a module. |
| Query program | See Browse program. |
| Required field | Field for which input is required. |
| Return code | Code entered on a menu to return to the previous panel. The return code on Natural Construct menus is a period (.) |
| Scroll | Move forward (down), backward (up), left, or right through the information displayed on a panel or in a window. |
| Specify | Supply a value for an input field (for example, by typing a value in the field and pressing the Enter key or by marking the field). |
| Subprogram | Self-contained block of code that is called via parameters by a program to perform a function. |
| Subroutine | Block of code (within a larger block of code) that is referenced one or more times. A subroutine is typically used to perform repetitive tasks or to isolate a specific task. |
| Substitution parameters | Parameters that have the same format and different values at generation time. |
| Terminate | End your Natural Construct session. |
| User exit | Area in the program code that is reserved for user-defined functions. In these areas, users can change the functionality of the generated functions to suit their own requirements. User exit code is preserved when the program is regenerated. |
| Utility | Supplied program that performs a specific function (for example, the model load utility). |
| Variable | Value that represents one of many possible values. The actual value can be supplied by Natural when the program is executed or supplied by other variables (either user-supplied or derived). |
| Window | Separate, self-contained area displayed on a panel (for example, a help window). |
