Deriving Views › Defining Views › Step 4: Adding a Column

Step 4: Adding a Column

Added Columns not Stored

You might want to add a column to a view so you can perform calculations on data supplied by the view. The added column is for display purposes only; it is not stored in the database because it is not part of the source tables from which the view is derived.

Define the Column

To continue the example, add the SALARY DIFFERENTIAL column to the JOBS AND APPLICANTS view, as follows:

• Type salary differential in the next available Column Name field (after the EVALUATION: STRONG, WEAK, MEDIUM column).
• Enter a WIDTH of 7 for the SALARY DIFFERENTIAL column.
• Enter a TYPE of c (for CURRENCY).
• Enter a display sequence number of 16 for the column in the Display Seq field.
• Tab to the Ext Screen field for the SALARY DIFFERENTIAL column and type x.
• Select the Extended Column Definition function ([PF2]).

                                                      CA

  CDEF   CA - Automatic System Facility            ** Column Definition **
  DC560307 COLUMNS UPDATED
  Table Name: JOBS AND APPLICANTS

      _ PF1 - Help                         _ PF3 - Extended Selection Definition
      X PF2 - Extended Column Definition   _ PF4 - Extended Key Definition

        Page:  1  of  1
                                                 Unique  Display   Ext
           Column Name             Width   Type    Key     Seq    Screen
  JOB NUMBER                           4 TEXT                2      _
  DEPARTMENT                          20 TEXT                4      _
  TITLE                               30 TEXT                6      _
  SALARY                               7 CURRENCY            8      _
  CURRENT STATUS (FILLED OR OPEN)      6 TEXT                       _
  NAME                                30 TEXT               10      _
  POSITION APPLIED FOR                30 TEXT                       _
  SALARY REQUIREMENT                   7 CURRENCY           12      _
  EVALUATION: STRONG,WEAK,MEDIUM       6 TEXT               14      _
  salary differential              7     c                16        x

Extended Column Definition

The Extended Column Definition (XCOL) screen is displayed. This screen shows the column characteristics that are supplied by ASF when you define a column. For most columns, you do not need to review the extended definition; the characteristics supplied by ASF are sufficient for the column definition. For columns added to views, you have to supply additional information to fully define the column.

Define the Calculation

You want the SALARY DIFFERENTIAL column to calculate the difference between the salary an applicant requires and the salary available for the position. Define the SALARY DIFFERENTIAL column by entering the arithmetic expression column(salary requirement) - salary in the Calculation field.

Embedded Spaces

Since the SALARY REQUIREMENT column name contains an embedded space, you must refer to it using COLUMN(column-name).

For more information on specifying calculations, see the chapter "Extended Functions of ASF".

                                                      CA
  XCOL   CA - Automatic System Facility          *Extended Column Definition*
  DC560407 MODIFY COLUMN DEFINITION
  Table Name: JOBS AND APPLICANTS
          _ PF1 - Help      _ PF2 - Next Column      _ PF3 - Message Screen

           Displayed Column Name                    Stored Column Name
     SALARY DIFFERENTIAL                     SALARY-DIFFERENTIAL

              Display Format                          Stored Format
     -Z(05).9(02)                            S9(05)V9(02)

  Usage: 3 D/0/1/2/3  Display/Comp/Comp-1/Comp-2/Comp-3        IDD Version:

  Comments.....:                                           Column Level: WORK
  Initial Value:
  Calculation..: column(salary requirement) - salary

  Edit Table:           Version:           Code Table:           Version:

   U  U/P   Unprotected/Protected  N  B/R/P/T/G/Y/W/N  Blue/Red/Pink/Turquoise
                                                       Green/Yellow/White/Nocolor
   N  Y/N   Blank When Zero        N  N/R  Normal/Reverse Video

   D  B/D/K Bright/Display/Dark    N  Y/N  Blink/Noblink

What You Will See

Whenever the JOBS AND APPLICANTS view is accessed, ASF will subtract the value in the SALARY column from the value in the SALARY REQUIREMENT column and display the result in the SALARY DIFFERENTIAL column.

Press [Enter]. The message COLUMN DEFINITION MODIFIED is displayed on the message display line. Press [PF2] to return to the Column Definition screen.