Rational Developer for System z, Version 7.6

Glossary

This glossary defines technical terms and abbreviations used in Debug Tool User’s Guide documentation. If you do not find the term you are looking for, refer to the IBM Glossary of Computing Terms, located at the IBM® Terminology web site:

http://www.ibm.com/ibm/terminology

A

active block
The currently executing block that invokes Debug Tool or any of the blocks in the CALL chain that leads up to this one.
active server
A server that is being used by a remote debug session. Contrast with inactive server. See also server.
alias
An alternative name for a field used in some high-level programming languages.
animation
The execution of instructions one at a time with a delay between each so that any results of an instruction can be viewed.
attention interrupt
An I/O interrupt caused by a terminal or workstation user pressing an attention key, or its equivalent.
attention key
A function key on terminals or workstations that, when pressed, causes an I/O interrupt in the processing unit.
attribute
A characteristic or trait the user can specify.
Autosave
A choice allowing the user to automatically save work at regular intervals.

B

batch
Pertaining to a predefined series of actions performed with little or no interaction between the user and the system. Contrast with interactive.
batch job
A job submitted for batch processing. See batch. Contrast with interactive.
batch mode
An interface mode for use with the MFI Debug Tool that does not require input from the terminal. See batch.
block
In programming languages, a compound statement that coincides with the scope of at least one of the declarations contained within it.
breakpoint
A place in a program, usually specified by a command or a condition, where execution can be interrupted and control given to the user or to Debug Tool.

C

CADP
A CICS-supplied transaction used for managing debugging profiles from a 3270 terminal.
century window (COBOL)
The 100-year interval in which COBOL assumes all windowed years lie. The start of the COBOL century window is defined by the COBOL YEARWINDOW compiler option.
command list
A grouping of commands that can be used to govern the startup of Debug Tool, the actions of Debug Tool at breakpoints, and various other debugging actions.
compile
To translate a program written in a high level language into a machine-language program.
compile unit
A sequence of HLL statements that make a portion of a program complete enough to compile correctly. Each HLL product has different rules for what comprises a compile unit.
compiler
A program that translates instructions written in a high level programming language into machine language.
condition
Any synchronous event that might need to be brought to the attention of an executing program or the language routines supporting that program. Conditions fall into two major categories: conditions detected by the hardware or operating system, which result in an interrupt; and conditions defined by the programming language and detected by language-specific generated code or language library code. An example of a hardware condition is division by zero. An example of a software condition is end-of-file. See also exception.
conversational
A transaction type that accepts input from the user, performs a task, then returns to get more input from the user.
currently qualified
See qualification.

D

data type
A characteristic that determines the kind of value that a field can assume.
data set
The major unit of data storage and retrieval, consisting of a collection of data in one of several prescribed arrangements and described by control information to which the system has access.
date field
A COBOL data item that can be any of the following:

The term date field refers to both expanded date field and windowed date field. See also nondate..

date processing statement
A COBOL statement that references a date field, or an EVALUATE or SEARCH statement WHEN phrase that references a date field.
DBCS
See double-byte character set.
debug
To detect, diagnose, and eliminate errors in programs.
DTCN
Debug Tool Control utility, a CICS® transaction that enables the user to identify which CICS programs to debug.
Debug Tool procedure
A sequence of Debug Tool commands delimited by a PROCEDURE and a corresponding END command.
Debug Tool variable
A predefined variable that provides information about the user’s program that the user can use during a session. All of the Debug Tool variables begin with %, for example, %BLOCK or %CU.
debugging profile
Data that specifies a set of application programs which are to be debugged together.
default
A value assumed for an omitted operand in a command. Contrast with initial setting.
double-byte character set (DBCS)
A set of characters in which each character is represented by two bytes. Languages such as Japanese, which contain more symbols than can be represented by 256 code points, require double-byte character sets. Because each character requires two bytes, the typing, displaying, and printing of DBCS characters requires hardware and programs that support these characters.
dynamic
In programming languages, pertaining to properties that can only be established during the execution of a program; for example, the length of a variable-length data object is dynamic. Contrast with static.
dynamic link library (DLL)
A file containing executable code and data bound to a program at load time or run time. The code and data in a dynamic link library can be shared by several applications simultaneously. See also load module.

E

enclave
An independent collection of routines in Language Environment, one of which is designated as the MAIN program. The enclave contains at least one thread and is roughly analogous to a program or routine. See also thread.
entry point
The address or label of the first instruction executed on entering a computer program, routine, or subroutine. A computer program can have a number of different entry points, each perhaps corresponding to a different function or purpose.
exception
An abnormal situation in the execution of a program that typically results in an alteration of its normal flow. See also condition.
execute
To cause a program, utility, or other machine function to carry out the instructions contained within. See also run.
execution time
See run time.
execution-time environment
See run-time environment.
expanded date field
A COBOL date field containing an expanded (four-digit) year. See also date field and expanded year.
expanded year
In COBOL, four digits representing a year, including the century (for example, 1998). Appears in expanded date fields. Compare with windowed year.
expression
A group of constants or variables separated by operators that yields a single value. An expression can be arithmetic, relational, logical, or a character string.
eXtra Performance LINKage (XPLINK)
A new call linkage between functions that has the potential for a significant performance increase when used in an environment of frequent calls between small functions. XPLINK makes subroutine calls more efficient by removing nonessential instructions from the main path. When all functions are compiled with the XPLINK option, pointers can be used without restriction, which makes it easier to port new applications to z/OS®.

F

file
A named set of records stored or processed as a unit. An element included in a container: for example, an MVS member or a partitioned data set. See also data set.
frequency count
A count of the number of times statements in the currently qualified program unit have been run.
full-screen mode
An interface mode for use with a nonprogrammable terminal that displays a variety of information about the program you are debugging.

H

high level language (HLL)
A programming language such as C, COBOL, or PL/I.
HLL
See high level language.
hook
An instruction inserted into a program by a compiler when you specify the TEST compile option. Using a hook, you can set breakpoints to instruct Debug Tool to gain control of the program at selected points during its execution.

I

inactive block
A block that is not currently executing, or is not in the CALL chain leading to the active block. See also active block, block.
index
A computer storage position or register, the contents of which identify a particular element in a table.
initial setting
A value in effect when the user’s Debug Tool session begins. Contrast with default.
interactive
Pertaining to a program or system that alternately accepts input and then responds. An interactive system is conversational; that is, a continuous dialog exists between the user and the system. Contrast with batch.
I/O
Input/output.

L

Language Environment
An IBM software product that provides a common run-time environment and common run-time services for IBM high level language compilers.
library routine
A routine maintained in a program library.
line mode
An interface mode for use with a nonprogrammable terminal that uses a single command line to accept Debug Tool commands.
line wrap
The function that automatically moves the display of a character string (separated from the rest of a line by a blank) to a new line if it would otherwise overrun the right margin setting.
link-edit
To create a loadable computer program using a linkage editor.
linkage editor
A program that resolves cross-references between separately compiled object modules and then assigns final addresses to create a single relocatable load module.
listing
A printout that lists the source language statements of a program with all preprocessor statements, includes, and macros expanded.
load module
A program in a form suitable for loading into main storage for execution. In this document this term is also used to refer to a Dynamic Load Library (DLL).
logical window
A group of related debugging information (for example, variables) that is formatted so that it can be displayed in a physical window.

M

minor node
In VTAM®, a uniquely defined resource within a major node.
multitasking
A mode of operation that provides for concurrent performance, or interleaved execution of two or more tasks.

N

network identifier
In TCP/IP, that part of the IP address that defines a network. The length of the network ID depends on the type of network class (A, B, or C).
nonconversational
A transaction type that accepts input, performs a task, and then ends.
nondate
A COBOL data item that can be any of the following:

The value of a nondate may or may not represent a date.

O

Options
A choice that lets the user customize objects or parts of objects in an application.
offset
The number of measuring units from an arbitrary starting point to some other point.

P

panel
In Debug Tool, an area of the screen used to display a specific type of information.
parameter
Data passed between programs or procedures.
partitioned data set (PDS)
A data set in direct access storage that is divided into partitions, called members, each of which can contain a program, part of a program, or data.
path point
A point in the program where control is about to be transferred to another location or a point in the program where control has just been given.
PDS
See partitioned data set.
physical window
A section of the screen dedicated to the display of one of the four logical windows: Monitor window, Source window, Log window, or Memory window.
prefix area
The eight columns to the left of the program source or listing containing line numbers. Statement breakpoints can be set in the prefix area.
primary entry point
See entry point.
procedure
In a programming language, a block, with or without formal parameters, whose execution is invoked by means of a procedure call. A set of related control statements. For example, an MVS CLIST.
process
The highest level of the Language Environment program management model. It is a collection of resources, both program code and data, and consists of at least one enclave.
Profile
A choice that allows the user to change some characteristics of the working environment, such as the pace of statement execution in the Debug Tool.
program
A sequence of instructions suitable for processing by a computer. Processing can include the use of an assembler, a compiler, an interpreter, or a translator to prepare the program for execution, as well as to execute it.
program unit
See compile unit.
program variable
A predefined variable that exists when Debug Tool was invoked.
pseudo-conversational transaction
The result of a technique in CICS called pseudo-conversational processing in which a series of nonconversational transactions gives the appearance (to the user) of a single conversational transaction. See conversational and nonconversational.

Q

qualification
A method used to specify to what procedure or load module a particular variable name, function name, label, or statement id belongs. The SET QUALIFY command changes the current implicit qualification.

R

record
A group of related data, words, or fields treated as a unit, such as one name, address, and telephone number.
record format
The definition of how data is structured in the records contained in a file. The definition includes record name, field names, and field descriptions, such as length and data type. The record formats used in a file are contained in the file description.
reference
In programming languages, a language construct designating a declared language object. A subset of an expression that resolves to an area of storage; that is, a possible target of an assignment statement. It can be any of the following: a variable, an array or array element, or a structure or structure element. Any of the above can be pointer-qualified where applicable.
run
To cause a program, utility, or other machine function to execute. An action that causes a program to begin execution and continue until a run-time exception occurs. If a run-time exception occurs, the user can use Debug Tool to analyze the problem. A choice the user can make to start or resume regular execution of a program.
run time
Any instant when a program is being executed.
run-time environment
A set of resources that are used to support the execution of a program.
run unit
A group of one or more object programs that are run together.

S

SBCS
See single-byte character set.
semantic error
An error in the implementation of a program’s specifications. The semantics of a program refer to the meaning of a program. Unlike syntax errors, semantic errors (since they are deviations from a program’s specifications) can be detected only at run time. Contrast with syntax error.
sequence number
A number that identifies the records within an MVS file.
session variable
A variable the user declares during the Debug Tool session by using Declarations.
single-byte character set (SBCS)
A character set in which each character is represented by a one-byte code.
Single Point of Control
The control interface that sends commands to one or more members of an IMSplex and receives command responses.
source
The HLL statements in a file that make up a program.
Source window
A Debug Tool window that contains a display of either the source code or the listing of the program being debugged.
SPOC
See Single Point of Control.
statement
(1) An instruction in a program or procedure.
(2) In programming languages, a language construct that represents a step in a sequence of actions or a set of declarations.
static
In programming languages, pertaining to properties that can be established before execution of a program; for example, the length of a fixed-length variable is static. Contrast with dynamic.
step
One statement in a computer routine. To cause a computer to execute one or more statements. A choice the user can make to execute one or more statements in the application being debugged.
storage
A unit into which recorded text can be entered, in which it can be retained, and from which it can be retrieved. The action of placing data into a storage device. A storage device.
subroutine
A sequenced set of instructions or statements that can be used in one or more computer programs at one or more points in a computer program.
suffix area
A variable-sized column to the right of the program source or listing statements, containing frequency counts for the first statement or verb on each line. Debug Tool optionally displays the suffix area in the Source window. See also prefix area.
syntactic analysis
An analysis of a program done by a compiler to determine the structure of the program and the construction of its source statements to determine whether it is valid for a given programming language. See also syntax checker, syntax error.
syntax
The rules governing the structure of a programming language and the construction of a statement in a programming language.
syntax error
Any deviation from the grammar (rules) of a given programming language appearing when a compiler performs a syntactic analysis of a source program. See also syntactic analysis.

T

session variable
See session variable.
thread
The basic line of execution within the Language Environment program model. It is dispatched with its own instruction counter and registers by the system. Threads can execute, concurrently with other threads. The thread is where actual code resides. It is synonymous with a CICS transaction or task. See also enclave.
thread id
A small positive number assigned by Debug Tool to a Language Environment task.
token
A character string in a specific format that has some defined significance in a programming language.
trigraph
A group of three characters which, taken together, are equivalent to a single special character. For example, ??) and ??( are equivalent to the left (<) and right (>) brackets.

U

utility
A computer program in general support of computer processes; for example, a diagnostic program, a trace program, or a sort program.

V

variable
A name used to represent a data item whose value can be changed while the program is running.
VTAM
See Virtual Telecommunications Access Method.
Virtual Telecommunications Access Method (VTAM)
(1) IBM software that controls communication and the flow of data in an SNA network by providing the SNA application programming interfaces and SNA networking functions. An SNA network includes subarea networking, Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking (APPN), and High-Performance Routing (HPR). Beginning with Release 5 of the OS/390® operating system, the VTAM for MVS/ESA function was included in Communications Server for OS/390; this function is called Communications Server for OS/390 - SNA Services.
(2) An access method commonly used by MVS to communicate with terminals and other communications devices.

W

windowed date field
A COBOL date field containing a windowed (two-digit) year. See also date field and windowed year.
windowed year
In COBOL, two digits representing a year within a century window (for example, 98). Appears in windowed date fields. See also century window (COBOL).

Compare with expanded year.

word wrap
See line wrap.

X

XPLINK
See eXtra Performance LINKage (XPLINK).

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