User Interface

Starting the DD Editor

PRO/5 must be invoked to start the DD Editor. Start the DD Editor from the PRO/5 prompt by entering:

>run "_ddedit.utl"

The DD Editor interface appears on the screen.

Overview

The DD Editor offers an easy to use, intuitive interface with help along the way. It will not, for example, allow an illogical sequence. If an attempt is made to edit field or index definitions before loading an alias, a prompt requests an alias before proceeding. Similarly, if an illegal value for a parameter is entered, the DD Editor either replaces the illegal value with a default value or keeps you in the parameter until a correct value is entered.

All DD Editor screens contain the same basic areas:

  • The Menu Bar contains the basic options available from this screen. Some Menu Bar options have suboptions that are accessed in pull-down menus, such as the FileMaint menu shown on the previous screen. Currently selected options are highlighted (not shown in the illustration). Use the arrow keys to select options.

    Choosing a Menu Bar option either starts an action or, if there are suboptions, displays a pull-down menu. Choose a selected Menu Bar option by pressing Enter or the down arrow key. Or, select and choose an option in one step by pressing the highlighted accelerator key for the option.

  • The Work Area is where data entry forms and prompts that require a response are displayed. The up and down arrows, Enter, or the <JUMP> keys move from field to field in the data entry forms. All the basic character editing keystrokes are available for editing parameters.

  • The Prompt Line contains brief information about the currently selected option or parameter. It also lists the function keys available to accept or cancel entered data, exit the current screen, or display a list of values to choose from.

Getting Help

Pressing the <HELP> key (F1 is the default) displays online help anywhere within the DD Editor interface to obtain additional information about a parameter or a prompt box. Pressing <HELP> twice displays the current keyboard map.