ACCENT R includes a number of 4th Generation Tools for developing applications. The ACCENT R 4th Generation Tool Set includes the following:
- DataPaint II — Window and Form Developer
- Reporter — Report Generator
- MenuMaker — Menu Builder
- Express — Executive Information System
The database specific changes to these tools and Open SQL are described in this section. Each of these tools is useful for designing, manipulating, and collecting DBL objects for application development. Each of these tools is written entirely within ACCENT R general and auxiliary purpose objects. The tools also generate these objects as output. 3rd Generation Languages are not used, relied upon, or required, but can be easily integrated. The designer interface for end-users and developers is essentially the same for Oracle, RMS, and DB-MACH2 RDBMS. Consult the appropriate guide for each tool for specific development instructions.
The complete operation of the DataPaint II window development system is described in Section 3, Volume IV, of the ACCENT R Professional Desk Reference Set. This section describes the aspects of DataPaint II which apply specifically to Oracle. Other aspects of DataPaint II are only summarized in this section.
DataPaint II is the window development system of the ACCENT R 4th Generation Tool set. DataPaint II enables the developer to create multi-window forms without writing procedural code. The general-purpose window program generated by DataPaint II can be used for on-line retrieval, update, and entry of data. DataPaint II fully supports ACCENT R Open SQL so your window design can include data from Oracle tables, RMS files, and DB-MACH2 tables simultaneously within the same window.
The developer creates a window form with DataPaint II by interactively designing the window on the terminal or workstation exactly as it will appear to the user. DataPaint II will use these definitions to generate the ACCENT R SPL (Structured Programming Language) code into a PM (Process Module) object. SPL code is compiled to machine code so it executes at the speed of 3rd Generation Languages. The SPL code within the PM object is completely modifiable so screen triggers can be added quickly and easily.
The following paragraphs describe the differences in DataPaint II to provide support for ACCENT R Open SQL.
The Menu selection Oracle has been added to the Initialize menu. This selection facilitates the declaration of a particular Oracle Server to be referenced for the Oracle tables to be accessed by the window.
Choose the Oracle selection from the Initialize menu to declare the Oracle Server you wish to use in this session.
In order to set up Data Sets to be accessed during this design session, choose the Add menu selection. Oracle tables are added by specifying the mode: "I" for Input and "U" for Update. The DS object type must then be specified for Oracle tables. Once the cursor is positioned at the name field, you may type a "/" to receive a list of fields or type in the name of the table explicitly. Finally, Oracle tables require that key fields be specified through the Key Fields menu selection. These key fields should uniquely identify rows in the table. The keys you specify will be prompted for in the designed screen during Browse, Change, and Delete operations. DataPaint II will order the rows retrieved from Oracle tables based on the keys specified.
The complete operation of the Reporter report writing system is described in the Getting Started with Reporter Manual. This section describes the aspects of Reporter which apply specifically to Oracle. Other aspects of Reporter are only summarized in this section.
Reporter is the report writing system of the ACCENT R 4th Generation Tool set. Reporter can be used by developers and end-users alike to create comprehensive and effective reports. Reporter substantially reduces report development time with a simple, menu-driven approach.
Reporter fully supports ACCENT R Open SQL so your window design can include data from Oracle tables, RMS files, and DB-MACH2 tables simultaneously on the same window. Reporter automatically handles pagination, report detail, headings, subheadings, subtotals, and grand totals.
Reporter combines the flexibility of ad hoc reporting with the speed of compiled code. Reporter facilitates the design of the reports and then generates PM (Process Module) objects containing ACCENT R SPL (Structured Programming Language) code. The PM object may be easily modified to produce the exact report that you require. Normally, no modification of the code is required due to the robust capabilities of Reporter. The PM object is automatically compiled into machine code for efficiency in on-line information systems.
The following paragraphs describe the differences in Reporter to provide support for ACCENT R Open SQL. Each paragraph refers to the appropriate menu or function in the Getting Started with Reporter Manual.
The Menu selection Oracle has been added to the Initialize menu. This selection facilitates the declaration of a particular Oracle Server to be referenced for the Oracle tables to be accessed by the window.
Choose the Oracle selection from the Initialize menu to declare the Oracle Server you wish to use in this session.
In order to set up Data Sets to be accessed during this design session, choose the Add menu selection. Oracle tables are added by specifying the DS object type. (The DI object refers to the DB-MACH2 tables and RMS files.) Once the cursor is positioned at the name field, you may type a "/" to receive a list of fields or type in the name of the table explicitly. Finally, Oracle tables require that key fields be specified through the Key Fields menu selection.
The key fields you specify should uniquely identify rows in the table. The keys you specify will be the order in which the report is printed. Reporter will sort the rows retrieved from Oracle tables by these keys. It is worth noting that the DB-MACH2 DS object is sorted by these keys.
All other Reporter functions remain essentially the same for Open SQL. The SPL code generated makes use of Embedded SQL statements to provide access to Oracle tables. DB-MACH2 tables and RMS files can still be accessed by all SPL statements and ICL commands.
Express is an executive information system which allows data to be created, changed, and reviewed. The human interface of Express is menu and window oriented so you can use ACCENT R simply and interactively. Express guides you through each step of the task you wish to accomplish, requesting each item of information it needs, presenting you with the available choices, and displaying context-sensitive help upon request.
The complete operation of the Express executive information system is described in the Getting Started with Express Manual. This section describes the aspects of Express which apply specifically to Oracle. Other aspects of Express are only summarized in this section.
The following paragraphs describe the differences in Express to provide support for ACCENT R Open SQL. Each paragraph refers to the appropriate menu or function in the Getting Started with Express Manual.
The Library Command menu contains the menu selection ORACLE SQL for the specification of an Oracle Server. This menu selection should be chosen after a Data Base Library is selected. The Oracle Server is the repository of the Oracle tables which you wish to reference.
All other Express capabilities and functions remain the same with the introduction of Open SQL. The functional user interface for Express remains essentially unchanged.