HP 3000 Manuals HP 3000 Manuals
Using Application Message Catalogs You use application message catalogs whenever you want to keep application output messages separate from the program code. This separation is done so that messages can be altered without having to recompile the program source. Message catalogs are also used when you intend to create efficient, modularized programs. When the output messages are physically, as well as logically, grouped together they are easy to keep consistent and current. Application message catalogs are often used for Native Language Support (NLS). When applications are used in many countries and translated into many languages, the messages that are output to the user are translated (localized) into the native language. Text, such as prompts, commands, and messages intended for the user's native language interaction with an application, is stored in message catalogs. Applications are localized without changing the program code. For information about message catalog translation, refer to the Native Language Programmer's Guide (32650-90022).