Dictionary PH-Type Records

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A phrase can be used in query processor sentences. When the sentence is executed, the phrase name is replaced by the phrase expansion. Typically, phrases are used to give names to groups of fields to be displayed or selection criteria.

 

1:PH  { descriptive text }
2:Phrase expansion

 

Phrases may also be included in the VOC but are more commonly found in dictionaries. A phrase in the VOC can be used in queries against any file whereas a phrase in a dictionary can only be used in queries against the associated file.

 

Where a phrase is very long it may be broken into multiple lines within the VOC record by terminating all but the final line with an underscore character. When the phrase is substituted into a command, the lines are merged, replacing the underscore with a single space.

 

There are a number of reserved phrase names as listed below. These only operate when stored in the dictionary of the file to which they relate.

 

@A phrase record defining the default list of items to be displayed by LIST and SORT in the absence of a display clause. If this record is not present, only the record ids will be shown.

 

@LPTRA phrase record defining the default list of items to be displayed by LIST and SORT in the absence of a display clause when output is directed to a printer. If this record is not present, the query processor uses the @ record instead.

 

@MODIFYA phrase record defining the default list of items to be processed by the MODIFY command.

 

@SHOWA phrase record defining the default list of items to be displayed by SHOW in the absence of any other field names.