What Is a Panel Definition? › How Is a Panel Defined?

How Is a Panel Defined?

Panel definitions are created in CA Ideal using a layout screen and a series of fill‑in panels. Each definition is compiled into a panel object, which is stored in a VLS member. The existence of each panel is recorded in the dictionary, where any CA Ideal program can access it as a resource. You can define a panel layout once, and then use it in many different programs. The relationship of each panel with each program is also recorded in the dictionary.

Panel definitions are created and maintained using the following screens and fill‑ins:

• The panel Identification fill‑in identifies the panel definition and contains information that describes the panel, who created and last changed it, and when it was created and last changed. You must enter the panel name in this fill‑in. The information in this fill‑in is stored in the dictionary to identify the panel.

  This fill‑in displays automatically when you enter the CREATE PANEL command. When you display or edit an existing panel definition, you can display this fill‑in by entering the command IDE.

• The panel Parameter fill‑in specifies general attributes (parameters) for the panel. The attributes assigned in the Panel Parameter fill‑in when a panel is created act as defaults for all fields in that panel definition. There are default values for the parameters in this fill‑in. You do not need to edit this fill‑in if the default values are acceptable.

  To display this fill‑in when creating, editing, or displaying the panel definition, enter the command PARM on the command line.

• The Layout screen paints the fields on the screen. The layout screen shows the fields as they are positioned on the panel, with the addition of field start and end symbols that reposition fields on the panel. You can display a panel facsimile to show the panel exactly as it appears when the application displays it. You can test input fields on the panel facsimile.

  The Layout screen displays automatically when you enter the DISPLAY PANEL or EDIT PANEL command. To display the Layout screen at any time during panel definition or maintenance, enter the command LAY on the command line or press the PF6 key.

• The Field Copy fill‑in copies one or more dataview field definitions into the panel definition.

  To display the Field Copy fill‑in, type the command COPY on the command line.

• The Input Rules Table defines the rules for validating input for each field on the panel.

  To display the Input Rules Table, type the command IRULES on the command line and press the Enter key.

• The Output Rules Table defines the editing rules used for the display of each field on the panel.

  To display the Output Rules Table, type the command ORULES on the command line and press the Enter key.

• The Extended Field Definition fill‑in further defines a field. This fill‑in is slightly different for alphanumeric, numeric, and group fields.

  To display the Extended Field Definition fill‑in for the first field on the layout, press the PF5 key or enter the command NEXT on the command line. To display the Extended Field Definition fill‑in for any other field, enter the command FIELD id, where id is either the field name or number.

• The Field Summary Table shows the attributes of all the fields on the panel, rather than just one field. The fields are listed down the fill‑in. The attributes are listed across the fill‑in. (The attribute names are abbreviated to fit across the fill‑in.) You can change the attributes shown on this fill‑in either on this fill‑in or on the appropriate field definition fill‑in (Input Rules, Output Rules, or Extended Field Definition fill‑in).

  To display the Field Summary Table, type the command SUM on the command line or press the PF9 key. The cursor can be anywhere on the panel.

To return to the Layout screen from any of the preceding fill‑ins, you can either press the PF6 (LAYOUT) key or enter the command LAY on the command line.