Glossary

Symbols

$STDIN

A system-defined file name that refers to the standard input device used to initiate a session or job; usually a terminal keyboard or tape drive.

$STDINX

A system-defined file name that refers to the standard input device used to initiate a session or job. Unlike $STDIN, $STDINX treats the colon (:) prompt appearing in the first column as part of the data file, rather than an end-of-file indicator.

$STDLIST

A file name indicating the standard job or session listing file corresponding to the particular input device being used. The listing device is usually a printer for batch jobs and a terminal for sessions.

A

Access

The process of obtaining data from files or acquiring the use of a device. Access implies an input/output (I/O) operation and is used as a synonym for I/O.

Actual File Designator

The file name provided by the user. The system then uses the file name in place of the formal file designator to accomplish some task. The actual file designator is the file name listed in the directory. Refer to formal file designator.

Algorithm

A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem in a finite amount of time.

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)

A non-governmental agency that establishes standards, including those for the data processing industry.

American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII/USASCII)

The standard method of representing character data (seven data bits plus one that is sometime used for parity). This method was established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to achieve compatibility between data devices when they are interchanging information.

Arithmetic Logic Unit

The part of the system that performs arithmetic and logic operations as part of the Central Processing Unit (CPU). The CPU may contain one or more Arithmetic Logic Units.

Ascending Record

A record that is collated in an ascending order (A to Z or 0 to 9).

ASCII Refer to American Standard Code for

Information Interchange.

B

Batch

A data processing method. Batch processing allows users to submit, for processing as a single unit, commands that request various operations such as program compilation and execution, file manipulation, or utility functions. Such a unit is called a job. Once a job has been submitted no further interaction between the user and the job is necessary. The opposite of Interactive.

C

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT)

A video display screen used as a means of communicating with a computer is called a terminal. A CRT produces soft copy.

Central Processing Unit (CPU)

A part of a system. The CPU interprets and executes instructions and contains all or part of internal storage. The central processor contains an Execution Unit and a Control Unit.

Character

A letter, number, or symbol represented by one byte of data.

Chevron

SORT-MERGE/XL uses a chevron character (>) as its subsystem prompt. All SORT-MERGE/XL commands are entered at the chevron (>) prompt.

Collating Sequence

The sequence by which characters are listed and records are sorted or merged. In SORT-MERGE/XL it is possible to collate characters or records according to ASCII, EBCDIC, Native Language, or user-defined sequences.

Column

A method of measuring the length of a record or line. A standard line consists of 80 columns.

Command

A system-defined word that directs the operating system, subsystem, or a utility program to perform a specific operation.

Compatibility Mode (CM)

Compatibility Mode provides object code compatibility between Mode allows Hewlett-Packard customers to move applications and data from their current systems to the 900 Series HP 3000 without changes or recompilation.

Continuation Character

SORT-MERGE/XL uses the ampersand (&) as its recognizable continuation character. By entering an & as the last character on a line, the record is continued onto a second, third, or any number of subsequent lines.

Control Unit

A part of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) that regulates the Execution Unit (EU) and oversees the instruction cycle.

CPU Time

The amount of time, in seconds, that a user, group, or account has used the CPU (Central Processing Unit).

Cursor

A flashing rectangle or blinking underline character on a display screen that marks the position where text or data can be entered, changed, or deleted.

D

Decimal Value

A decimal representation of an ASCII character. For example, the character "A" has the ASCII binary code value 01000001 and the decimal code value of 65.

Delimiter

A character that marks the end of a string of characters such as those comprising a command. Common delimiters are a comma (,), semicolon (;), equal sign (=), or a Return.

Descending Record

Characters or records are collated in a descending order when the sequence is Z to A or 9 to 0.

Display File

When the >SHOW command is used to display either the translation table or the collating sequence, the information is sent to a system-created file known as the display file.

E

EDIT/V

An HP 3000 text editor, supplied with MPE XL, used to create and manipulate ASCII files.

Error Messages

Messages describing errors occurring during either an interactive session or a batch job. The messages are reported to the standard list device, which is usually a terminal (for a session) or a line printer (for a job).

Execute

To carry out an instruction or perform a routine.

Execution Unit (EU)

The part of the Central Processing Unit (CPU) containing the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU) and the registers. Data is held in registers and manipulated in the ALU.

Extended Binary Coded Decimal Interchange Code (EBCDIC)

An 8-bit code that is an extension of Binary-Coded Decimal (BCD) notation. EBCDIC can represent up to 256 different characters.

F

File Equation

The result of using the MPE XL :FILE command to equate a file name to a device or another file, or to override the file's characteristics. Generally used to direct the input to or output from a program, job, or session to a particular device by referencing the device class, such as TAPE or LP.

Formal File Designator

A name used programmatically or in a file equation to reference a file. The formal file designator is not the file name found in the directory. Refer to actual file designator.

H

Hard Copy

The output from a printer or plotter, usually onto paper. The opposite of soft copy.

Hexadecimal

A method of representing a single alphanumeric character with a 16 numbering system, in which the first 10 digits are 0 through 9, and the last six are A through F. When a number is written in base 16, it is preceded by a dollar sign "$" (for example, $F3 is the hexadecimal representation for 243).

I

I/O

Refer to Input/Output.

Implied :RUN

The ability to run a program without explicitly using the MPE XL :RUN command. For MPE XL it is not necessary to specify

It is only necessary to enter :SORT.

Input File

The input file is designated by using the >INPUT command as the file containing the information you want to sort or merge.

Input/Output (I/O)

The process of, or equipment used in, transmitting information to or from the computer.

Interactive

Interactive processing allows you to enter commands and data at the terminal and receive an immediate response from the system. This is called a session. Sessions are useful for data entry and retrieval, text editing, and program development where direct dialog with the computer is preferred. The opposite of batch.

Intrinsic

A system routine accessible by user programs providing interface to common tasks such as file access, message formatting, or data conversion.

J

Job

A single file, submitted by a user, containing operating system and utility commands and references to the files to be manipulated. Once submitted, a job executes independently of the initiating user or session. Jobs are used to compile source programs, modify files, or perform other functions not requiring user interaction. Submitting a job is also called streaming or batch processing. The opposite of session.

K

Key Data Item

A key is that section of the record that SORT-MERGE/XL uses as a reference to arrange the desired data in a defined order.

L

List File

The list file issues error messages and prompts during interactive sessions while using SORT-MERGE/XL.

Localizable

That quality of software or documentation that facilitates changes to the punctuation characters, key words, and command names to fit a particular native language so that applications can be used in different countries. The user interface is in the user's native language depending upon country.

M

Major Key

In SORT-MERGE/XL, the first key data item specified with the >KEY command is considered the major key and is the first key used for sorting or merging operations.

MERGE/XL

A subsystem of the MPE XL operating system for the 900 Series HP 3000 that allows you to merge two or more previously sorted files into a new file containing the merged data.

Multi-Programming Executive With Extended Large Addressing (MPE XL)

MPE XL is the operating system for the 900 Series HP 3000 computers. It consists of programs that handle exchanges between Hewlett-Packard terminals, printers, storage devices, memory, and executing programs. A disc-based operating system, MPE XL manages all system resources and coordinates the execution of all programs running on the system.

N

Native Language Support(NLS)

MPE XL utilities and intrinsics that facilitate the development of applications for users in different countries. NLS includes such features as currency symbol handling and character translation.

Native Mode

The native run-time environment of MPE XL. In Native Mode source code has been compiled into the native instruction set of the 900 Series HP 3000.

O

Octal The base eight numbering system, in which digits

0-7 are used. One octal digit can be represented by three binary digits. Octal numbers are preceded by a percent sign "%" (for example, %101 which is the octal representation for the character "A").

Operating System

The software that allows the computer to operate. It consists of programs such as basic file and I/O manipulators. All subsystems run upon the operating system.

Output File

The results of a sort or merge operation are sent to the output file. This file is specified by using the >OUTPUT command.

P

Privileged Mode (PM)

A mode of running in MPE XL that frees the user from most system constraints.

Prompt File

The prompt file asks you for input when the text file is the session terminal but the list file is not.

R

Range

All of the values that a function or word may have. For example, the range "A-Z" would include each of the characters in the range ABC...Z.

Record

A collection of fields or related data treated as a unit, residing in a file. A contiguous group of bytes whose structure is known by the file system. A record can consist of more than one line of data in a file continued with the ampersand (&) character at the end of each line.

S

Scratch File

SORT/XL uses the scratch file as a work area. MERGE/XL does not use the Scratch File.

Session

A mode in which the HP 3000 is used interactively by entering commands and data through a terminal's keyboard and receiving immediate responses to the input from the system. A session is initiated with the :HELLO command. A session is ended with the :BYE command, or a second :HELLO command that logs the user off the first session and onto another session. The opposite of job.

Soft Copy

The display on a video terminal. The opposite of hard copy.

SORT/XL

A subsystem of the MPE XL operating system for the 900 Series HP 3000 that allows you to sort information in files, based upon single or multiple key data items either alphabetically or numerically.

Subsystem

SORT/XL and MERGE/XL are subsystems of MPE XL. A subsystem is a software program that performs a specific function such as compile programs, copy files, sort/merge files, or edit text. Subsystems are accessed by entering a single command at the MPE XL colon prompt. Then a different prompt is displayed (a chevron > for SORT-MERGE/XL) and a set of commands, specific to the subsystem, becomes available to the user. The user must explicitly exit the subsystem, usually by entering E or EXIT. To exit the SORT-MERGE/XL subsystem you enter either EXIT or EX.

T

Terminal

A hardware device connected to a computer. A terminal is used for entering and receiving data. It consists of a keyboard and a display screen.

Text and Document Processor/V (TDP/V)

An HP 3000 line editor (with a screen editor option). TDP/V is used to create, manipulate, and format ASCII text files.

Text File

Both SORT/XL and MERGE/XL read commands directly from the text file.

Translation Table

The default translation table for SORT-MERGE/XL follows the standard 128-character ASCII sequence, where each character is represented internally by a numeric value of from 0 to 127.

U

USASCII

Refer to American Standard Code for Information Interchange.

Utility Program

An operating system program that performs specific functions such as file copying, sorting and merging, memory dump analysis, or monitoring available disc space. SORT-MERGE/XL is a utility program.