This chapter contains the following topic:
Data structures are a key element of any programming language. A data structure is a collection of data items used to pass data to other components of the same application or to another application entirely. Data can also be passed from a user to an interactive or batch application. The Oracle's JD Edwards EnterpriseOne objects that use data structures are forms, reports, and business functions. Data structures pass data among objects and applications to aid in the execution of JD Edwards EnterpriseOne applications. Data structures are either system-generated or created by the application developer.
There are two types of system-generated data structures:
Form Data Structure
Report Data Structure
Each form of an interactive application contains a form data structure. This data structure is used to pass values to and from the form. You can modify the form data structure during development of the application. If you need to modify the data structure after development is complete, verify that any data items you wish to remove are not used in the form's event rules. You must redefine the affected event rules if you modify fields included in the form data structure. Form data structures are modified in Form Design Aid.
A report is a batch application. A batch application can receive values from a data structure or write values to a data structure. By default, the system creates an empty data structure for a batch application. You can add and delete fields for the data structure from the File menu in JD Edwards Report Design Aid.
An application developer can create three types of data structures:
Media object data structures
Business function data structures
Processing options data structures
Media objects are attachments to records. They store data related to the record attached. Media objects are stored in the F00165 table. The different types of media objects available are text, image, OLE (on Windows platform), shortcut, or URL file. You must select a data structure when attaching media objects. This data structure passes data between the application and the media object table. Typically, the data items included in this data structure are the primary key fields of the record. Media object data structures are developed using Data Structure Design.
A business function requires a data structure. The data structure defines values passed in and out of the business function. Business function data structures are developed using Data Structure Design. These data structures are created using data items defined in the data dictionary. They are attached to business functions which can be called from Event Rules. All business functions require a data structure, both C business functions and named event rule business functions. The data structure provides the parameters for passing data between the business function and the interactive or batch application. Modifying an existing data structure can have a significant impact on your system. Use the Cross Reference Facility to review all applications that will be affected by modifying the data structure.
Processing options are used to provide initial values to the application or report when it is started. Processing Options can be used to customize an application or report. A processing option data structure defines data items that can be customized for the application or report. Processing option data structures are developed in Processing Option Design. Processing options can be displayed when a user launches an application or report, or they can be stored when a particular version is created.