Introduction to the Mapping Facility › The Batch Compiler and Utility

The Batch Compiler and Utility

The batch compiler and utility can be used to perform all of the operations that are available through the online compiler:

Batch Compiler Functions

• Creates, modifies, or deletes entity occurrences for panels in the data dictionary; panel occurrences predefine screen layouts for maps
• Creates, modifies, or deletes entity occurrences for maps in the data dictionary based on existing panel occurrences and on specifications made by using the CA IDMS mapping language

Batch Utility Functions

• Generates or deletes map load modules in the load area of the data dictionary
• Produces map and panel reports for any map generated either by the mapping facility
• Produces a facsimile of a map or panel format on hard copy from the map or panel definition
• Decompiles maps generated by either the batch or online compiler

Performing Online Compiler Operations

A map developer can use the batch compiler and utility to perform all of the operations available through the online compiler. Map developers often prefer to use the batch compiler and utility to perform the following operations:

• Modify or copy maps—Developers who are more familiar with or prefer syntax can quickly decompile a map into source, alter that source, and then submit the altered source for compilation.
• Create several similar maps in one session—The developer can copy the source for one map several times, alter the various copies of that source, and then submit all of the altered map-definitions for compilation in one JCL operation.

Performing Non-online Compiler Operations

Additionally, the batch compiler and utility can be used to perform the following operations that the online compiler does not provide:

• Migrate a map from one dictionary to another—The developer uses the batch utility to decompile a map and then uses the batch compiler to recompile the syntax to another dictionary.
• Decompile entity occurrences that store the current map-definition—The developer uses the batch utility to produce the source definition for a map from the related entity occurrences for the map.
• Produce reports—The developer receives reports on batch compiler and utility operations.
• Create maps with specific support for multiple devices —The developer uses the FOR device-code-a option of the MAP1 MFLD and PFLD clauses to create the maps.
• Create maps for devices larger than the one on which a developer is working.