Dialog or Screen Definition tab

This tab is common to the Dialog and its constituting Screens. You specify the presentation characteristics of the Screens and the default values of the Screen attributes. The values that are selected at the Dialog level become the default values of the Screens and are marked as Inherited on the Screen Definition tab. Inappropriate default values can be overwritten in the Screen.

Dialog type
In this field, you initialize the Dialog or Screen type as a standard online type or a TUI type.
Type of COBOL to generate
The generation variants of Screens and Servers are the combination of the type of COBOL to generate and of the TP monitor variant. The type of COBOL to generate constitutes the first character in the table of the generation variants that is presented in the TP monitor variant field.
Note: Some variants are deprecated. Furthermore, the value 0 is forced to X upon the migration of Pacbase applications.
TP monitor variant
The generation variants of Screens are the combination of the type of COBOL to generate and of the TP monitor variant. The TP monitor variant constitutes the second character in the table of the Screen generation variants.

The variants that start with N do not trigger any generation.

The following table presents all the available generation variant types. The deprecated variant types cannot be used to generate.

Table 1. Screen generation variants
Variant types Generatable variants Deprecated variants
X0: IBM MVS COBOL II, IBM VSE COBOL II / BMS maps X  
X1: IBM MVS COBOL II, IBM VSE COBOL II / MFS maps X  
X2: IBM MVS COBOL II, IBM VSE COBOL II / BMS color maps X  
X3: IBM MVS COBOL II, IBM VSE COBOL II / MFS color maps X  
X4: IBM MVS COBOL II, IBM VSE COBOL II / IMS monitor X (standard Screens only)  
X5: IBM MVS COBOL II, IBM VSE COBOL II / CICS monitor X (standard Screens only)  
XC: IBM MVS COBOL II, IBM VSE COBOL II / CICS multi terminal X  
10, 12, 1C for IBM DOS/VSE   X
30: MICROFOCUS MS-DOS X  
31: MICROFOCUS OS2   X
32: MICROFOCUS UNIX X  
33: MICROFOCUS   X
40: BULL GCOS7 COBOL QUESTAR X  
41: BULL GCOS7 COBOL/VIP TYPE   X
4C: BULL GCOS7 COBOL/MULTI TERMINAL X  
4F: BULL GCOS7 COBOL/TDS FORMS X  
50, 51, 5C, 60, 61, and 6C for BULL GCOS8   X
80 and 8C for UNISYS A   X
FR and FS for TANDEM   X
I0: DEC/VAX IMS   X
KC: ICL   X
O0: AS/400 X (standard Screens only)  
Q0: ACUCOBOL X  
R0: TUXEDO X (Client Screens only)  
RC: TUXEDO Carray X (Client Screens only)  
U0 and UC for UNISYS 2200   X
Z0 : IBM AIX X (standard Screens only)  
Generation with map
Specify whether you want to generate the Screen with or without its map. It is selected by default. So, the map is generated by default.
Note: After the import, the check box is not selected if the -CE lines of the Screen are empty.
The map is never generated in the following cases:
  • The Type of COBOL to generate is C.
  • The combination Type of COBOL to generate and TP monitor variant is 4 0, 3 0, or 3 2.
The map generation can also be requested with the NOMAP option in the -GO Lines. In this case, the values of the two options are combined in the following way:
  • If this check box is selected, the map is generated if the NOMAP=NO option is generated. However, it is not generated if the NOMAP=YES option is indicated.
  • If this check box is not selected, the map is not generated, whichever the value of the NOMAP option is.

COBOL target

By default, the generated COBOL files are stored with the design files in a root folder whose default name you can change. However, you can separate them from the design files or even change the generation project and folder.

Note: More information on the The generation target is available.

In a Library, the default values of the COBOL project, COBOL folder, and Map folder (for Screens only) are the values of the current project.

If the project and folders are not indicated, the default values in a Dialog are the values of the Library or current project, as applicable. In a Screen or Server, the default values are the values of the Dialog, Library or current project, as applicable.

A COBOL folder or map (for Screen) can be indicated in various entities:
  • A Library. It then constitutes the default value for all the Dialogs and Screens or Servers of this Library.
  • A Dialog. It then constitutes the default value for all the Screens or Servers of this Dialog.
  • A Screen or Server. It then applies to the instance only.
COBOL project
The files that are generated from this instance are stored in the project displayed in this field.

The project of the corresponding design file is the default project. If it is kept, Default is displayed between parentheses next to the project. However, if it is explicitly changed in the instance, only the project is displayed in this field, without any other indication. If it is explicitly changed in the Dialog, Inherited from Dialog is then displayed between parentheses next to the project. If it is explicitly changed in the generation Library, Inherited from Library is then displayed between parentheses next to the project. In the instance, you can overwrite the value that is inherited from the Library.

You can select another project in the list.

If you change the project, the COBOL folder and map folder (for Screens) are automatically set to the default value (rpp). The new project then applies to the next generation.

COBOL folder
The files that are generated from this instance are stored in the folder displayed in this field, inside the project displayed in the previous field.

The folder of the corresponding design file is the default folder. If it is kept, Default is displayed between parentheses next to the folder. However, if it is explicitly changed in the instance, only the folder is displayed in this field, without any other indication. If it is explicitly changed in the Dialog, Inherited from Dialog is then displayed between parentheses next to the folder. If it is explicitly changed in the generation Library, Inherited from Library is then displayed between parentheses next to the folder. In the instance, you can overwrite the value that is indicated in the Library.

If the default folder is kept, you can specify a root path for the generated files in the Properties wizard (accessed by clicking Change project properties). This path is then automatically inserted in this field, at the beginning of the folder.

You can select another folder in the drop-down list. Creating a folder is impossible at this stage. Folders must have already been created in the project, for example from the Resource perspective.

If you change the folder, it applies to the next generation.

Change project properties
Click to open the Properties wizard, where you can complete the following actions:
  • Change the default folder. This folder contains the design files and is the default target of the generated and metadata files.
  • Indicate a root path for the generated files, only if the default generation folder is kept.
  • Indicate a root path for the metadata files, which are stored by default in the same folder as the other generated files.
Map folder
This folder is used for the Screen generation only. The map file is stored in the folder that is displayed in this field, inside the project indicated in the Project field.

You can change the map folder that is inherited from the Library in each instance.

If the default folder is kept, you can specify a root path for the generated files in the Properties wizard (accessed by clicking Change project properties). This path applies both to the COBOL files and the map files. It is automatically inserted in this field, at the beginning of the folder.

You can select another folder in the drop-down list. You cannot create a folder at this level. The folders must have already been created in the project, from the Resource perspective for example.

If the COBOL folder is changed and if the map folder contains the default value, then the map folder takes on the same value as the COBOL folder.

If you change the map folder, the new folder will apply from the next generation onwards.

Change project properties
Click to open the Properties wizard, where you can complete the following actions:
  • Change the default folder. This folder contains the design files and is the default target of the generated and metadata files.
  • Indicate a root path for the generated files, only if the default generation folder is kept.
  • Indicate a root path for the metadata files, which are stored by default in the same folder as the other generated files.
Label presentation initialization value
The values of this field correspond to the association between the Data Element and the presentation characteristics for these labels.

At the Screen level, it is used to override the selection that was made at the Dialog level.

The following labels are possible:
  • The long label (36 positions), which is entered on the Data Element Definition tab
  • The short label (18 positions), which is entered on the Data Element -D Lines tab
  • The relational label (18 positions), which is entered on the Data Element -D Lines tab
  • The column heading label, which is entered on the Data Element -D Lines tab
Table 2. Values for the display of the Data Element label
Value Comment
Default value The default value is specified in the Dialog.
F: Data Element only The Data Element is displayed without any label.
L: Data Element with long label, left-aligned The Data Element is preceded by the Data Element label, left-aligned, on 36 positions.
M: Data Element with long label, right-aligned The Data Element is preceded by the Data Element label, right-aligned, on 36 positions.
N: Data Element with long label, left-aligned, trimmed right The Data Element is preceded by the Data Element label, left-aligned with the deletion of blanks on the right.
R: Data Element with long relational label, left-aligned The Data Element is preceded by the relational label, left-aligned on 18 positions.
S: Data Element with short label, left-aligned The Data Element is preceded by the short label, left-aligned, on 18 positions.
T: Data Element with short label, right-aligned The Data Element is preceded by the short label, right-aligned, on 18 positions.
U: Data Element with short label, left-aligned, trimmed right The Data Element is preceded by the short label, left-aligned, with the deletion of blanks at the end of the string.
1: Data Element topped by a single line column label The Data Element is topped by the column label on one line.
2: Data Element topped by a 2–line column label The Data Element is topped by the column label on two lines.
3: Data Element topped by a 3–line column label The Data Element is topped by the column label on three lines.
Note: A period (.) is generated for the Data Elements that are preceded by a long, short, or relational label. For the Data Elements topped by a column label, the greatest length of the Data Element label and content is taken into account for the relative positioning in the Screen.
Program external name
It is the name of the file that is generated from this instance. The generated file name can then differ from the instance name.
Transaction code
Enter the transaction code in the following way:
  • For a CICS® variant, enter the four-character transaction code (Dialog default code).
  • For an IMS™ variant, enter the transaction code that is associated with the Dialog. This field is displayed on all the Dialog Screens except if the MONITOFF option (one transaction code for each Screen, no generated monitor) is specified.
Map external name
This field is unavailable on a Dialog.

It is the name of the map file (.bms, .mfs, or .map) generated from this instance. The generated file name of the map can then differ from the instance name. If this field is not entered, the map name is the instance name.

For CICS, you indicate the map set name.

For IMS, you indicate the format name.

For TANDEM, you indicate the name of the associated server for an R-type Screen (REQUESTER).

Screen size: number of lines
This field indicates the number of lines per Screen. This number must range between 1 and 62 inclusive. The Default value is 24 at the Dialog level.
Screen size: number of columns
This field indicates the number of columns per Screen. This number must range between 1 and 160 inclusive. The default value is 80 at the Dialog level.

The format (number of lines and number of columns) specifies the overall dimensions of the Screen.

When Screen "X" calls Screen "Y", the size of Screen "Y" is the size that is specified on its Definition tab. Therefore, the relative positioning of the Data Element that immediately follows the called Screen depends on the format of the called Screen.

Tabs initialization value
This field indicates the number of tabulation points per line. The default value is 1 at the Dialog level. The maximum authorized number is 50.

It is used to automatically position the Data Elements on the screen. The tabulation points are the invisible points on the screen, which divide each line into equal parts.

Each Data Element for which no absolute positioning is indicated is automatically moved to the next available tabulation point.

Character initialization value
In this field, you specify the default initial value for the variable Data Elements that are called in the Screen.

This initial value is set in the program that is associated with the Screen.

Help character for screen
The help character is to be used to request documentation on a screen. You can enter any character, left-aligned.
It is recommended to use this character only for the call of screen help. The documentation request is automatically recognized by the generated program.
Note: If the Generated language specified in the Library Definition tab is COBOL II or 85, the tests in F8150 to detect the characters for documentation request are run on the first character of the field only. They are not run on the whole field as it is the case for standard COBOL.
For the environments that authorize the use of PF keys, you can enter a specific PF key to call the documentation that is associated with the screen.
Note: A PF key and a character cannot be used together for documentation requests in the same Dialog.
Depending on the type of COBOL to generate, some specificities are added:
  • For IBM CICS, IBM IMS, AS/400, if you enter a character in this field, the numeric fields are not generated as such at the map level.
  • CICS, the following values can also be entered:
    • A1 for the AP1 function key
    • A2 for the AP2 function key
    • EN for the Enter key
    • 00 for the Clear key
  • For BULL multi-screens, PF keys can be used on 3270 screens. They work as in an IBM environment.
  • For TANDEM, entering a character is not authorized. Only the values from 01 to 32, which correspond to F1 to SF16, can be used.
  • For DEC/VAX, only the values 02, 03, 06 to 11 and 14 to 20 can be used for the PF keys.
  • For MICRO FOCUS, the values from 01 to 24 can be used for the PF keys.
  • For HP3000, the help function can be activated only by a character.
Help character for element
You can enter any character in this field. It must be left-aligned.

It is recommended to reserve this character for field help.

The documentation request is automatically recognized by the generated program.

The character for documentation request at the Data Element level is recognized.
Note: If the Generated language specified in the Library Definition tab is COBOL II or 85, the tests in F8150 to detect the characters for documentation request are run on the first character of the field only. They are not run on the whole field as it is the case for standard COBOL.
For the environments that authorize the use of PF keys, you can enter a specific PF key to call the documentation that is associated with a field.
Note: A PF key and a character cannot be used together for documentation requests in the same Dialog.

The documentation request is automatically recognized by the generated program when the user moves the cursor to an element and presses the PF key.

Depending on the type of COBOL to generate, some specificities are added:
  • For IBM CICS, IBM IMS, AS/400, if the field is coded with a specific character, numeric fields are not generated as such at the map level.
  • For CICS, the following values can also be used:
    • A1 for the AP1 function key
    • A2 for the AP2 function key
    • EN for the Enter key
    • 00 for the Clear key
  • For BULL multi-screen, PF keys can be used if the screens are of the 3270 type. They work as in an IBM environment.
  • For TANDEM, entering a character is not authorized. Only the values from 01 to 32 (F1 to SF16) can be used.
  • For DEC/VAX, the values 01, 02, 03, 06 to 11 and 14 to 20 can be used for the PF keys.
  • For MICRO FOCUS, the values from 01 to 24 can be used for the PF keys.
  • For HP3000, the help function can be activated by a character only. Since the screen reception does not authorize cursor positioning, it would be impossible to find which element was selected.

Intensity attributes

Select the intensity attributes for five types of fields: label, display, entry, error message, and error field.

They can be selected at the Dialog level and defaulted or overridden at the Screen level. The possible values for each attribute are the same whatever the field type:
  • Default value
  • N: Normal
  • B: Bright to highlight the field
  • D: Dark to hide the field.
Label
Select the intensity attribute of label fields.
Display
Select the intensity attribute of the display fields of the Screen.
Input
Select the intensity attribute of the input fields of the Screen.
Error message
Select the intensity attribute of the error messages of the Screen.
Error field
Select the intensity attribute of the error fields of the Screen.

Presentation attributes

Select the presentation attributes for five types of fields: label, display, entry, error message, and error field.

They can be selected at the Dialog level and defaulted or overridden at the Screen level. The possible values for each attribute are the same whatever the field type:
  • Default value
  • N: Normal
  • B: Blinking
  • R: Reversed video
  • U: Underlined
Label
Select the presentation attribute of label fields.
Display
Select the presentation attribute of the display fields of the Screen.
Input
Select the presentation attribute of the input fields of the Screen.
Error message
Select the presentation attribute of the error messages of the Screen.
Error field
Select the presentation attribute of the error fields of the Screen.

Color attributes

Select the color attributes for five types of fields: label, display, entry, error message, and error field.

They be selected at the Dialog level and defaulted or overridden at the Screen level. The possible values for each attribute are the same whatever the field type:
  • W: Normal
  • B: Blue
  • R: Red
  • P: Pink
  • Y: Yellow
  • G: Green
  • T: Turquoise
Label
Select the color attribute of label fields.
Display
Select the color attribute of the display fields of the Screen.
Input
Select the color attribute of the input fields of the Screen.
Error message
Select the color attribute of the error messages of the Screen.
Error field
Select the color attribute of the error fields of the Screen.

Feedback