Getting Started


Part types

Parts used with VisualAge Generator are described in the following table.

Part Type Part Class Part Description
Program


Program Icon

VAGenPrograms A program is a set of related parts that VisualAge Generator can generate into executable form.
Function


Function Icon

VAGenFunctions A function is a block of logic consisting of a set of statements. Functions can be used as subroutines or to perform input or output (I/O) operations. Processing operations or I/O options are provided as high-level verbs. Some examples are:
  • Converse - display a screen and wait for input
  • Add - add information to a file or database
  • Scan - read information from a file or database
Map


Map Icon

VAGenMaps A map defines the layout and characteristics for all or part of the information presented on a character-based screen or printout when users run associated programs.
Map Group


Map Group Icon

VAGenMapGroups Each map is part of a named collection called a map group. All maps used in an application must be in the same map group, except for help maps, which can be in a separate map group.
Record


Record Icon

VAGenRecords A record is a collection of data items (a data structure) organized to serve a specific purpose. Records are analogous to rows in a database table. Records can be used to describe the layout of information in memory, in a database table, or in a file.
Table


Table Icon

VAGenTables A table is a collection of related data items that can be used to edit data, store messages that a program issues, and store information for reference by an application system.
PSB


PSB Icon

VAGenPSBs A program specification block (PSB) describes the hierarchical database structures that an application system uses to access DL/I databases.
Data Item


Data Item Icon

VAGenDataItems A data item describes the characteristics of a single unit of information in a record or table.
Generation Options


Generation Options Icon

VAGenOptions Generation options are parts managed in the library that list specifications used to customize generation for different environments.
Linkage Table


Linkage Table Icon

VAGenLinkages A linkage table lists specifications required for calls to non-VisualAge Generator programs or calls to VisualAge Generator servers on remote systems.
Resource Associations


Resource Associations Icon

VAGenResources Resource associations specify default overrides used during generation of COBOL or CICS/6000 programs that use printer maps or serial, indexed, or relative files.
Bind Controls


Figure iconbind not displayed.

VAGenBindControls Bind controls list commands that control DB2 applications. They are used in the COBOL program generation process.
Link Edit


Figure iconlked not displayed.

VAGenLinkEdits Link edits contain program-specific control statements used in generation of programs that run in MVS, VSE, and VM environments and call or are called by other programs using static COBOL calls.

VAGen Parts Browser

Figure 6. VAGen Parts Browser

Figure partbrsr not displayed.

The VAGen Parts Browser provides you with a complete listing of all of the VAGen parts loaded in your workspace/image. You can also control how the list is displayed. Using the Parts Browser, you can display VAGen parts by package/application or part type. You can also sort them by name.

If you are using VisualAge Generator Developer on Java, you can open the VAGen Parts Browser from the Workbench by selecting Workspace>Open VAGen Parts Browser.

If you are using VisualAge Generator Developer on Smalltalk, you can open the VAGen Parts Browser from the VisualAge Organizer window by selecting VAGen Parts>Parts Browser.

To begin building new VAGen parts, you'll use the New VAGen Part window, shown in Figure 7.

In this window, you'll name your new part, choose the part type, and select a package/application to contain it.

If you are using VisualAge Generator Developer on Java, you can display the New VAGen Part window from the VAGen Parts Browser by selecting VAGen Parts>Add>New Part.

If you are using VisualAge Generator Developer on Smalltalk, you can display the New VAGen Part window from the VAGen Parts Browser by selecting VAGen Parts>New.

Figure 7. New VAGen Part

New VAGen part

For hands-on practice developing VAGen parts, complete the steps outlined in Part 2, "VisualAge Generator Tutorial".


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