The Output Process

You use an output process to define a report that the application is to produce. Included in the initial information you provide for an output process is the report name, the PCF to be used, an “In Progress” message, and whether you want to use standard page and column headings.

You then proceed to specify each frame for the output process. Output processes may consist of the following special frame types:

·    Report class frames (start and end) that operate only at the beginning or end of a report.

·    Page class frames (start and end) that operate only at the top or bottom of each page.

·    Range class frames (start and end) that operate when a sort control break occurs (if specified in the related query).

·    Record class frames that operate on each individual record included in the PCF (and as constrained by a query, if so specified).

For each frame, you define the related images. For example, in a start-of-report frame, you paint the image of text and/or items you want to appear at the beginning of a report. You use the same image editor facility as described earlier under input and menu processes. For the record class frame, you specify all the data fields that you want to appear on the “detail” lines of the report. For an end-of-range frame, you can specify subtotal or grand total information and text. You specify as many frames and images as required to produce the report.

As with other process types, there are a number of event points available to supplement the basic specifications with ILF statements.

APPX lets you specify reports very quickly by using the standard defaults provided. You can also define very complex report formats by using the optional features available. Some of the report specification features include:

·    The ability to use standard page and/or column headings; or, you can design customized headings for any output process.

·    Vertical and horizontal scrolling capabilities.

·    Automatic totaling.

·    Sort and control breaks up to a maximum of 255 levels.

·    Comprehensive page-change, line, and spacing control.

·    Support for printing forms, such as invoices and checks.

·    Sophisticated, relative image positioning; that is, the ability to print the components of a report below or beside each other.

·    The ability to browse a report on the screen.

·    The ability to use default display masks for items as defined in the data dictionary, or to override them for a specific report.

·    The ability for an end user to specify several print disposition values, such as the printer ID, type of form, and number of copies.

·    The ability to automatically build Range-Start and Range-End frames based on runtime query specifications.

Refer to Chapter 3-7: Output Processes for detailed specifications on defining these processes.