The Field Component

Chapter 4-3: Specifying Statements

The Field Component

Many statement types require you to specify either one or two field components, in which you enter a field name or value. Wherever a statement’s syntax calls for you to specify a field name, you can enter any of the following categories of items:

· A defined field is one that is specified in the data dictionary of the current application, or in another APPX application. For example, ORDER1 CUSTOMER NO might be a defined field in the Order Processing (TOE) application.

· A work field, like a defined field, is also specified in the data dictionary, but is not stored in a file.

· A predefined field specifies any one of APPX’s predefined fields (PDFs). A complete list of the PDFs and a discussion of their nature and use are provided in Chapter 4-7: Predefined Fields and Processes.

· A constant includes any of four types of values, including numeric, alpha, date/time, or logic. Unlike some languages, you do not enclose a constant within quotation marks when you specify it in APPX. In addition to letters and numbers, constants may contain special characters. Refer to the discussion about constants later in this chapter.

APPX Application Design Manual (01/13/03)