Rational Programming Patterns

-D Lines tab

In this tab, you indicate the lines that constitute the Input Aid.

This tab contains a table and a detail section that can both be entered. The content of these two graphical elements is identical. The detail section opens when you create or select a line in the table.

You can click the buttons to maximize the table, create a line, remove a selected line, or reorder the display of the lines.

Note: To lighten the presentation of an Input Aid, you can insert blank lines. To do so, create a line and do not enter anything in the Fixed label and Variable label fields.
Type
You must select one of the following types:
  • Standard lines: When the Input Aid is called, this line type will contain the two following parts:
    • A fixed part, which is the label of the input field.
    • A variable part, in which a value will have to be entered.

      This variable part can be constituted of a symbolic value. It will be automatically replaced with the real value when the user enters this symbolic value upon the Input Aid call.

    Important: When an Input Aid is called by one or more instances, you can no longer add or remove standard lines. Moreover, the length of the input fields can no longer be modified.
  • C: Comments: When the Input Aid is called, this line type will be displayed as is, in a read-only mode. It is a comment without any variable part.
Fixed label
This label is the first part of a line that will be displayed with the Input Aid is called. It is required and must be constituted of 20 characters maximum.
Note: If the Input Aid is to be called in the -GG Lines of a Dialog, a Screen, a Server Dialog, or a Server, this field must contain a parameter key only. This key is constituted of two numeric characters. The list of the possible keys can be found in the help on the -GG Lines of these entities.
Variable label
Indicating a variable label is optional.
The value of this label varies according to the selected line type:
  • For a line with a Standard lines type, you indicate the variable part of the line. It is the initial value that will be displayed by default when the Input Aid is called. This value will be overwritten if necessary. If you do not indicate any variable field, only the fixed label will be displayed when the Input Aid is called.
  • For a line with a C: Comments type, you indicate the continuation of the comment if this comment is longer than 20 characters (length of the Fixed label).
Symbolic values
With symbolic values, you can control the input when the Input Aid is called.

If you click Modify, all the lines that are declared in the Symbolic values tab of the Input Aid are displayed. Select one of these lines. Each line is constituted of a parameter (that starts with $) followed by the parameter value. This value will be displayed in the variable part of the line when the Input Aid is called.

A parameter value cannot be modified in the calling instance. However, it can be modified in the Input Aid, even if this Input Aid is already called in instances. The new value will be automatically taken into account in the calling instances.

Length
In this field, you indicate the maximum length of the Variable label. It cannot exceed 40 characters.

Upon the Input Aid call, if the user input exceeds the specified length, an error will be generated.

Call type
In this field, you indicate the type to be assigned to the line when the Input Aid is called.
Three types are available:
  • Documentation line: This line type is not recognized when the instance that calls this Input Aid is generated. It is used to document the generated specification.
  • G: Elements for the generation of Database Blocks and Screens: This line type is recognized when the instance that calls this Input Aid is generated
  • O: Options for Database Blocks, client Screens, and Servers: This line type is used for the generation options.
Cross-reference key
This key is used to identify a variable part. Its maximum length is six characters.
Note: You can use the same key in various Input Aids if the purpose of the corresponding variable part is identical in all the Input Aids where the key is declared.

You can then search for the instances that contain the key. To do so, select the key and select Search > Text from the workspace menu bar. Select the search scope (workspace or project for example).


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