Appendix G. Glossary of Terms and Acronyms

This glossary defines terms as they are used throughout the QMF library. If you do not find the term you are looking for, refer to the index in this book, or to the IBM Dictionary of Computing.

abend
The abnormal termination of a task.
ABENDx
The keyword for an abend problem.
aggregation function
Any of a group of functions that summarizes data in a column. They are requested with these usage codes on the form panels: AVERAGE, CALC, COUNT, FIRST, LAST, MAXIMUM, MINIMUM, STDEV, SUM, CSUM, PCT, CPCT, TPCT, TCPCT.
aggregation variable
An aggregation function that is placed in a report using either the FORM.BREAK, FORM.CALC, FORM.DETAIL, or FORM.FINAL panels. Its value appears as part of the break footing, detail block text, or final text when the report is produced.
alias
In DB2 UDB for OS/390, an alternate name that can be used in SQL statements to refer to a table or view in the same or a remote DB2 UDB for OS/390 subsystem. In OS/2, an alternate name used to identify a object, a database, or a network resource such as an LU. In QMF, a locally defined name used to access a QMF table or view stored on a local or remote DB2 UDB for OS/390 subsystem.
APAR
Authorized Program Analysis Report.
application
A program written by QMF users that extends the capabilities of QMF without modifying the QMF licensed program. Started from a QMF session by issuing a RUN command for a QMF procedure, an installation-defined command, or a CMS or TSO command that invokes an EXEC or CLIST, respectively.
application requester
(1) A facility that accepts a database request from an application process and passes it to an application server. (2) In DRDA, the source of a request to a remote relational database management system.

The application requester is the DBMS code that handles the QMF end of the distributed connection. The local DB2 UDB for OS/390 subsystem to which QMF attaches is known as the application requester for QMF, because DB2 UDB for OS/390's application requester is installed within the local database manager. Therefore, an entire DB2 UDB for OS/390 subsystem (including data) is associated with the application requester, but the SQL statements are processed at the current location. This subsystem is called the "local DB2 UDB for OS/390".

With DB2 for VM and VSE the application requester runs in the same virtual machine as QMF; that is, no database is inherently associated with the DB2 for VM and VSE application requester.

application server
The target of a request from an application requester. (1) The local or remote database manager to which the application process is connected. The application server executes at the system containing the desired data. (2) In DRDA, the target of a request from an application requester. With DB2 UDB for OS/390, the application server is part of a full DB2 UDB for OS/390 subsystem.

With DB2 for VM and VSE, the application server is part of a DB2 for VM and VSE database machine.

application-support command
A QMF command that can be used within an application program to exchange information between the application program and QMF. These commands include INTERACT, MESSAGE, STATE, and QMF.
area separator
The barrier that separates the fixed area of a displayed report from the remainder of the report.
argument
An independent variable.
base QMF environment
The English-language environment of QMF, established when QMF is installed. Any other language environment is established after installation.
batch QMF session
A QMF session running in the background. Begins when a specified QMF procedure is invoked and ends when the procedure ends. During a background QMF session, no user interaction and panel display interaction are allowed.
bind
In DRDA, the process by which the SQL statements in an application program are made known to a database management system over application support protocol (and database support protocol) flows. During a bind, output from a precompiler or preprocessor is converted to a control structure called a package. In addition, access paths to the referenced data are selected and some authorization checking is performed. (Optionally in DB2 UDB for OS/390, the output may be an application plan.)
built-in function
Generic term for scalar function or column function. Can also be "function."
calculation variable
CALCid is a special variable for forms that contains a user-defined calculated value. CALCid is defined on the FORM.CALC panel.
callable interface
A programming interface that provides access to QMF services. An application can access these services even when the application is running outside of a QMF session. Contrast with command interface.
CICS
Customer Information Control System.
CMS
Conversational Monitor System.
column wrapping
Formatting values in a report so that they occupy several lines within a column. Often used when a column contains values whose length exceeds the column width.
command interface
An interface for running QMF commands. The QMF commands can only be issued from within an active QMF session. Contrast with callable interface.
command synonym
The verb or verb/object part of an installation-defined command. Users enter this for the command, followed by whatever other information is needed.
command synonym table
A table each of whose rows describes an installation-defined command. Each user can be assigned one of these tables.
commit
The process that makes a data change permanent. When a commit occurs, data locks are freed enabling other applications to reference the just-committed data. See also "rollback".
concatenation
The combination of two strings into a single string by appending the second to the first.
correlation name
An alias for a table name, specified in the FROM clause of a SELECT query. When concatenated with a column name, it identifies the table to which the column belongs.
CP
The Control Program for VM.
CSECT
Control section.
current location
The application server to which the QMF session is currently connected. Except for connection-type statements, such as CONNECT (which are handled by the application requester), this server processes all the SQL statements. When initializing QMF, the current location is indicated by the DSQSDBNM startup program parameter. (If that parameter is not specified, the local DB2 UDB for OS/390 subsystem
current object
An object in temporary storage currently displayed. Contrast with saved object.
Customer Information Control System (CICS)
An IBM licensed program that enables transactions entered at remote terminals to be processed concurrently by user-written application programs. It includes facilities for building, using, and maintaining databases.
database administrator
The person who controls the content of and access to a database.
database management system
A computer-based system for defining, creating, manipulating, controlling, managing, and using databases. The database management system also has transaction management and data recovery facilities to protect data integrity.
database manager
A program used to create and maintain a database and to communicate with programs requiring access to the database.
database server
(1) In DRDA, the target of a request received from an application server (2) In OS/2, a workstations that provides database services for its local database to database clients.
date/time default formats
Date and time formats specified by a database manager installation option. They can be the EUR, ISO, JIS, USA, or LOC (LOCAL) formats.
date/time data
The data in a table column with a DATE, TIME, or TIMESTAMP data type.
DBCS
Double-byte character set.
DBMS
Database management system.
default form
The form created by QMF when a query is run. The default form is not created if a saved form is run with the query.
destination control table (DCT)
In CICS, a table containing a definition for each transient data queue.
detail block text
The text in the body of the report associated with a particular row of data.
detail heading text
The text in the heading of a report. Whether or not headings will be printed is specified in FORM.DETAIL.
dialog panel
A panel that overlays part of a Prompted Query primary panel and extends the dialog that helps build a query.
distributed data
Data that is stored in more than one system in a network, and is available to remote users and application programs.
distributed database
A database that appears to users as a logical whole, locally accessible, but is comprised of databases in multiple locations.
distributed relational database
A distributed database where all data is stored according to the relational model.
Distributed Relational Database Architecture (DRDA)
A connection protocol for distributed relational database processing that is used by IBM and vendor relational database products.
distributed unit of work
A method of accessing distributed relational data in which users or applications can, within a single unit of work, submit SQL statements to multiple relational database management systems, but no more than one RDBMS per SQL statement.

DB2 UDB for OS/390 introduced a limited form of distributed unit of work support in its V2R2 called system-directed access, which QMF supports.

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 two bytes. Languages such as Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, which contain more symbols that can be represented by 256 code points, require double-byte character sets. Because each character requires two bytes, the typing, display, and printing of DBCS characters requires hardware and programs that support DBCS. Contrast with single-byte character set.
EBCDIC
Extended Binary-Coded Decimal Interchange Code.
echo area
The part of the Prompted Query primary panel in which a prompted query is built.
EUR (European) format
A format that represents date and time values as follows:
extended syntax
QMF command syntax that is used by the QMF callable interface; this syntax defines variables that are stored in the storage acquired by the callable interface application and shared with QMF
gateway
A functional unit that connects two computer networks of different network architectures. A gateway connects networks or systems of different architectures, as opposed to a bridge, which connects networks or systems with the same or similar architectures.
global variable
A variable that, once set, can be used for an entire QMF session. A global variable can be used in a procedure, query, or form. Contrast with run-time variable.
Graphical Data Display Manager (GDDM)
A group of routines that allows pictures to be defined and displayed procedurally through function routines that correspond to graphic primitives.
grouped row
A row of data in a QBE target or example table that is summarized either by a G. or a built-in function.
HTML
Hypertext Markup Language. A standardized markup language for documents displayed on the Internet.
ICU
Interactive Chart Utility.
INCORROUT
The keyword for incorrect output.
initialization program
A program that sets QMF program parameters. This program is specified by DSQSCMD in the callable interface. The default program for interactive QMF is DSQSCMDn, where n is the qualifier for the presiding language (';E'; for English).
invocation CLIST or EXEC
A program that invokes (starts) QMF.
ISO (International Standards Organization) format
A format that represents date and time values as follows:
ISPF
Interactive System Productivity Facility.
IXF
Integration Exchange Format: A protocol for transferring tabular data among various software products.
JCL
Job control language for OS/390.
job control
In VSE, a program called into storage to prepare each job or job step to be run. Some of its functions are to assign I/O devices to symbolic names, set switches for program use, log (or print) job control statements, and fetch the first phase of each job step.
JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) format
A format that represents date and time values as follows:
keyword parameter
An element of a QMF command consisting of a keyword and an assigned value.
literal
In programming languages, a lexical unit that directly represents a value. A character string whose value is given by the characters themselves.
linear procedure
Any procedure not beginning with a REXX comment. A linear procedure can contain QMF commands, comments, blank lines, RUN commands, and substitution variables. See also "procedure with logic."
linear syntax
QMF command syntax that is entered in one statement of a program or procedure, or that can be entered on the QMF command line.
local area network (LAN)
(1) Two or more processors connected for local resource sharing (2) A network within a limited geographic area, such as a single office building, warehouse, or campus.
local data
Data that is maintained by the subsystem that is attempting to access the data. Contrast with remote data.
local DB2 UDB for OS/390
With DB2 UDB for OS/390, the application requester is part of a DB2 UDB for OS/390 subsystem that is running in the same MVS system as QMF. Therefore, an entire DB2 UDB for OS/390 subsystem (including data) is associated with the application requester, but the SQL statements are processed at the current location. This subsystem is where the QMF plan is bound.

When QMF runs in TSO, this subsystem is specified using DSQSSUBS startup program parameter. When QMF runs in CICS, this subsystem is identified in the Resource Control Table (RCT). The local DB2 UDB for OS/390 is the subsystem ID of the DB2 UDB for OS/390 that was started in the CICS region.

location
A specific relational database management system in a distributed relational database system. Each DB2 UDB for OS/390 subsystem is considered to be a location.
logical unit (LU)
A port through which an end user accesses the SNA network to communicate with another end user and through which the end user accesses the functions provided by system services control points.
Logical Unit type 6.2 (LU 6.2)
The SNA logical unit type that supports general communication between programs in a distributed processing environment.
MSGx
The keyword for a message problem.
MVS/ESA
Multiple Virtual Storage/Enterprise System Architecture (IBM operating system).
Network Control Program (NCP)
An IBM licensed program that provides communication controller support for single-domain, multiple-domain, and interconnected network capability.
NLF
National Language Feature. Any of several optional features available with QMF that lets the user select a language other than US English.
NLS
National Language Support.
package
The control structure produced when the SQL statements in an application program are bound to a relational database management system. The database management system uses the control structure to process SQL statements encountered during statement execution.
panel
A particular arrangement of information, grouped together for presentation in a window. A panel can contain informational text, entry fields, options the user can choose from, or a mixture of these.
parameter
An element of a QMF command. This term is used generically in QMF documentation to reference a keyword parameter or a positional parameter.
partner logical unit
In SNA, the remote system in a session.
PERFM
The keyword for a performance problem.
permanent storage
The database where all tables and QMF objects are stored.
plan
A form of package where the SQL statements of several programs are collected together during bind to create a plan.
positional parameter
An element of a QMF command that must be placed in a certain position within the command.
primary panel
The main Prompted Query panel containing your query.
primary QMF session
An interactive session begun from outside QMF Within this session, other sessions can be started by using the INTERACT command.
procedure with logic
Any QMF procedure beginning with a REXX comment. In a procedure with logic, you can perform conditional logic, make calculations, build strings, and pass commands back to the host environment. See also "linear procedure."
profile
An object that contains information about the characteristics of the user's session. A stored profile is a profile that has been saved in permanent storage. A profile in temporary storage has the name PROFILE. There can be only one profile for each user.
Prompted Query
A query built in accordance with the user's responses to a set of dialog panels.
PSW
Program status word.
PTF
Program temporary fix.
QBE (Query-By-Example)
A language used to write queries graphically. For more information see Using QMF
QMF administrative authority
At minimum, insert or delete priviledge for the Q.PROFILES control table.
QMF administrator
A QMF user with QMF administrative authority.
QMF command
Refers to any command that is part of the QMF language. Does not include installation-defined commands.
QMF session
All interactions between the user and QMF from the time the user invokes QMF until the EXIT command is issued.
qualifier
When referring to a QMF object, the part of the name that identifies the owner. When referring to a TSO data set, any part of the name that is separated from the rest of the name by periods. For example, 'TCK', 'XYZ', and 'QUERY' are all qualifiers in the data set name 'TCK.XYZ.QUERY'.
RDBMS
Relational database management system
relational database management system (RDBMS)
A computer-based system for defining, creating, manipulating, controlling, managing, and using relational databases.
remote unit of work
(1) The form of SQL distributed processing where the application is on a system different from the relational database and a single application server services all remote unit of work requests within a single logical unit of work. (2) A unit of work that allows for the remote preparation and execution of SQL statements.
REXX
Restructured extended executor.
rollback
The process that removes uncommitted database changes made by one application or user. When a rollback occurs, locks are freed and the state of the resource being changed is returned to its state at the last commit, rollback, or initiation. See also commit.
row operator area
The leftmost column of a QBE target or example table.
run-time variable
A variable in a procedure or query whose value is specified by the user when the procedure or query is run. The value of a run-time variable is only available in the current procedure or query. Contrast with global variable.
SBCS
Single-byte character set.
scalar
A value in a column or the value of a literal or an expression involving other scalars.
scalar function
An operation that produces a single value from another value and is expressed in the form of a function name followed by a list of arguments enclosed in parentheses.
SNAP dump
A dynamic dump of the contents of one or more storage areas that QMF generates during an abend.
SQLCA
Structured Query Language Communication Area.
SSF
Software Support Facility. An IBM online database that allows for storage and retrieval of information about all current APARs and PTFs.
Structured Query Language (SQL)
A language used to communicate with DB2 UDB for OS/390 and DB2 for VSE or VM. Used to write queries in descriptive phrases.
subquery
A complete SQL query that appears in a WHERE or HAVING clause of another query (the main query or a higher-level subquery).
substitution variable
(1) A variable in a procedure or query whose value is specified either by a global variable or by a run-time variable. (2) A variable in a form whose value is specified by a global variable.
substring
The part of a string whose beginning and length are specified in the SUBSTR function.
System Log (SYSLOG)
A data set or file in which job-related information, operational data, descriptions of unusual occurrences, commands, and messages to and from the operator may be stored.
Systems Network Architecture (SNA)
The description of the logical structure, formats, protocols, and operational sequences for transmitting information units through and controlling the configuration and operation of networks.
tabular data
The data in columns. The content and the form of the data is specified on FORM.MAIN and FORM.COLUMNS.
target table
An empty table in which example elements are used to combine columns, combine rows, or include constant values in a report.
temporary storage
An area where the query, form, procedure, profile, report, chart, and data objects in current use are stored. All but the data object can be displayed.
temporary storage queue
In CICS, a temporary storage area used for transfer of objects between QMF and an application or a system service.
thread
The DB2 UDB for OS/390 structure that describes an application's connection, traces its progress, provides resource function processing capability, and delimits its accessibility to DB2 UDB for OS/390 resources and services. Most DB2 UDB for OS/390 functions execute under a thread structure.
three-part name
A fully-qualified name of a table or view, consisting of a location name, owner ID, and object name. When supported by the application server (that is, DB2 UDB for OS/390), a three-part name can be used in an SQL statement to retrieve or update the specified table or view at the specified location.
timestamp
A date and a time, and possibly a number of microseconds (a six- or seven-part value).
TP
Transaction Program
TPN
Transaction program name
transaction program name
The name by which each program participating in an LU 6.2 conversation is known. Normally, the initiator of a connection identifies the name of the program it wants to connect to at the other LU. When used in conjunction with an LU name, it identifies a specific transaction program in the network.
transient data queue
In CICS, a storage area, whose name is defined in the Destination Control Table (DCT), where objects are stored for subsequent internal or external processing.
TSO
Time Sharing Option.
two-phase commit
A protocol used in distributed unit of work to ensure that participating relational database management systems commit or roll back a unit of work consistently.
unit of work
(1) A recoverable sequence of operations within an application process. At any time, an application process is a single unit of work, but the life of an application process may involve many units of work as a result of commit or rollback operations. (2) In DRDA, a sequence of SQL commands that the database manager treats as a single entity. The database manager ensures the consistency of data by verifying that either all the data changes made during a unit of work are performed or none of them are performed.
unnamed column
An empty column added to an example table. Like a target table, it is used to combine columns, combine rows, or include constant values in a report.
USA (United States of America) format
A format that represents date and time values as follows:
variation
A data formatting definition specified on a FORM.DETAIL panel that conditionally can be used to format a report or part of a report.
Virtual Storage Extended
An operating system that is an extension of Disk Operating System/ Virtual Storage. A VSE consists of (1) VSE/Advanced Functions support and (2) any IBM-supplied and user-written programs that are required to meet the data processing needs of a user. VSE and the hardware it controls form a complete computing system.
VM
Virtual Machine (IBM operating system). The generic term for the VM/ESA environment.
VSE
Virtual Storage Extended (IBM operating system). The generic term for the VSE/ESA environment.
WAIT
The keyword for an endless-wait-state problem.
Workstation Database Server
The IBM family of DRDA database products on the UNIX and Intel platforms (such as DB2 Universal Database (UDB), DB2 Common Server, DB2 Parallel Edition, and DataJoiner.)
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