Understanding Arrays

The array has a defined layout and each entry (element) of the structure has the same layout. Define this layout with any set of fields from the model, such as attribute, code, and function fields. The array must have a defined key that acts as an index into the array. The key is any subset of the fields in the array structure, up to a maximum composite key length of 990. Each key field in the composite key list acts as a different dimension to the array. The composite key is defined as being either unique or non-unique.

CA 2E does not guarantee the sequence of equally keyed elements in a non-unique array. The key also is defined as ascending or descending. This definition applies to the complete composite key. When determining the key sequence, CA 2E ignores the signs of any numerical fields in the key of the array.

Arrays can be used only by the *CVTVAR built-in function and the following four standard data function types:

Create Object (CRTOBJ) to add an element
Change Object (CHGOBJ) to change an element
Delete Object (DLTOBJ) to delete an element
Retrieve Object (RTVOBJ) to read an element or set of elements

For more information about how to use or clear the data from an array, refer to the Array Processing section in the "Defining Functions" chapter of the Building Applications.