- DESIGN CONCEPTS
- The System Development module provides the system administrator or technical manager with an ability to define, update and analyze their unique software and hardware environment. The System Development module consists of a set of "tools" that are utilized during the following standard procedures:
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Installations Upgrades Database analysis Computer software and hardware configuration Custom programs and file definition Application software development and analysis - The tools used within the System Development module are actually a method that has been developed by CIS for designing and writing application software under a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). The module's design provides a consistent standard for system analysis, programming, and automatic generation of user and system documentation. In addition, the System Development module facilitates the transfer of application software between diverse computers without requiring any changes in the application programs.
FEATURES-
- • "HELP" commands allow you to execute the following functions:
♦ Retrieve or review context-sensitive on-line documentation from any prompt on any screen
♦ Display a list of available values for designated data fields on a menu option screen
♦ Execute a second level of data entry, processing or reporting menu options and return automatically to the field you were in on the original screen
♦ Print a hard copy of screens
♦ Print a hard copy of selected documentation from the User's Manual- • Configuration Menu allows you to define unique software set up and hardware configuration through the following features:
♦ Operating environments and release numbers
♦ Software configuration which includes account names and directories, modules installed
♦ Customer configuration which includes custom programs, files, global terminal type characteristics
♦ Global data element definition allows you to customize field sizes for selected data elements, e.g., General Ledger account string- • Development menu allows you to define your system's components as follows:
♦ Module definition including data on available files
♦ Custom versions of specific programs
♦ Cross Reference Definition- • Transfer menu allows you to monitor and manage all deliveries of programs and documentation into your production environment.
♦ Software Installation Inquiry with date/time of each incremental delivery
♦ Program Delivery Inquiry with delivery data on individual programs or all programs within a specific module- • System Documentation menu provides on-line inquiry and report information on the usage of specified programs, files, and data fields within the System 20/20 application software.
- PROGRAMMING ANALYSIS TOOLS
- REPORTS
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Environment Listing
Module Listing
Directory Listing
File Usage and Listing Reports
Development Account Configuration Listing
Program Usage and Listing Report
Customer Version Listing
Cross Reference Usage & Listing Report
Customer Configuration Listing
Variable Usage
Global Data Element Listing
Database Record Format
Data Element Group Listing
Custom Programs
Key Code Listing
Current Users Manual
The use of the System Development module means that the programmer effectively writes programs in a macro (high level) language. The "precompiler" function of the module then explodes the macros to create "source" code for the target computer on which the program is to be executed.
The System Development module also provides a subsystem whereby new global features can be added to the application software without having to modify each individual application program.
The System Development module is not an "applications generator". It is not intended to be used by the "general user", but rather by the systems analyst or programmer. In our experience, the use of the System Development module significantly reduces the man-hours required to design and develop application software.
The System Development module gives your data processing staff the ability to develop additional application modules that are specific to your software requirements while maintaining a consistent programming environment for all of your application software.