RE: DDS screen design: how to use one screen for both display AND update

--(There is no DSPATR for removing the underlines).

This is not necessarily true.

You can condition a DSPATR(UL) with an indicator, which causes the underline to be Hidden when the indicator is Off and Shown when the indicator is On.

For our screens we use indicator 76 to control "Add" mode, 77 to control "Update" mode, and 78 to control "Display Mode".

Condition the DSPATR(UL) keyword to allow you to show/hide the underline.
Condition the DSPATR(PR) keyword to allow you to protect or edit a field.
You can use DSPATR(PC) to position the cursor when a validation error occurs.
And you can use DSPATR(RI) to Highlight the fields that have an input error.


In add mode you allow changing the Key of the database record.
A 10 24'Key:'
A DSPATR(HI)
A S2KEY 1A B 10 29
A 76 DSPATR(UL)
A 50 DSPATR(PC)
A 50 DSPATR(RI)
A N76 DSPATR(PR)


In Update mode, you lock the key, but allow changing other information, like description.
A 11 16'Description:'
A COLOR(WHT)
A S2DESC 30A B 11 29
A 51 DSPATR(RI)
A 76
AO 77 DSPATR(UL)
A 51 DSPATR(PC)
A CHECK(LC)
A 78 DSPATR(PR)


This is similar to Alan's response. Hopefully it comes through formatted better.

I have never had the need to use CHGINPDFT for any display file.



Chris Hiebert
Senior Programmer/Analyst
Disclaimer: Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.