Structure/4 Features

STRUCTURE/4 is a compact suite of high-level development software designed to increase developer productivity and run-time efficiency. While many installations use STRUCTURE/4 (S/4) as their main development toolkit, others may use it in conjunction with packages, languages or legacy systems to provide added functionality with low implementation costs.

 Data Dictionary and Programming

The Data Dictionary and its full screen schema editor serve as the pivotal point for S/4. Multiple file types supported are: keyed (ISAM), fixed, direct access variable (ASCII) and padded. Standard data types include: character, integer, real, time, money, overpunch, packed, trailing sign, implied decimal and hexadecimal. COBOL copy libraries or INFO file templates can be imported into S/4's data dictionary. S/4 can also dynamically reference INFO's file templates.

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 Programming

CWIC is at the heart of S/4 and is a feature-rich 4GL that combines a powerful English-like command oriented syntax without sacrificing flexibility or run-time efficiency. The CWIC compiler generates native ANSI 'C' code on PCs and UNIX, and FORTRAN under OPEN/VMS and PRIMOS. This means that 'C' (or FORTRAN) subroutines, and in-line code can be incorporated into the high level CWIC programs. Screen mapping is very straightforward and the windowing scripting language allows screen forms to be incorporated into CWIC programs. Screen handling supports multiple windows with independent paint and peel controls, pop-up and pull-down windows, master/ detail combinations and unlimited scrolling regions. Screen controls include cursor key & function key recognition, foreground and background attributes (including color), and sophisticated field editing and display. A simulation module allows you to examine the look and feel of your screen prior to writing a fully functional program. De-bugging modes are provided for additional assistance during development, testing and maintenance cycles. Within a program, up to 100 files can be open at one time and a wide range of file processing options are available for navigation through your data. In terms of lines of source code, a functionally equivalent CWIC program is about 10% of the size of a comparable COBOL program, which means less coding and maintenance.

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 File Maintenance

Using a data dictionary schema, the maintenance generator will create a screen and CWIC program for the file described by the schema. The maintenance program will ensure that data entry and update complies with the schema.

The file maintenance script lets users add features to: ensure unique values; data integrity on numeric and date items; and check for data validation and justification. There is full support for composite keys, group elements and arrayed data items.

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 Reporting

S/4 includes a highly flexible multi-file report generator, offering both tabular and structured formats. Reports may be directed to the screen or printer, automatically shifting the screen to 132 column mode if required. With report scripting users may specify up to 16 sort levels, multiple breakpoints, request run-time data selection criteria, and specify columns to be computed, totaled, or averaged. The report generator also allows users to control column output with edit masks including symbol inserts, commas and dollar signs. Detailed, multi-line report titles and footnotes may be designed by combining literal, variables or data file items. Structured or visually oriented report objects can also be incorporated into CWIC programs using the same window scripting language for forms or reports. These can be designed interactively, similar to screens, with a prototype layout generated prior to the full development of program logic.

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 Browser and Query Language

CWERI is the final major component of the STRUCTURE/4 language suite. This tool allows developers and end user access to data for browsing, ad hoc database queries, and interactive development of simple reports. Multiple files may be joined in many-to-one or one-to-many relationships and integrated wlth complex query filters, delivering results in either the default or a specified sort sequence. These resulting sets may be exported to external files for use by either host or client applications. On line help is available along with complete data dictionary item definitions and current fllter and option settings. CWERI offers either command line or full screen modes to address the needs of all users.

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 Utilities

S/4 includes a range of utilities to aid general data reformating


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