XREF - Creation of XRef Data for Natural

This Natural profile parameter is used to enable/disable the creation of XRef data for Natural. This parameter also determines how XRef data are treated when Natural members are processed with the Natural utilities SYSMAIN or INPL or with the Object Handler.

Possible settings ON XRef data are generated in the cases described above. Documentation premise is not checked.
OFF XRef data are not generated. Documentation premise is not checked.
FORCE A Natural object can only be cataloged if a documentation object already exists for this implementation object. XRef data are generated in the cases described above.
DOC A Natural object can only be cataloged if a documentation object already exists for this object. XRef data are not generated.
Default setting OFF  
Dynamic specification yes  
Specification within session yes  
Applicable statements none  
Applicable commands XREF  

The following topics are covered below:

Possibilities of Setting the XREF Parameter

There are different ways to set the Natural XREF parameter:

  • In the Natural parameter file.

  • As a dynamic parameter when starting a Natural session.

  • In Natural Security. If Natural Security has been used to set the XREF parameter, the XREF command may only be used to enforce this setting (by changing from ON to FORCE, from OFF to ON or FORCE).

  • With the Natural XREF command. If Natural Security is not installed, the XREF parameter is usually set with the Natural XREF command. The Natural command XREF ? displays the current setting of the XREF parameter.

XRef Data Generation

XRef data is generated in two cases:

  • The Natural compiler writes XRef data for Natural programs and data areas when these are cataloged (provided that the XREF parameter has been set to either ON or FORCE, see below).

  • Natural Security writes XRef data for programs that are used as Startup, Restart or Error-Transaction in an application or as a special link if the XREF parameter is set to ON or FORCE in the application's Natural Security definition and a user system file is defined for the application.

The XREF parameter controls the compilation in two aspects:

  • generation of XRef data in the cases described above and

  • fulfilment of premise to document implementation objects. The adherence to this premise can be ensured by allowing the completion of the catalog operation only for objects that are documented in the Predict FDIC system file or in the development server file used in Natural Single Point of Development (SPoD).

Extended XRef Data Generation (For Internal Use Only)

The extended XREF parameter is reserved for internal use by Natural.