Understanding Your Data Model › Using Fields › Defining a Field as a Data Area

Defining a Field as a Data Area

Before entering your model, create a data area in the appropriate library by using the IBM Create Data Area (CRTDTAARA) command. You can then add a field defined as a data area to the *Standard header/footer file. On the Edit Field Details panel, specify the Type as TXT and the Default Condition as *DTAARA. Modify the four-character data area name in the DATAARA field to match the name of your data area.

For the *Standard header/footer file, CA 2E automatically initializes the field with the information from your data area. The data area must be in your library list when you execute your application.

To use an existing data area within your CA 2E applications, define an EXCUSRSRC function with an access path of *NONE. Define a BOTH parameter using a USR work field. This USR field must have the same attributes and length as the data area. In the EXCUSRSRC, add your own logic to access the data area and place the contents of the data area into the parameter field.