DDS concepts


Appendix F. DDS glossary of terms

This glossary includes terms and definitions from:

A/N/K
Pertaining to alphabetic, numeric, or Katakana characters.

absolute value
The magnitude of a number.

access path
The order in which records in a database file are organized for processing by a program. See arrival sequence access path and keyed sequence access path.

active record
An active subfile record or any record format that is currently shown on a display. See also active subfile record. Contrast with inactive record.

active subfile
A subfile in which a write operation was issued to the subfile record format or to the subfile control record format with the DDS keyword SFLINZ in effect.

active subfile record
A record that was added to the subfile by a write operation, or a record that was initialized by the DDS keyword SFLINZ. Contrast with inactive subfile record.

Advanced Function Printing (AFP(TM))
Pertaining to the ability of programs to use the all-points-addressable concept to print text and images on a printer.

Advanced Function Printing data stream (AFPDS)
In AFP support, the printer data stream used for printing Advanced Function Printing data. The AFPDS includes composed text, page segments, electronic overlays, form definitions, and fonts that are downloaded from the system to the printer.

AFP
See Advanced Function Printing (AFP).

AFP resources
The form definitions, page definitions, fonts, overlays (electronic forms), and page segments (graphic images). With the PrintManager(TM) program, resources can either exist in a system library, or be placed inline with a print job as the job is written to the spool.

AFPDS
See Advanced Function Printing data stream (AFPDS).

alphabetic character
In DDS and IDDU, any one of the uppercase letters A through Z or one of the characters #, $, or @.

alphanumeric
Pertaining to the letters A through Z or a through z; numbers 0-9; and special symbols $, #, @, ., or _.

alternative collating sequence
A user-defined collating sequence that replaces the standard EBCDIC collating sequence. See collating sequence.

arrival sequence access path
An access path to a database file that is arranged according to the order in which records are stored in the physical file. See also keyed sequence access path and access path.

ascending sequence
The arrangement of data in order from the lowest value to the highest value, according to the rules for comparing data. Contrast with descending sequence.

asterisk fill
A type of numeric editing that puts asterisks to the left of a number to fill unused positions. Example: *****476.12

attribute
A characteristic or trait of one or more items.

attribute character
A character associated with a field in a display file record format that defines how the field is displayed.

bar code
A pattern of bars of various widths containing data to be interpreted by a scanning device.

beginning attribute character
For a display file, the character that precedes the first position in a field and that defines how the data in the field is displayed.

both field
A field that can be used for either input data or output data.

bracketed DBCS
A character string in which each character is represented by 2 bytes. The character string starts with a shift-out (SO) character and ends with a shift-in (SI) character. Contrast with DBCS-graphic.

byte
A group of 8 adjacent bits. In the EBCDIC coding system, 1 byte can represent a character. In the double-byte coding system, 2 bytes represent a character.

changed subfile record
A subfile record into which the work station user has entered data, or a subfile record for which a write or change operation was issued with the DDS keyword SFLNXTCHG or DSPATR(MDT) in effect.

character
Any letter, number, or other symbol in the data character set that is part of the organization, control, or representation of data.

character constant
The actual character value (a symbol, quantity, or constant) in a source program that is itself data, instead of reference to a field that contains the data. Contrast with numeric constant.

character field
An area that is reserved for information that can contain any of the characters in the character set. Contrast with numeric field.

character set
A group of characters used for a specific reason; for example, the set of characters the display station can display, the set of characters a printer can print, or a particular set of graphic characters in a code page; for example, the 256 EBCDIC characters.

character string
A sequence of consecutive characters that are used as a value.

characters per inch (cpi)
The number of characters printed horizontally within an inch across a page.

check digit
The far right number of a self-check field used to verify the accuracy of the field.

close
The function that ends the connection between a file and a program, and ends the processing. Contrast with open.

code page
(1) A particular assignment of hexadecimal identifiers to graphic characters.
(2) In AFP support, a font file that associates code points and graphic character identifiers.

code point
(1) One of the bit patterns assigned to a character in a character set. On iSeries servers, a code point is represented by a hexadecimal number. For example, in code page 256 (EBCDIC), the letter "e" is assigned a code point of hex 85.
(2) In AFP support, an 8-bit binary number representing one of 256 potential characters.

code-page ID
A 5-digit registered identifier used to specify a particular assignment of code points to graphic characters. The code-page ID is the second part of the QCHRID system value or the CHRID parameter value. See also graphic character-set ID.

coded character set identifier (CCSID)
A 16-bit number identifying a specific set of encoding scheme identifiers, character set identifiers, code page identifiers, and other relevant information that uniquely identifies the coded graphic character representation used.

coded font
In AFP support, a font file that associates a code page and a font character set. For double-byte fonts, a coded font associates multiple pairs of code pages and font character sets.

coded graphic character-set ID
A 10-digit identifier (two 5-digit identifiers separated by a space) that is the combination of a graphic character-set ID and a code-page ID. See also graphic character-set ID and code-page ID.

collating sequence
The order in which characters are arranged within the computer for sorting, combining, or comparing.

column separator
A symbol on each side of a position of a field on a display. This symbol does not occupy a position on the display.

command
A statement used to request a function of the system. A command consists of the command name abbreviation, which identifies the requested function, and its parameters.

command attention (CA) key
In DDS, a keyboard key that can be specified with the CA keyword to request the function specified by the keyword. Data is not returned to the system. Contrast with command function (CF) key.

command function (CF) key
In DDS, a keyboard key that can be specified with the CF keyword to request the function specified by the keyword. Data is returned to the system. Contrast with command attention (CA) key.

compile
To translate a program written in a high-level programming language into a machine-language program.

compile time
The time during which a source program is translated by a compiler into a machine-language program.

compiler listing
A printout that is produced by compiling a program or creating a file and that optionally includes, for example, a line-by-line list of the high-level language source, a cross-reference list, diagnostic information; and for programs, the description of the externally described files. See also source listing.

composite key
A key for a file or record format that is composed of more than one key field.

concatenated field
Two or more fields that are combined to make one field in a logical file.

condition name
For display files, a name used to control the selection of DDS keywords and display locations based on the model of the display station.

conditioning
A feature that helps users to develop and create display files, printer files, and database files.

constant field
In an externally described display or printer file, an unnamed field that contains actual data that is passed to the display or printer but is unknown to the program passing it.

continuation line
An additional line (or lines) required to continue the coding of a CL command or a DDS keyword and its value.

country or region ID
See country or region identifier.

country or region identifier
The 2-character representation for the country or region associated with an object. For example, documents and user profiles can have a country or region associated with them.

creation date
The system date when an object is created. See also job date, and system date.

currency symbol
A character such as the dollar sign ($) used to identify monetary values.

cursor
A movable symbol, often a blinking or solid block of light, that tells the display station user where to type, or identifies a choice to select.

data description specifications (DDS)
A description of the user's database or device files that is entered into the system in a fixed form. The description is then used to create files.

data file
A group of related data records organized in a specific order. A data file can be created by the specification of FILETYPE(*DATA) on the create commands. Contrast with source file.

data file utility (DFU)
The part of the WebSphere Development Studio that is used to enter, maintain, and display records in a database file.

data stream
All information (data and control commands) sent over a data link usually in a single read or write operation.

data type
A characteristic used for defining data as numeric or character.

database
All the data files stored in the system.

database file
One of several types of the system object type *FILE kept in the system that contains descriptions of how input data is to be presented to a program from internal storage and how output data is to be presented to internal storage from a program. See also physical file and logical file.

DBCS
See double-byte character set (DBCS).

DBCS conversion
A function of the operating system that allows a display station user to enter alphanumeric data and request that the alphanumeric data be converted to double-byte data.

DBCS-either
Pertaining to a character string that is either SBCS or bracketed DBCS, but not both. Contrast with DBCS-graphic, DBCS-only, and DBCS-open.

DBCS-graphic
Pertaining to a character string in which each character is represented by 2 bytes. The character string does not contain shift-out (SO) and shift-in (SI) characters. Contrast with DBCS-either, DBCS-only, and DBCS-open.

DBCS-only
Pertaining to a character string that is only bracketed DBCS. Contrast with DBCS-either, DBCS-graphic, and DBCS-open.

DBCS-open
Pertaining to a character string that can be a mixture of SBCS and bracketed DBCS. Contrast with DBCS-either, DBCS-graphic, and DBCS-only.

DDS
See data description specifications (DDS).

decimal position
(1) The location of the decimal point in a series of numbers.
(2) Numbers to the right of the decimal point. For example, 4.009 has three decimal positions.

default
(1) A value that is automatically supplied or assumed by the system or program when no value is specified by the user.
(2) In DDS, the value specified by the user with the DFT or DFTVAL keyword in DDS.

descending sequence
The arrangement of data in order from the highest value to the lowest value, according to the rules for comparing data. Contrast with ascending sequence.

DEVD
See device description.

device description
An object that contains information describing a particular device or logical unit (LU) that is attached to the system. A device description is a description of the logical connection between two LUs (local and remote locations). The system-recognized identifier for the object type is *DEVD.

device file
One of several types of the system object type *FILE. A device file contains a description of how data is to be presented to a program from a device or how data is to be presented to the device from the program. Devices can be display stations, printers, diskette units, tape units, or remote systems.

DFU
See data file utility (DFU).

digit
Any of the numerals from 0 through 9.

display file
A device file to support a display station.

display screen
The part of the display device, which is similar to a television (TV) picture tube, used to display information entered or received at a display station.

display station
A device that includes a keyboard from which an operator can send information to the system and a display screen on which an operator can see the information sent to or the information received from the system.

double precision
The specification that causes a floating-point value to be stored (internally) in the long format (two computer words). Double precision is known as long precision in BASIC. Contrast with single precision.

double-byte character
An entity that requires two character bytes.

double-byte character set (DBCS)
A set of characters in which each character is represented by 2 bytes. Languages such as Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, which contain more symbols than can be represented by 256 code points, require double-byte character sets. Because each character requires 2 bytes, the typing, displaying, and printing of DBCS characters requires hardware and programs that support DBCS. Four double-byte character sets are supported by the system: Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese. Contrast with single-byte character set (SBCS).

double-byte coded font
In AFP support, a font in which the characters are defined by 2 bytes: the first defining a coded font section, the second defining a code point. Synonymous with double-byte font. Contrast with single-byte coded font.

draft
A printed copy of a document that is not yet completed.

duplicate key value
The occurrence of the same value in a key field or in a composite key in more than one record in a file.

dynamic select/omit
Selection and omission of logical file records performed during processing, instead of when the access path (if any) is maintained. Dynamic select/omit may also be used when no keyed access path exists.

edit
To change a numeric field for output by suppressing zeros and inserting commas, periods, currency symbols, the sign status, or other constant information.

edit code
A letter or number indicating that editing should be done according to a defined pattern before a field is displayed or printed. Contrast with edit word.

edit description
A description of a user-defined edit code. The system-recognized identifier is *EDTD.

edit word
A user-defined word with a specific format that indicates how editing should be done. Contrast with edit code.

electronic overlay
An AFP resource object that is a collection of predefined data, such as lines, shading, text, boxes, or logos, that can be merged with variable data on a page while printing. The system-recognized identifier for the object type is *OVL.

embedded blank
A space between characters within a unit of data.

ending attribute character
For a display file, the character following the last position in a field.

exponent
(1) A number, indicating to which power another number (the base) is to be raised.
(2) In floating-point format, an integer constant specifying the power of ten by which the base of the decimal floating-point number is to be multiplied.

expression
In DDS, a pair of values that represents a single parameter value.

externally described data
Data contained in a file for which the fields and the records are described outside of the program (such as with files created by DDS, IDDU, or the DB2 UDB for iSeries licensed program) that processes the file. Contrast with program-described data.

externally described file
A file in which the records and fields are described to the system when the file is created, and used by the program when the file is processed. Contrast with program-described file.

field
A group of related bytes (such as name or amount) that is treated as a unit in a record.

field level specifications
In DDS, specifications coded on the same line as a field name or on lines immediately following a field name. See also file level specifications, record level specifications, help level specifications, join level specifications, key field level specifications, and select/omit level specification.

field reference file
A physical file that contains no data, only descriptions of fields.

field selection
A function that uses the state of the option indicators to display or print data when a record format is written.

file
A generic term for the object type that refers to a database file, a device file, or a save file. The system-recognized identifier for the object type is *FILE.

file level specifications
In DDS, specifications coded on the lines before the first record format name. See also field level specifications, key field level specifications, record level specifications, join level specifications, select/omit level specifications, and help level specifications.

fixed currency symbol
A currency symbol that appears in the far left position of an edited field. Contrast with floating currency symbol.

fixed-length
Pertaining to a characteristic of a file in which all of the records are the same length, or pertaining to a characteristic of a field on a display that is of a defined length.

floating currency symbol
A currency symbol that appears immediately to the left of the far left position in an edited field. Contrast with fixed currency symbol.

floating-point
A method of encoding real numbers within the limits of finite precision available on computers.

fold
To continue data on the next line. Contrast with truncate.

folder
A directory for documents. A folder is used to group related documents and to find documents by name. The system-recognized identifier for the object type is *FLR. See also document library object. Compare with library.

font
An assortment of characters of a given size and type style.

font character set
In AFP support, a font file that contains the raster patterns, identifiers, and descriptions of characters.

font ID
A number that identifies the character style and size for certain printers.

function key
A keyboard key that allows the user to select keyboard functions or programmer functions. Contrast with character key.

GDF file
See graphics data format (GDF) file.

graphic character set
A set of graphic characters in a code page.

graphic character-set ID
A 5-digit registered identifier used to specify a graphic character set. The graphic character-set ID is the first part of the QCHRID system value or the CHRID parameter value. See also code-page ID.

graphics data format (GDF) file
A picture definition in a coded order format used internally by the GDDM(R) function and, optionally, providing the user with a lower-level programming interface than the GDDM application programming interface.

help level specifications
In a display file, data description specifications coded between the record and field level that define areas on the screen and associate help information with those areas. See also file level specifications, field level specifications, join level specifications, key field level specifications, record level specifications, and select/omit level specifications.

hexadecimal
Pertaining to a numbering system with a base of 16.

hidden field
A field in a display file that is passed to and from the program but is not sent to the display.

high-level language (HLL)
A programming language, such as RPG, BASIC, PL/I, Pascal, COBOL, and C used to write computer programs.

Hiragana
A graphic character set that is used to write Japanese words phonetically. This set of characters is used as word endings when writing in Kanji. Contrast with Katakana.

human readable interpretation (HRI)
In IBM Advanced Function Printing Utilities for iSeries, the characters printed above or below a bar code. These characters are read by people, not by scanners.

ICF
See intersystem communications function (ICF).

ICF file
A device file that allows a program on one system to communicate with a program on another system. There can be one or more sessions with the same or different communications devices at the same time.

IGC
Abbreviation used in commands and keywords to represent double-byte character set functions.

ILE
See Integrated Language Environment(R) (ILE).

implicit
Capable of being understood from something else, though unexpressed.

inactive record
An inactive subfile record or any record format that is not currently shown on a display. See also inactive subfile record. Contrast with active record.

inactive subfile record
A subfile record that either was not added to a subfile by a write operation or was described as inactive by the data description specification (DDS) keywords SFLINZ and SFLRNA. Contrast with active subfile record.

indicator
(1) A 1-character or 2-character code that is used by a program to test a field or record or to tell when certain operations are to be performed.
(2) An internal switch used by a program to remember when a certain event occurs and what to do when that event occurs.

input field
A field specified in a display file or database file that is reserved for information supplied by a user. Contrast with output field.

integer
A positive or negative whole number.

Integrated Language Environment (ILE)
Pertaining to a set of constructs and interfaces that provides a common run-time environment and run-time bindable application program interfaces (APIs) for all ILE-conforming high-level languages.

Intelligent Printer Data Stream (IPDS)
Pertaining to an all-points-addressable data stream that allows users to position text, images, and graphics at any defined point on a printed page.

intersystem communications function (ICF)
A function of the operating system that allows a program to communicate interactively with another program or system.

IPDS
See Intelligent Printer Data Stream (IPDS).

job date
The date associated with a job. The job date usually assumes the system date, but it can be changed by the user. See also creation date and system date.

join
An operation that combines data from two or more files using specified fields.

join field
A comparison field that identifies records from two files to be combined into one record.

join level specifications
For a join logical file, data description specifications coded between the record and field level that define how to join two physical files. See also file level specifications, field level specifications, key field level specifications, help level specifications, record level specifications, and select/omit level specifications.

join logical file
A logical file that combines (in one record format) fields from two or more physical files. See also logical file.

justify
To adjust text so that line endings are even. See left-justify and right-justify.

Kanji
Characters originating from the Chinese characters used in the Japanese written language.

Katakana
A graphic Japanese character set that is used to write non-Japanese words phonetically in Japanese. Contrast with Hiragana.

key field
A field used to arrange the records of a particular type within a file member.

key field level specifications
Data description specifications coded on the lines following the last field specification. Key field level specifications are permitted only for physical files or logical files. See also field level specifications, file level specifications, record level specifications, help level specifications, join level specifications, and select/omit level specifications.

keyboard shift
In DDS, a characteristic that can be specified for a field in a display file that automatically shifts the display station keyboard to control what the display station user can enter into the field. In IDDU and DDS, the keyboard shift can also be specified in database files, but only applies when these fields are referred to in a display file.

keyed sequence access path
An access path to a database file that is arranged according to the contents of key fields contained in the individual records. See also arrival sequence access path and access path.

keyword
In DDS, a name that identifies a function.

keyword functions
The result of processing DDS keywords in a record format specified on an operation. See also operation.

library
A system object that serves as a directory to other objects. A library groups related objects, and allows the user to find objects by name. The system-recognized identifier for the object type is *LIB. Compare with folder and document library.

library list
A list that indicates which libraries are to be searched and the order in which they are to be searched. The system-recognized identifier is *LIBL.

library name
A user-defined word that names a library.

lines per inch (lpi)
The number of characters that can be printed vertically within an inch.

local
Pertaining to a device or system that is connected directly to your system or a file that is read directly from your system, without the use of a communications line. Contrast with remote.

local work station
A work station that is connected directly to the system without a need for data transmission functions. Contrast with remote work station.

locked keyboard
A keyboard condition where the display station accepts no input.

logical file
A description of how data is to be presented to or received from a program. This type of database file contains no data, but it defines record formats for one or more physical files. See also join logical file and database file. Contrast with physical file.

logical file member
A named logical grouping of data records from one or more physical file members. See also member.

lpi
See lines per inch (lpi).

magnetic stripe reader
A device, attached to a display station, that reads data from a magnetic stripe on a badge before allowing an operator to sign on.

mandatory entry field
A field in which an operator must enter at least one character.

mandatory fill field
A field that an operator must leave blank, or must fill in completely.

MDT
See modified data tag (MDT).

member
Different sets of data, each with the same format, within one database file. See also source member.

message file
An object that contains message descriptions. The system-recognized identifier for the object type is *MSGF.

message identifier
A seven-character code that identifies a predefined message, and is used to get the message description from a message file. See predefined message.

message line
An area on the display where messages are displayed.

message reference key
A key assigned to every message on a message waiting line. This key is used to remove a message from a message waiting line, to receive a message, and to reply to a message.

message subfile
A subfile where the records are messages from a program message queue.

modified data tag (MDT)
An indicator, associated with each input or output field in a displayed record, that is automatically set on when data is typed into the field. The modified data tag is maintained by the display file and can be used by the program using the file.

modulus
In BASIC and communications, a number, such as a positive integer, in a relationship that divides the difference between two related numbers without leaving a remainder. For example, 9 and 4 have a modulus of 5 (9 - 4 = 5; 4 - 9 = -5; and 5 divides both 5 and -5 without leaving a remainder).

modulus 10 checking/modulus 11 checking
(1) A method for verifying data.
(2) Formulas used to calculate the check digit for a self-check field.

negative response
In data communications, a reply indicating that data was not received correctly or that a command was incorrect or unacceptable. Contrast with positive response. See also exception response.

numeric character
Any one of the digits 0 through 9.

numeric constant
The actual numeric value to be used in processing, instead of the name of a field containing the data. A numeric constant can contain any of the numeric digits 0 through 9, a sign (plus or minus), and a decimal point. See also floating-point constant. Contrast with character constant.

numeric field
An area that is reserved for a particular unit of information and that can contain only the digits 0 through 9. Contrast with character field.

object
A named storage space that consists of a set of characteristics that describe itself and, in some cases, data. An object is anything that exists in and occupies space in storage and on which operations can be performed. Some examples of objects are programs, files, libraries, and folders.

object name
The name of an object. Contrast with qualified name.

online information
Information on the display screen that explains displays, messages, and programs. See also textual data.

open
The function that connects an object of type *FILE to a program for processing. Contrast with close.

operation
The result of processing statements in a high-level language. See also keyword functions.

option indicator
A 1-character field that is passed with an output data record from a program to the system that is used to control the output function, such as controlling which fields in the record are displayed.

OS/400
See IBM Operating System/400(R) Version 2 (OS/400).

output
Information or data received from a computer that is shown on a display, printed on the printer, or stored on disk, diskette, or tape.

output field
A field specified in a display file, database file, printer file, or ICF file that is reserved for the information processed by a program. Contrast with input field.

output/input field
A field specified in a database, display, or ICF file that can be used for both the information supplied to the program and the information received from the program during processing. See also input field and output field.

overflow
The condition that occurs when the last line specified as the overflow line to be printed on a page has been passed.

overlapping fields
Fields in the same display or printer record that occupy the same positions on the display or page. Option indicators can be used to select which of the overlapping fields is to be displayed or printed.

overlay
For AFP support, see electronic overlay.

page
(1) Each group of records in a subfile that are displayed at the same time.
(2) To move information up or down on the display.

page down
To move to the information below the information currently shown on the display. Contrast with page up.

page up
To move to the information above the information currently shown on the display. Contrast with page down.

parameter
A value supplied to a command or program that is used either as input or to control the actions of the command or program.

physical file
A description of how data is to be presented to or received from a program and how data is actually stored in the database. A physical file contains one record format and one or more members. See also database file. Contrast with logical file.

physical file member
A named subset of the data records in a physical file. See also member.

PIP
See problem isolation procedure (PIP) or program initialization parameters (PIP).

positive response
In SNA, a response indicating that a request arrived and was successfully received and processed. Contrast with negative response. See also definite response.

primary file
In the DDS for a join logical file, the first physical file specified on the JFILE keyword. Contrast with secondary file.

printer file
A device file that determines what attributes printed output will have. A particular printer may or may not support all of the attributes specified in a printer file.

program initialization parameters (PIP)
The initial parameter value(s) passed to a target program as input or used to set up the process environment.

program message queue
An object used to hold messages that are sent between program calls of a routing step. The program message queue is part of the job message queue.

program-described data
Data contained in a file for which the fields in the records are described in the program that processes the file. Contrast with externally described data.

program-described file
A file for which the fields in the records are described only in the programs that process the file. To the operating system, the record appears as a character string. Contrast with externally described file.

protected field
A field on a display in which a user cannot add, change, or delete data.

qualified name
The name of the library containing the object and the name of the object. Contrast with object name.

read operation
An input operation that obtains data from a file or device and passes it to a program.

read-from-invited-program-devices operation
An input operation that waits for input from any one of the invited program devices for a user-specified time. Contrast with read-from-one-program-device operation.

read-from-one-program-device operation
An input operation that will not complete until the specified device has responded with input. Contrast with read-from-invited-program-devices operation.

record
A group of related data, words, or fields treated as a unit, such as one name, address, and telephone number.

record format
A named part of a file that identifies records of a specified record format description.

record level specifications
Data description specifications coded on the same line as a record format name or on lines immediately following a record format name (until the first field is specified). See also field level specifications, file level specifications, key field level specifications, help level specifications, join level specifications, and select/omit level specifications.

relational operator
The reserved words or symbols used to express a relational condition or a relational expression.

relative file number
In the DDS for a join logical file, a sequential number assigned to a physical file based on the position of that file on the JFILE keyword specification.

relative record number
A number that specifies the relationship between the location of a record and the beginning of a database file, member, or subfile. For example, the first record in a database file, member, or subfile has a relative record number of 1.

remote
Pertaining to a device, system, or file that is connected to another device, system, or file through a communications line. Contrast with local.

remote work station
A work station that is connected to the system by data communications. Contrast with local work station.

response indicator
A 1-character field passed with an input record from the system to a program to provide information about the data record or actions taken by the work station user.

reverse image
Text that appears on the display in the opposite color (for example, black on green instead of green on black).

screen design aid (SDA)
A function of the WebSphere Development Studio that helps the user design, create, and maintain displays and menus.

SCS
See SNA character string (SCS).

SDA
See screen design aid (SDA).

secondary file
In the DDS for a join logical file, any physical file, other than the first physical file, that is specified on the JFILE keyword. Contrast with primary file.

select/omit field
A field in a logical file record format whose value is tested by the system to determine if records including that field are to be used. The test is a comparison with a constant, the contents of another field, a range of values, or a list of values; and the record is either selected or omitted as a result of the test. See also dynamic select/omit.

select/omit level specifications
Data description specifications coded on the lines following the last key-field specification. These specifications are permitted only in a logical file. See also field level specifications, file level specifications, key field level specifications, record level specifications, help level specifications, and join level specifications.

self-check digit
The far right digit of a self-check field.

self-check field
A field, such as an account number, consisting of a base number and a self-check digit. For data entry applications, the operator-entered self-check number is compared with the self-check number calculated by the system.

sequence number
The number of a record that identifies the record within the source member.

session
(1) The length of time that starts when a user signs on at a display station and ends when the user signs off.
(2) In communications, the logical connection by which a program or device can communicate with a program or device at a remote location. See also conversation and transaction.

SEU
See source entry utility (SEU).

shared file
A file whose open data path can be shared between two or more programs processing in the same job. See open data path (ODP).

shift control character
See shift-in character and shift-out character.

shift-in character
A control character (hex 0F) that indicates the end of a string of double-byte characters. Contrast with shift-out character.

shift-out character
A control character (hex 0E) that indicates the start of a string of double-byte characters. Contrast with shift-in character.

significand
In binary floating-point format, the part of a number that contains the whole number and fraction.

significant digit
Any number of a series of numbers that follows the farthest left number, that is not a zero, and that is within the accuracy allowed.

single precision
The specification that causes the floating-point value to be stored (internally) in the short format. Contrast with double precision.

single-byte character set (SBCS)
A character set in which each character is represented by a one-byte code. Contrast with double-byte character set (DBCS).

single-byte coded font
In AFP support, a font in which the characters are defined by a 1-byte code point. A single-byte coded font has only one coded font section. Synonymous with single-byte font. Contrast with double-byte coded font.

SNA
See Systems Network Architecture (SNA).

SNA character string (SCS)
In SNA, a data stream composed of EBCDIC controls, optionally intermixed with end-user data, that is carried within a request/response unit.

source entry utility (SEU)
A function of the WebSphere Development Studio that is used to create and change source members.

source file
A file of programming code that is not compiled into machine language. A source file can be created by the specification of FILETYPE(*SRC) on the Create command. A source file can contain source statements for such items as high-level language programs and data description specifications. Contrast with data file.

source member
A member of a database source file that contains source statements. See also member.

source statement
A statement written in symbols of a programming language.

special character
A character other than a digit, a letter, or $, #, @, ., or _. For example, *, +, and % are special characters.

subfile
A group of records of the same record format that can be displayed at the same time at a display station. The system sends the entire group of records to the display in a single operation and receives the group from the display in another operation.

subfile control record format
One of two record formats required to define a subfile in DDS. The subfile control record format describes the size of the subfile and the size of the subfile page, and is used by the program to write the subfile to and read the subfile from the display. See also subfile record format.

subfile record format
One of two record formats required to define a subfile in DDS. The subfile record format defines the fields in a subfile record and is used by the program to perform input, output, and update operations to the subfile. See also subfile control record format.

substring
A part of a character string.

syntax checking
A function of the system, a compiler, the BASIC interpreter, the CoOperative Development Environment/400 syntax checker, or SEU that checks individual statements for errors in their structure.

system date
The date assigned in the system values when the system is started. See also creation date and job date.

system value
Control information for the operation of certain parts of the system. A user can change the system value to define his working environment. System date and library list are examples of system values. Contrast with network attribute.

Systems Application Architecture(R) (SAA(R))
Pertaining to an architecture defining a set of rules for designing a common user interface, programming interface, application programs, and communications support for strategic operating systems such as the OS/2, OS/400, VM, and MVS(TM) operating systems.

Systems Network Architecture (SNA)
In IBM networks, the description of the layered logical structure, formats, protocols, and operational sequences that are used for transmitting information units through networks, as well as controlling the configuration and operation of networks.

time
A three-part value or data type that designates a time of day in hours, minutes, and seconds.

time stamp
(1) To apply the current system time.
(2) The value of an object that indicates the system time at some critical point in the object's history.

timestamp
In database support, a seven-part value or data type that consists of a date and time, expressed in years, months, days, hours, minutes, seconds, and microseconds.

transaction
In communications, an exchange between a program on a local system and a program on a remote system that accomplishes a particular action or result. See also conversation and session.

translation table
An object that contains a set of hexadecimal characters used to translate one or more characters of data. The table can be used for translation of data being moved between the system and a device. For example, data stored in one national language character set may need to be displayed or entered on display devices that support a different national language character set. The table can also be used to specify an alternative collating sequence or field translation functions. The system-recognized identifier for the object type is *TBL. See also table.

truncate
(1) To cut off data that cannot be printed or displayed in the line width specified or available. Contrast with fold.
(2) To cut off data that does not fit in the specified field length in a field definition.

Unicode
A universal encoding scheme for written characters and text that enables the exchange of data internationally. A Unicode field can contain all types of characters used on an iSeries(TM) server, including ideographic (DBCS). Unicode data is composed of code units, which represent the minimal byte combination that can represent a unit of text.

unprotected field
A displayed field for which operators can enter, change, or delete data.

update operation
An I/O process that changes the data in a record.

user profile
An object with a unique name that contains the user's password, the list of special authorities assigned to a user, and the objects the user owns. The system-recognized identifier for the object type is *USRPRF.

user-defined edit code
A number (5 through 9) indicating that editing should be done on a numeric output field according to a pattern predefined to the system program. User-defined edit codes can take the place of edit words, so that repetitive coding of the same edit word is not necessary.

validity checking
To verify the contents of a field.

variable
A name used to represent data whose value can be changed while the program is running by referring to the name of the variable.

variable-length
Pertaining to a characteristic of a file in which the records can be of varying length, or pertaining to a characteristic of a field on a display that can be of varying length. Contrast with fixed-length.

work station
A device used to transmit information to or receive information from a computer, for example, a display station or printer.

write operation
An output operation that sends a processed record to an output device or output file.

zero suppression
The substitution of blanks for leading zeros in a number. For example, 00057 becomes 57 with zero suppression.


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