Data Definitions

Data elements used by MAC-PAC are defined outside of the application programs themselves.  The field reference files contain these definitions.  There is one field reference file for each module, and one for common features programs (which are used by multiple modules).  The file for each module contains definitions for fields used within that module.  The first two characters of the file name are the module's abbreviation.  For example, the field reference file for Design Engineering is called DEREF.  The field reference file for Common Features is called CFREF.

Each file contains the following information:

·     Short field name (used in the program)

·     Descriptive name

·     Field attributes (numeric or alphanumeric, etc.)

LANSA Link, the bridge that connects MAC-PAC with the Lansa CASE tool, makes extensive use of the field reference files.  For more information, refer to the LANSA Link documentation.