DDS concepts

DDS syntax for a display file



Syntax for a Display File. An illustration of a DDS coding form that describes a display file.

(1)
Comments (optional): Comments can appear on any line in DDS. They are identified by an asterisk in position 7.

(2)
File level (optional): File-level keywords appear before the first record format name (RECORDA on line 00040).

(3)
Record level (at least one required): R in position 17 identifies RECORDA as a record format name. The record level continues until either the first field is specified or the first help specification.

(4)
Help level (optional): H in position 17 identifies the beginning of a help specification. A help specification continues until the next H in position 17 or until the first field. Each help specification must include at least one HLPARA keyword, and a HLPRCD or HLPDOC keyword.

(5)
Field level (optional): Display file fields that are passed between the display device and the program must be named fields and must have a length specified. Other attributes can be specified explicitly or by default. Constant (unnamed) fields require only a location and a keyword, as described in DATE, DFT, TIME, and MSGCON keyword descriptions in the keyword topic for display files. Positions 17 through 38 do not apply to constant fields.

Notes:

  1. Items (3) through (5) can be repeated to specify new record formats within the display file.


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