Rational Developer for System z

Array

Use the Array tool to create a simple or complex array.

Types of Arrays

Simple Arrays
A simple array is a single BMS field that repeats either vertically or horizontally.
Complex Arrays
A complex array is a two-dimensional array that is repeated both vertically and horizontally creating both rows and columns.

Creating Simple or Complex Arrays

To create an array, complete the following steps:
  1. Click the Array button in the Advanced palette.
  2. Click the cursor in the Design canvas. The Create a New Array dialog will open.
  3. For a simple array, select the Simple radio button.
    1. Specify the Field name, Comments, Length, Distance between fields in the array, Occurs, and the Array direction.
    2. Mark the checkbox, Add stopper fields to add stopper fields to the end of the simple array.
  4. For a complex array, select the Complex radio button.
    1. Specify the Field name, Comments (if needed), and Length of each field.
    2. Specify the Distance between fields in the array. This distance is defined in terms of rows for vertical arrays or columns for horizontal arrays.
    3. The Occurs value will be populated based on the number of fields in each row and column specified in the table below.
    4. Specify the Array Direction, or the order in which fields are created in the source.
      For example, a vertical array would have fields defined as follows:
      field(1) field(4) field(7)
      field(2) field(5) field(8)
      field(3) field(6) field(9)
      Where field(1) is the first to appear in the source, field(2) the second field to appear in the source, and so on.
      Alternatively, a horizontal array would have fields defined as follows:
      field(1) field(2) field(3)
      field(4) field(5) field(6)
      field(7) field(8) field(9)
    5. Use the table at the bottom of the Create a Field Array wizard to define the fields to populate into the complex array. See Defining Fields in Complex Arrays.
      Note: You will not be able to edit this table to provide the array fields until you have provided the Length of each field
  5. Click Finish to create the array.

    A warning is displayed if the array cannot fit in the specified location.

Regardless of the type of array created after the field array is drawn on the canvas, the fields behave as individual fields and can be edited independent of one another.

Editing Simple or Complex Arrays

The following editing capabilities are available:

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