What type of interface did SDF/CICS use?

SDF/CICS utilized a command-line interface for map definition and generation. Users would enter commands to define screen layouts, specify field attributes, and generate the BMS map source code. The exact syntax and commands are specific to SDF/CICS.

How did SDF/CICS integrate with CICS applications?

SDF/CICS generated BMS map source code, which was then incorporated into CICS application programs. The generated code defined the screen layout and data fields used by the application to interact with 3270 terminals. The generated code was integrated into CICS applications.

Did SDF/CICS expose any APIs?

SDF/CICS did not expose APIs in the modern sense. It was a tool for generating BMS map source code. The generated code was then incorporated into CICS applications. The primary interaction was through the command-line interface for map definition.

What was the primary business value of SDF/CICS?

SDF/CICS streamlined the development of CICS applications by simplifying the creation of BMS maps. This reduced the time and effort required to design and implement screen layouts for 3270 terminals. It improved developer productivity.

How did SDF/CICS improve application quality?

By automating the generation of BMS map source code, SDF/CICS helped to minimize errors in screen design. This led to more reliable and consistent user interfaces for CICS applications. It improved application quality.

How did SDF/CICS impact development cycles?

SDF/CICS facilitated faster development cycles for CICS applications. The tool's ability to quickly define and generate BMS maps allowed developers to iterate on screen designs more efficiently. It accelerated time-to-market.

What security features were provided by SDF/CICS?

SDF/CICS did not have built-in security features in the modern sense. Security was handled at the CICS application level. Access control and authentication were implemented within the CICS applications that used the generated BMS maps.

What encryption methods were supported?

SDF/CICS did not directly support encryption. Any encryption of data transmitted between the 3270 terminal and the CICS application would have been handled by the CICS application itself or the underlying network protocols.

What audit and logging capabilities were available?

SDF/CICS did not have its own audit or logging capabilities. Auditing of user actions and system events would have been performed by the CICS system and the applications that utilized the generated BMS maps.

What administrative interfaces were available?

SDF/CICS was administered through its command-line interface. Users would interact with the tool by entering commands to define and generate BMS maps. There was no graphical user interface or web console for administration.

How was user management handled?

User management for SDF/CICS was not a direct function of the tool. User access and permissions were managed at the operating system level (z/OS, z/VM, or zVSE/VSE) and within the CICS environment. The tool itself did not have user accounts.

What were the main configuration parameters?

The main configuration parameters for SDF/CICS were related to the definition of BMS maps. Users would specify attributes such as screen size, field positions, and data types. These parameters were defined through the command-line interface.

What monitoring and logging capabilities existed?

SDF/CICS did not have built-in monitoring or logging capabilities. Monitoring of the tool's usage and any errors would have been handled through the operating system's logging facilities and the CICS system logs.

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SDF/CICS

IBM Not Supported z/OS z/VM zVSE/VSEn

3270 Application Development CICS

Vendor

IBM

Product Overview

SDF/CICS's architecture comprised several key components that facilitated the creation and integration of BMS maps within CICS applications. The primary components included the command processor, the map definition editor, and the code generator. The command processor interpreted user input from the command-line interface, allowing users to define screen layouts and field attributes.

The map definition editor provided an environment for creating and modifying the BMS map definitions. The code generator then translated these definitions into BMS map source code, which could be incorporated into CICS application programs. The communication between these components was primarily internal, with the command processor acting as the central point of interaction.

The map definitions were stored in internal data structures. The generated BMS map source code was then integrated into CICS applications. SDF/CICS did not expose any external APIs.

Security was handled at the CICS application level. SDF/CICS is no longer supported. Consider SDF II or other modern CICS development tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary function of SDF/CICS?

SDF/CICS was a tool for developing CICS Basic Mapping Support (BMS) maps. It allowed users to define screen layouts and data fields for 3270 terminals. The tool generated the necessary BMS map source code, which could then be incorporated into CICS applications.

What specific elements could be defined using SDF/CICS?

SDF/CICS was used to create and maintain BMS mapsets. These mapsets defined the layout of data displayed on 3270 terminals. Users could define fields, attributes (such as color and intensity), and data validation rules within the mapsets.

On which platforms was SDF/CICS used?

SDF/CICS was primarily used on IBM mainframe systems. It was designed to work with CICS on z/OS, z/VM, and zVSE/VSE operating systems. The tool was specifically tailored for the 3270 terminal environment.

What product replaced SDF/CICS?

SDF/CICS was replaced by Screen Definition Facility II (SDF II). SDF II offered enhanced features and capabilities for screen design and map generation within the CICS environment. SDF II provided a more modern approach to BMS map development.

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SDF/CICS

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the primary function of SDF/CICS?

What specific elements could be defined using SDF/CICS?

On which platforms was SDF/CICS used?

What product replaced SDF/CICS?

What type of interface did SDF/CICS use?

How did SDF/CICS integrate with CICS applications?

Did SDF/CICS expose any APIs?

What were the main components of SDF/CICS?

What was the primary business value of SDF/CICS?

How did SDF/CICS improve application quality?

How did SDF/CICS impact development cycles?

What security features were provided by SDF/CICS?

What encryption methods were supported?

What audit and logging capabilities were available?

What administrative interfaces were available?

How was user management handled?

What were the main configuration parameters?

What monitoring and logging capabilities existed?

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