
The primary goal of this manual is to make you an efficient and productive user of DATA BASE UTILITY. To accomplish this, we have presented the features of DBU to you in two different formats:
1) User’s Guide: Presented in a more personal tone, it leads the user through all the features of DBU. However, experienced DBU users may find some sections of this format helpful in learning the new features of DBU.
2) User’s Reference: Presented in a more formal tone, it concisely explains all the features of DBU. This format assumes that the user is experienced with DBU and does not want to be led through the features by a demonstration.
Regardless of the format you choose to learn DBU, this manual will enhance performance if used correctly. Both text formats try to present the material in the clearest manner possible in order to give the user a clear understanding of the DBU features.
The only text notation, that needs to be explained for this manual, is the brackets [] used in the User’s Guide. The brackets [] are used to identify the exact key or keys to be pressed. For example, if the user were being taught about the F1 key, the user might see something like this: "The F1 key is used to display on-screen help text. Press [F1] now to ..." Note that when F1 is being discussed it does not have the brackets around it, but when the user is actually supposed to press F1, the brackets are around it.
DBU is a file access utility which can be used to locate and update records from one to as many as four different files via logical paths or relative record numbers in any physical file. No creation time is involved. From your main screen or command line, type in "GO DBUMNU" or "DBUMNU" and press enter. The DBU menu will appear on your screen. You can also bring up a file from a command line by keying in DBU followed by a file name. DBU also works with logicals over multiple physicals with multiple members and join files (display only on join files). Members and/or formats can be selected from the logicals to be updated or displayed. Records can be updated or displayed in character or hexadecimal mode. Keys can be set to access logical files and it is possible to select only certain fields to be displayed or updated. DBU has a Menu-driven Windows Environment. Almost all command key functions can be performed by utilizing one of the seven main headings on the DBU Action Bar. Up to four files can be displayed in four different windows on one screen. Access to each window is as simple as using a mouse or the keyboard arrow keys to move the cursor to the desired window (file). DBU also has numerous display options available to facilitate better manipulation and utilization of your files while in DBU. Displays can be as simple as one single record in an optional one, two, or three column format or as complicated as four different files simultaneously showing multiple records. DBU windows can be resized and/or moved in order to optimize screen space. Any individual window of the Multiple File Display can be "zoomed into" or "maximized" and then returned to its original size with a single keystroke. Each window’s border characters can be changed for ease of file identification and, if a color monitor is used, the window’s border color can be changed to any one of five colors. An audit log is available to a user-defined output queue. This audit log can be authorized as required by user or group profile or voluntarily activated by any authorized user. A "Print Record" feature is also available for users desiring a printed copy of a record. A SEARCH/REPLACE OPTIONS screen is available by command key or via the DBU Action Bar. The SEARCH/REPLACE OPTIONS screen prompts the user for necessary parameters to perform a Search or a Search & Replace routine. The AND/OR parameter allows the Search or Search & Replace criteria to range from simple to complex because it permits the user to create either a single Search/Search & Replace parameter or an assembly of a more intricate set of Search/Search & Replace conditions. Parameters such as FIELD NAME/*STRPOS, FROM/TO criteria, and logical tests that consist of EQ, NE, LE, GE, LT, GT, and CT allow for intricate conditions to be applied to a Search or Search & Replace routine. Miscellaneous parameters such as: # OCCURRENCES, IGNORE CASE, PRINT RESULTS, and # RECORDS SEARCHED further enhances the sophisticated Search or Search & Replace capabilities of DBU. Another feature of DBU is the DBU Application. Screens can be designed by selecting fields, etc. and perhaps opening multiple files in different windows. This formatting can be given a name, saved as an application and recalled by DBU. All files and screens will appear as the application was designed. The features outlined above are only a few of the many features and capabilities of DBU that will help you save hours of time debugging data base errors during new development or after program errors have occurred. Another important aspect of DBU is the Security it offers. Complete user profile-tailored security allows DBU to be placed on non-technical user menus, making DBU capable of being more than a programmers’ productivity tool. In fact, DBU is currently being used today by many non-technical personnel as a substitute for programmer-written maintenance and display programs. Perhaps the most important features of DATA BASE UTILITY are:
1) PRODATA Computer Service’s strong belief in and willingness to stand by DBU because we feel it is the best File Access Utility today, and
2) The continued support we provide to DBU customers. PRODATA’s commitment to excellence ensures our DBU customers of an ongoing, friendly service should any questions or comments concerning DBU arise.
Welcome to ProData Computer Service's Data Base Utility documentation. DBU is a file access utility that can be used to locate and update records from a single file or as many as four different files via logical paths or relative record numbers. DBU was designed to be as user friendly as possible while at the same time giving maximum power to even the newest users. In order to help meet these requirements we have decided to present DBU in a window-like environment that could use a mouse if the user so desired and has an Info-Windows terminal. The mouse will also work when using a P.C. with Rhumba.** It is the goal of this documentation to effectively educate the new user in what we feel is the most advanced file access utility available today. The documentation is divided into five units: The first unit explains the command "DBU" which is used to access the files. It also explains each of the command’s options.
**NOTE: If you wish to access the action bar and pull down menus using your mouse, when using RHUMBA, you need only to configure each action bar selection as a hot spot and point and click.
Some basics to check before starting DBU:
On the command line enter [DBU] and press [F4] to bring up the DBU command prompt.
DBU Command Prompt Screen
Figure 1.2 The DBU Command Prompt Screen will appear on your screen. There are thirteen parameters on this command. File/Application Name:... Required. Enter a file name or a previously created DBU application. This parameter defaults to *PRV which allows DBU to bring back the last file/application that was used. If your last use of DBU involved an application, then the 'DBU type' parameter must be *DBUAPP for the previous application to be retrieved. Library Name:... Required. Enter the library name (*LIBL is the default) that contains the file to be accessed or
DBU Type:... Required.
The default for the "DBU Type" field is *FILE. At first, most DBU types will be a *FILE type. Once you become familiar with DBU, you may choose to generate a DBU application to present data formatted to your specifications. You would then enter the application name at the "File/Application Name" prompt and enter *DBUAPP at the "DBU Type" prompt. Please keep in mind that the DBU Application feature is accessible to only those with the proper authority level. Member Name:... This parameter allows you to define a specific file member. The default is *FIRST so that, unless otherwise specified, all files accessed by DBU will display the first member in the file. To display a complete list of all members, key in *ALL. Using the generic* choice allows you to key in one or two letters and an asterisk to get a shortened member listing. The next nine fields are options that may be applied when DBU accesses a file. Note that the: Default Format:... Default Mode:.. Print Audit Log:... options have *DBUAUT (DBU Authority) as their default. *DBUAUT is explained in depth in Unit 5. *DBUAUT will set these options according to what is allowed by the individual user profile. Allow Change of File Name:...The possible values are:
Revoke Add Authority:... Revoke Change Authority:... Revoke Delete Authority:... are options that have *NO as a default which means that the user will have the authority to add, change and delete records in the file. This parameter may be changed to *YES if you do not wish the user to have this authority when the database is accessed. If the user profile in DBUAUT has the authority to add, change or delete, that authority can be revoked here. If the user does not have the authority to add, change or delete in DBUAUT, then this parameter can not override that authority. Number of Columns:... option refers to how many columns on the screen are initially used to display the fields in a record. However, as you will seen in the next section, while you are in the DBU Main Display, you may change the number of columns used to display the fields from one column to as many as three columns, at any time.
PeopleSoft installation….option refers to JDE/Oracle plug-in.
Accessing Your File The first display you will see when accessing a file with DBU is: **RETRIEVING FILE INFORMATION**. If DBU doesn't find the file, you will see the command prompt screen again with an error message at the bottom.
Figure 1.3 There are a number of reasons why you might see this screen:
Obtain authorization or correct the errors and re-enter. Summary The first step to take when preparing to use DBU is to ensure the "DBU70" library has been added to your library list. The DBU command prompt screen consists of thirteen parameters. Providing that the file that DBU is to access is located in a library on your library list, the only mandatory field is the "File/Application Name" field. After the first three parameters, the remaining ten fields are for setting defaults or initial settings for DBU. If your file is in your library list, just type DBU followed by the file name desired. If the message, "Invalid File, Library or Member name" comes up on the screen, you have something wrong. Prompt DBU and enter in your file name and library name on the "DATA BASE UTILITY" screen. Check to ensure that:
If all of the above is correct, you will have no problem accessing your file with DBU.
After successfully finding your file, the initial DBU Screen will appear. For documentation purposes, five major sections of the screen below have been identified. Compare these to the screen.
Figure 1.5
In order to use the pull down menus, the action bar must be activated. You can activate the action bar by pressing F10. Position the cursor at the desired menu heading and press Enter to pull down that menu. Each menu has multiple options. If using a mouse, position the cursor on the menu item desired and click left mouse button. If using keyboard, enter option desired and press enter. You can exit the menu by pressing F12. The Action Bar provides an alternate method to perform the functions of most of the Command Keys. In fact, it also offers some functions not accessible through the command keys. The Action Bar makes DBU a mouse-compatible windows environment. Providing you have the correct type of terminal, you would be able to access the Action Bar, pull down the menu of your choice, and then select the option you need without even touching the keyboard! Another reason for the Action Bar is the multitude of functions that DBU contains. Twenty-four command keys were not enough to harness the power that DBU possesses! All of the functions accessible through the Action Bar are explained in Unit 3. You can activate the Action Bar with F10 and then use the Tab key to move to the menu heading you want. After tabbing to the required menu heading, press "Enter" to pull down that menu. You can back out of the menu by pressing F12.
**NOTE: The "WINDOW" menu can only be pulled down when multiple files are open.
Try looking at all the menus to become familiar with where different commands are located in the menu system. For your convenience, Appendix A: Command Keys To Action Bar Menus, displays a chart indicating the location in the menus of all the functions that are accessible through the command keys.
This area of the screen primarily shows information on the file being accessed. This information is visible while in the Single File display only. The "Mode" of display is also shown, it will be Add, Update, Delete or Display. The one input field is the "Control" field. This field allows navigation within the file and has many other options. See "Control Field" below.
File. . . The DBU "File" automatically displays the name of the active displayed file.
NOTE: This field will not be displayed while multiple files are displayed unless the window containing the active file is maximized by using either F23 (Window Max) or the Action Bar.
Library . The DBU "Library" automatically displays the library name the active displayed file is located in.
NOTE: This field will not be displayed while multiple files are displayed unless the window containing the active file is maximized by using either F23 (Window Max) or the Action Bar.
Page Number . . . The DBU "Page#" automatically displays the page number of the active displayed record. Lengthy records may require more than one screen. Each screen required for any single record is considered a "Page".
EXAMPLE: An indication of PAGE# . . .: 1 of 3 informs the user that the current display is the first of three pages that contain the displayed active record.
There are three things that may be done to attempt to fit the record on one page:
1. If the record is just one or two fields too long to fit on one screen, use F2 (Non-display Keys) to remove the command keys displayed at the bottom of the main DBU screen. Removing the command keys allows two more lines to display fields.
2. The user may also use F13 (Columns) to increase the number of columns displayed (up to a maximum number of three) on one screen.
3. F4=List Fields may be used. The list Fields screen will allow the user to select only those fields needed for viewing to appear on the main DBU screen. Consequently, the amount of room needed to display the record may have been reduced enough to allow the record to fit in one column on one screen.
NOTE: This field will not be displayed while multiple files are displayed unless the window containing the active file is maximized by using either F23 (Window Max) or the Action Bar.
Member. . . The DBU "Member" automatically displays the member name of the active displayed file.
NOTE: This field will not be displayed while multiple files are displayed unless the window containing the active file is maximized by using either F23 (Window Max) or the Action Bar.
Format. . . The DBU "Format" automatically displays the Record Format of the active displayed file.
NOTE: This field will not be displayed while multiple files are displayed unless the window containing the active file is maximized by using either F23 (Window Max) or the Action Bar.
Mode . . . The DBU "Mode" automatically displays the Display Mode (Add, Change, Display, or Delete) of the active displayed file.
NOTE: This field will not be displayed while multiple files are displayed unless the window containing the active file is maximized by using either F23 (Window Max) or the Action Bar.
Record Length. . . The DBU "Record Length" automatically displays the record length of the active displayed file. DBU can handle record lengths up to 32,766 as of Version 7.0
NOTE: This field will not be displayed while multiple files are displayed unless the window containing the active file is maximized by using either F23 (Window Max) or the Action Bar.
File Access. . . The DBU "File Access" automatically displays the file access of the active displayed file. This field will display one of two file access methods:
NOTE: This field will not be displayed while multiple files are displayed unless the window containing the active file is maximized by using either F23 (Window Max) or the Action Bar.
Record Number. . . The DBU "Record Number" automatically displays the relative record number of the active displayed file. There are three ways a user may use this field:
NOTE: This field will not be displayed while multiple files are displayed unless the window containing the active file maximized by using either F23 (Window Max) or the Action Bar.
W"n": Where "W" = Window, and "n" = Number column (Field) to be the leftmost or first column (Field) on the display screen or window.
|
F1 |
||
|
F2 |
||
|
F3 |
||
|
F4 |
||
|
F5 |
||
|
F6 |
||
|
F7 |
||
|
F8 |
||
|
F9 |
||
|
F10 |
||
|
F11 |
||
|
F12 |
||
|
F13 |
||
|
F14 |
||
|
F15 |
||
|
F16 |
||
|
F17 |
||
|
F18 |
||
|
F19 |
||
|
F20 |
||
|
F21 |
||
|
F22 |
||
|
F23 |
||
|
F24 |
|
OPTION |
PURPOSE/FUNCTION |
|
SEQ# |
Indicates which sequential position each field will be displayed relative to the other fields of the record. |
|
SELECT |
Indicates which fields DBU will display. The default setting with no fields selected will display all fields. Selecting, with an "S" or "X", any one field will override the default setting and will display only the fields selected. Keying an "L" into the select field will Lock that field on the screen. Keying an "O" will Omit that field from the screen. |
|
DISPLAY ONLY |
Applicable in Update Mode only; write protects selected fields. Cursor will position at first field not selected. |
|
NEW LINE |
Applicable to two or three column record display only; causes selected field to break to new line. |
|
NEW PAGE |
Applicable to one, two, and three column record display modes; indicates field to start new page after page break. |
|
AUTO DUP |
Applicable to Add Mode only; data in selected fields will automatically be duplicated in subsequently added records. |
|
UPPER CASE |
Applicable to Add and Change Modes; selected field's data will be input as upper case. Default is lower case. |
|
FUNCTION |
|
|
ADD |
Adds records to end of the file. |
|
CHANGE |
Update or edit an existing record. |
|
DISPLAY |
Displays records. No editing or adding permitted. |
|
DELETE |
Deletes selected record. |
|
REFRESH |
Applicable to the Change Mode; While changing a record in DBU, the user may recall the originally accessed record in its entirety. NOTE: This feature is disabled after changes have been made to a record and enter has been pressed. |