Rational Developer for System z

Working with bidirectional data in service flow project editors

You can use the service flow project editors to create source files in Smart Logical format and to visually edit bidirectional data.

Smart Logical format

The service flow project tools save bidirectional data in Smart Logical format. This format is an extension of the standard Logical format that is used for editing and presentation of host visual data. Smart Logical format uses LRM and RLM markers extensively; it is completely compatible with the Microsoft Windows operating system and Unicode standards. All source files created in with the service flow project tools (SFMXSD files, generated COBOL screens, and HATS screens) are created in Smart Logical format.

You can use the System z® LPEX editor to edit Smart Logical files by using a special Visual line facility. To activate this facility, press Alt + =.

Visual editing of bidirectional data

The service flow project tools enable visual editing of bidirectional data. Visual editing of bidirectional data has several advantages:
  • The possibility to override system reordering which does not permit some complex bidirectional strings to be typed
  • Better cursor and mouse selection
Some views automatically permit visual editing automatically. Other views, such as source views, require the user to press certain key combinations.

The Edit Expression window

The Edit Expression window is used for editing ESQL expressions that area associated with nodes in the flow editor (see Opening an ESQL expression for a While node or a Switch node and Using the Edit Expression window).

If the bidirectional setting is enabled for service flow projects then visual editing is supported for the text area in the Edit Expression window.

Key combination shortcuts

In the Source view editor and the compose mapping expression editor, you can use the following key combinations to view and edit bidirectional text:
Shift+NumLock
This key combination toggles between Visual and Logical modes. You cannot enter bidirectional text in Visual mode.
Ctrl+NumLock
This key combination enables the editing of bidirectional data. A Visual input field is displayed, and the text is inserted at the cursor location. This field is available in both Visual and Logical modes.

Terminal flow

When you enter values for prompts, the data is edited in the format that was specified for the Receive interface message. For extracts, the data is displayed in the format that was specified for the Reply interface message.

Screen attributes

For a bidirectional-enabled service flow project, bidirectional text can be displayed and edited in the Property and Outline views of the screen message editor.
For a screen, the following properties are displayed:
Code Page
The host code-page setting
Numeric Swapping
True or false
Symmetric Swapping
True or false
Text Orientation
Left-to-right (LTR) or right-to-left (RTL)

To modify the orientation of a screen, change the property value and click on the screen image. The mirror image is displayed.

Note: All screens must have the correct bidirectional attributes before they are saved. For example, if you define a screen as having right-to-left orientation, the screen message editor will convert all extracts and prompts accordingly.

Field attributes

Select a field in the Outline view to change the orientation. You can select from the following options:
Inherits
The field orientation is the same as the screen orientation.
Numeric
The field orientation is always left-to-right.
Opposite
The field orientation is the opposite of the screen orientation.

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