GDDM glossary

GDDM-PGF V2R1.3 Programming Guide and Reference

GDDM glossary

GDDM-PGF V2R1.3 Programming Guide and Reference
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This glossary defines various terms used in the documentation of GDDM.

In the definitions, the qualification "In GDDM" means in the GDDM Base products or in GDDM-PGF (or both). "In GDDM-PGF" means in GDDM-PGF, which includes the ICU.

This glossary includes terms and definitions from the IBM Vocabulary for Data Processing, Telecommunications, and Office Products, GC20-1699.

AAB. Application anchor block.

absolute data. In GDDM-PGF, the actual y values to be plotted. Contrast with relative data.

alphanumeric character attributes. In GDDM, comprise the highlighting, color, and symbol set to be used.

alphanumeric cursor. A physical indicator on a display. It may be moved from one hardware cell to another.

alphanumeric field. A field (area of a screen or printer page) that can contain alphabetic, numeric, or special characters. In GDDM, contrast with graphics field.

alphanumeric field attributes. In GDDM, comprise intensity, highlighting, color, symbol set to be used, field type, field end output conversion, input conversion, translate table assignment, transparency, field outlining, and mixed-string fields.

alphanumeric label. In GDDM-PGF or the ICU, a user-specified alphanumeric string used to annotate an x-axis or y-axis scale mark. Contrast with numeric label.

alternate device. In GDDM, a device to which copies are sent of the primary device's output. Usually the alternate device is a printer or plotter. See also primary device.

annotation. An added descriptive comment or explanatory note.

API. Application program interface.

APL. One of the programming languages supported by GDDM.

application program interface (API). The formally defined programming-language interface between an IBM system control program or program product and its user.

aspect ratio. The width-to-height ratio of an area, symbol, or shape.

attribute table. In GDDM-PGF, a set of values for one particular attribute (for example, shading pattern), that are used in sequence to display the components of a business chart.

attributes. Characteristics or properties that can be controlled, usually to obtain a required appearance; for example, the color of a line. See also alphanumeric character attributes, alphanumeric field attributes, and graphics attributes.

autoranging. In GDDM-PGF, the process in which the axis ranges are determined by the extremes of the data values passed by the application. Synonymous with autoscaling.

autoscaling. Synonym for autoranging.

axis. In a chart, a line that is drawn to indicate units of measurement against which items in the chart can be viewed. GDDM-PGF charts have an x, y, and (in the case of tower charts) z axis.

axis label. In GDDM-PGF, text appearing at or between axis major scale marks on a business chart. Such labels may be numeric or alphanumeric. Contrast with data label.

axis title. In GDDM-PGF, a text string describing what an axis represents.

background color. Black on a display, white on a printer. The initial color of the display medium. Contrast with neutral color.

bar chart. A chart consisting of several bars of equal width. The value of the dependent variable is indicated by the height of each bar. Synonymous with column chart.

BASIC. One of the programming languages supported by GDDM.

blank character. An empty character represented by X'40' in the EBCDIC code. In GDDM-PGF, such a character occupies one position in a label or a key and may be used for positioning purposes. Contrast with null character.

business graphics. The methods and techniques for presenting commercial and administrative information in chart form. For example, the creation and display of a sales bar chart. Contrast with general graphics.

cell. See character cell.

character. A letter, digit, or other symbol.

character attributes. See alphanumeric character attributes. See also graphics text attributes.

character box. In GDDM, the rectangle or (for sheared characters) the parallelogram boundaries that govern the size, orientation, spacing, and italicizing of individual symbols or characters to be shown on a display screen or printer page.

The box width, height, and if required, shear, are specified in world coordinates and may be program-controlled. See also character mode. Contrast with character cell.

character cell. The physical, rectangular space in which any single character or symbol is displayed on a screen or printer device. The size and position of a character cell are fixed. Size is usually specified in pixels on a given device, for example, 9 by 12 on an IBM 3279 Model 3 display. Position is addressed by row and column coordinates. Synonymous with hardware cell and symbol cell. Contrast with character box.

character code. The means of addressing a symbol in a symbol set, sometimes called code point.

The particular form and range of codes depends on the GDDM context, for example:

For the Image Symbol Editor, a hexadecimal constant in the range X'41'-X'FE', or its EBCDIC character equivalent.
For the Vector Symbol Editor, a hexadecimal constant in the range X'00'-X'FF' or its EBCDIC character equivalent.
For the GDDM API, a decimal constant in the range 0 through 239, or subsets of this range (for example, a marker symbol code range of 1 through 8).

character grid. A notional grid that covers the chart area. The size of the grid determines the basic size of the characters in all text constructed by PG routines. It is the fundamental measurement in chart layout, governing the spacing of mode-2 characters and the size of mode-3 characters. It also governs the size of the chart margins and thus the plotting area.

character matrix. Synonym for dot matrix.

character mode. In GDDM, the type of characters to be used. There are three modes:

Mode-1 characters are loadable into PS and are of device-dependent fixed size, spacing, and orientation, as are hardware characters.
Mode-2 characters are image (ISS) characters. Size and orientation are fixed. Spacing is variable by program.
Mode-3 characters are vector (VSS) characters. Box size, position, spacing, orientation, and shear of individual characters are variable by program.

chart. In GDDM, usually means business chart, for example, a bar chart.

chart annotation. Annotative text added to a business chart. In GDDM-PGF, referred to as chart notes.

chart area. In GDDM-PGF, the part of the picture space in which a business chart is to be drawn.

chart attributes. In GDDM-PGF, define how each part of the chart will appear - for example, the font to be used for the chart heading.

chart data. An ICU chart is saved in two distinct parts, the data and the format. The chart data consists of the x and y values, the data labels, the data group names, and the chart heading.

chart data attributes. In GDDM-PGF, define the appearance of the data representation. For example, the color of the lines on a line graph or the shading patterns used for the sectors of a pie chart.

chart format. An ICU chart is saved in two distinct parts, the data and the format. The chart format consists of the chart type, the chart attributes, the axis characteristics, the chart layout, and the chart notes.

chart notes. In GDDM-PGF, additional text to annotate a business chart. May be used in isolation to create alphanumeric presentation material (using the ICU interactive notes facility).

chart type. In GDDM-PGF, specifies whether the business chart should be a line graph, surface chart, histogram, bar chart, pie chart, Venn diagram, polar chart, table chart, or tower chart.

choice device. A logical input device that enables the application program to identify keys pressed by the terminal operator.

CICS. Customer Information Control System. A subsystem of MVS or VSE under which GDDM can be used.

CMS. Conversational Monitor System. A time-sharing subsystem that runs under VM/SP.

COBOL. One of the programming languages supported by GDDM.

code point. Synonym for character code.

column chart. See bar chart.

compass keys. In the GDDM Vector and Image Symbol Editors, a set of PF keys predefined to draw a line in vector symbols or add a dot in image symbols, in directions corresponding to points of the compass.

component (data). In GDDM-PGF, synonym for data group. One line on a line graph, for example, or one set of bars on a bar chart.

composite bar chart. In GDDM-PGF, a bar chart in which multiple y values for the same x value or x label are stacked one on top of another. Contrast with multiple bar chart. See also floating bar chart.

cursor. A physical indicator that may be moved around a display screen. See alphanumeric cursor and graphics cursor.

curve construction line. In the GDDM Vector Symbol Editor, one of a series of vectors that is used in the construction of a curve.

curve fitting. The construction of a smooth curve through a sequence of plot points, as opposed to their connection by straight lines. In GDDM-PGF or the ICU, curve fitting may be requested for line graphs or polar charts.

data group. In GDDM-PGF, one set of y values corresponding to a given set of x values (for example, the data values for one line on a line graph). Synonymous with component.

data indexing. In ICU, the display of y values relative to other y values in the same chart, rather than as originally specified. For example, all bars might be displayed as a percentage of the set of bars at X=1979.

data label. In ICU, text specified on the data entry panel rather than on the x-axis label panel. If the chart has axes, the label is displayed on a tick mark that is close to the matching numeric x value. Data labels are attached to the sectors on a pie chart and to the circles and overlap area of a Venn diagram. Contrast with axis label.

data values. In GDDM-PGF, the x and y values that are plotted on a business chart.

datum line. In GDDM-PGF, a line drawn parallel to a chart axis, through a specified value along the other axis. See also datum reference line.

datum reference line. In GDDM-PGF, a datum line that also acts as a shading boundary for the first component of a surface chart, histogram or composite bar chart, or for all the components of a polar chart or multiple bar chart. If no datum reference line is present, such components are shaded from the x axis.

data set. The major unit of data storage and retrieval, consisting of a collection of data in one of several prescribed arrangements and described by control information to which the system has access.

DBCS. Double-byte character set.

default value. A value chosen by GDDM when no value is explicitly specified by the user. For example, the default line type is a solid line.

device family. In GDDM, a device classification that governs the general way in which I/O will be processed. See also processing options. For example:

Family 1: 3270 display or printer
Family 2: queued printer
Family 3: system printer (alphanumerics only)
Family 4: high-resolution printer.

device token. In GDDM, an 8-byte code giving entry to a table of pre-established device hardware characteristics that are required when the device is opened (initialized).

display device. Any output unit that gives a visual representation of data. For example, a screen or printer. More commonly, the term is used to mean a screen as opposed to a printer.

display point. Synonym for pixel.

display terminal. An input/output unit by which a user communicates with a data-processing system or subsystem. Usually includes a keyboard and always provides a visual presentation of data. For example, an IBM 3179 display.

double-byte character set (DBCS). A set of characters in which each character occupies two byte positions in internal storage and in display buffers. Used for oriental languages.

dual characters. In GDDM, characters that each occupy two bytes in internal storage and in display buffers. They are used to display Kanji or Hangeul symbols.

edit. To enter, modify, or delete data.

exploded pie chart. A pie chart in which one or more sectors have been moved outward from the center of the pie, to have a greater impact on the eye.

external defaults. GDDM-supplied values that users can change to suit their own needs.

field attributes. See alphanumeric field attributes.

floating bar chart. In GDDM-PGF, a special type of composite bar chart in which the first data group is not displayed. The stacks of bars representing the remaining data groups therefore appear to "float".

foil. A transparency for overhead projection.

font. A particular style of typeface (for example, Gothic English). In GDDM, a font may exist as a programmed symbol set.

FORTRAN. One of the programming languages supported by GDDM.

four-button cursor. A hand-held device, with cross-hair sight, for indicating positions on the surface of a tablet. Synonymous with puck.

free data. In GDDM-PGF, data that has a separate set of x points for each component. Formerly known as paired data. Contrast with tied data.

GDDM. Graphical Data Display Manager.

GDDM storage. The portion of host computer main storage used by GDDM.

GDF. Graphics data format.

general graphics. The methods and techniques for converting data to or from graphics display in mathematical, scientific, or engineering applications; that is, any application other than business graphics. See also business graphics.

graphics. A picture defined in terms of graphics primitives and graphics attributes.

graphics attributes. In GDDM, comprise color selection, color mix, line type, line width, graphics text attributes, marker symbol, and shading pattern definition.

graphics cursor. A physical indicator that can be moved (often with a joystick, mouse, or stylus) to any position on the screen.

graphics data format (GDF). A picture definition in an encoded order format used internally by GDDM and, optionally, providing the user with a lower-level programming interface than the GDDM API.

graphics text attributes. In GDDM, comprise symbol (character) set to be used, character box size, character angle, character mode, character shear angle, and character direction.

grid lines. In GDDM-PGF, lines drawn parallel to one axis and through the major scale marks of the other axis.

hardware cell. Synonym for character cell.

hardware characters. Synonym for hardware symbols.

hardware symbols. The characters that are supplied with the device. The term is loosely used also for GDDM mode-1 symbols that are loaded into a PS store for subsequent display. Synonymous with hardware characters.

help panel. A panel presenting tutorial text to assist the terminal user. All the GDDM interactive utilities possess comprehensive help panels.

hidden bars. See overlapping bar chart.

high-resolution image file. An intermediate form, residing on disk, of a picture destined for a high-resolution printer.

high-resolution printer. A printer, such as the 4250 or 3800-3, that has a high density of pixels to the inch and therefore produces output of good quality.

histogram. A chart in which each value of the dependent variable corresponds to a range of values of the independent variable (represented by the width of the associated bar). Such a chart might display the number of persons in various age ranges, for example.

home panel. The first panel that is displayed by the ICU. It is the starting point for access to the other panels.

ICU. Interactive Chart Utility.

image. Pictorial information that is specified in terms of the dots (pixels) of which it is made up.

image symbol. A character or symbol defined as a dot pattern.

Image Symbol Editor (ISE). A GDDM-supplied interactive editor that lets users create or modify their own image symbol sets (ISS).

image symbol set (ISS). A set of symbols each of which was created as a pattern of dots. Contrast with vector symbol set (VSS).

IMS. Information Management System. A subsystem of MVS under which GDDM can be used.

include member. A collection of source statements stored as a library member for later inclusion in a compilation.

indexing. In ICU, see data indexing.

integer. A whole number (for example, -2, 3, 457).

Interactive Chart Utility (ICU). A GDDM-PGF menu-driven program that allows business charts to be created interactively by nonprogrammers.

interactive graphics. In GDDM, those graphics that can be moved or manipulated by a user at a terminal.

interactive mode. A mode of application operation in which each entry receives a response from a system or program, as in an inquiry system or an airline reservation system. An interactive system may also be conversational, implying a continuous dialog between the user and the system.

interactive subsystem. (1) One or more terminals, printers, and any associated local controllers capable of operation in interactive mode. (2) One or more system programs or program products that enable user applications to operate in interactive mode. For example, CICS.

intercept. In a chart, a method of describing the position of one axis relative to another. For example, the x axis can be specified so that it intercepts (crosses) the y axis at the bottom, middle, or top of the plotting area of a chart.

ISE. Image Symbol Editor.

ISS. Image symbol set.

JCL. Job Control Language.

joystick. A lever that can pivot in all directions, used as a locator device.

Kanji. A character set of symbols used in Japanese ideographic alphabets.

key. In a legend, a symbol and an associated data group name. A key might, for example, indicate that the pink line on a graph represents "Predicted Profit." See also legend.

key symbol. A small part of a line (from a line graph) or an area (from a shaded chart) used in a legend to identify the various data groups.

legend. A set of symbolic keys used to identify the data groups in a business chart.

line attributes. In GDDM, color, line type, and line width.

line graph. In GDDM-PGF, a chart in which the plotted points (each optionally represented by a marker) are joined by straight or curved lines. If only the markers are displayed, the chart is known as a scatter plot.

link edit. To create a loadable computer program by means of a linkage editor.

load module. A program unit that is suitable for loading into main storage for execution; it is usually the output of a linkage editor.

logarithmic axis. In GDDM-PGF, an axis on which ascending powers of 10 are equally spaced.

Manhattan chart. Synonym for tower chart.

menu. A displayed list of logically grouped functions from which the operator may make a selection. Sometimes called a menu panel.

menu-driven. Describes a program that is driven by an operator responding to one or more displayed menus.

missing values. In GDDM-PGF or the ICU, x or y values that are omitted from a chart. For example, one line on a graph might represent a sales forecast and extend to the end of the year on the x axis, while a second line might represent actual sales and extend only to the current month.

mixed character string. A string containing a mixture of Latin (one-byte) and Kanji (two-byte) characters.

mixed chart. In GDDM-PGF or the ICU, the combination of more than one chart type in a business graph. For example, the overlaying of a line graph on top of a bar chart.

mode 1/2/3 characters. See character mode.

mountain shading. A method of shading surface charts where each component is shaded separately from the base line, instead of being shaded from the data line of the previous component.

mouse. A hand-held device (the IBM 5277 Mouse) that is moved around a locator pad to position the graphics cursor on the screen.

multicomponent chart. In GDDM-PGF, a chart presenting more than one data group.

multiple axis chart. In GDDM-PGF, a chart in which more than one x axis or y axis, or both, is used. See also secondary axis.

multiple bar chart. In GDDM-PGF, a form of bar chart in which the bars at a given x value or label are placed side by side. Contrast with composite bar chart.

multiple charts. Two or more charts appearing together on the display screen or page. Multiple charts can be of the same type or different types, and can be derived from one or more sets of data.

National Language (NL) feature. The translations of the ICU panels and GDDM messages into a variety of languages other than English.

neutral color. White on a display, black on a printer. Contrast with background color.

nickname. In GDDM, a quick and easy means of referring to a device, the characteristics and identity of which have been predefined.

non-paired data. See tied data.

null character. An empty character represented by X'00' in the EBCDIC code. In GDDM-PGF, such a character does not occupy a screen position. The trailing positions of short keys or labels may be filled with nulls. Contrast with blank character.

numeric label. In GDDM-PGF, an axis major scale mark label derived directly from the data value at that scale mark. Contrast with alphanumeric label.

overlapping bar chart. A form of business chart where adjacent bars partly overlap each other. Overlapping bars are sometimes called hidden bars.

page. In GDDM, the main unit of output and input. All specified alphanumerics and graphics are added to the "current page." An output statement always sends the current page to the device, and an input statement always receives the current page from the device.

paired data. See free data.

panel. A predefined display that defines the locations and characteristics of alphanumeric fields on a display terminal. When the panel offers the operator a selection of alternatives it may be called a menu panel. Synonymous with frame.

PDS. In TSO, a partitioned data set.

pel. Synonym for pixel.

PGF. Presentation Graphics Facility.

picture element. Synonym for pixel.

picture interchange format (PIF) file. In graphics systems, the type of file, containing picture data, that can be transferred between GDDM and a 3270-PC/G or 3270-PC/GX work station.

pie chart. A chart that takes the form of one or more circles divided into sectors, the angles of which represent the contributions of each data value to the group total.

PIF. Picture interchange format (PIF) file.

pixel. The smallest area of a display screen capable of being addressed and switched between visible and invisible states. Synonymous with display point, pel, and picture element.

PL/I. One of the programming languages supported by GDDM.

plotter. An output device that uses pens to draw its output on paper or transparency foils.

polar chart. A form of business chart where the x axis is circular and the y axis is radial.

presentation graphics. Computer graphics products or systems, the functions of which are primarily concerned with graphics output presentation. For example, the display of business planning bar charts.

Presentation Graphics Facility (PGF). A member of the GDDM family of program products. It is concerned with business graphics, as opposed to general graphics.

preview chart. A small version of the current chart that may be displayed on ICU menu panels.

primary device. In GDDM, the main destination device for the application program's output, usually a display terminal. The default primary device is the user console. See also alternate device.

processing options. Describe how a device's I/O will be processed. These device-family-dependent and subsystem-dependent options are specified when the device is opened. An example is the choice between CMS attention-handling protocols.

program library. (1) A collection of available computer programs and routines. (2) An organized collection of computer programs. (3) Synonym for partitioned data set.

programmed symbols (PS). Dot patterns loaded by GDDM into the PS stores of an output device.

PS. Programmed symbols.

PS overflow. A condition where the graphics cannot be displayed in its entirety because the picture is too complex to be contained in the device's PS stores.

puck. Synonym for four-button cursor.

queued printer. A printer belonging to the subsystem under which GDDM runs, to which output is sent indirectly by means of the GDDM Print Utility program. In some subsystems, this may allow the printer to be shared between multiple users. Contrast with system printer.

RCP. Request control parameter.

reentrant. The attribute of a program or routine that allows the same copy of the program or routine to be used concurrently by two or more tasks.

reference line. See datum reference line.

regression line. In ICU, the conversion of a set of y values into other values that form a straight line most closely resembling the original values.

relative data. In GDDM-PGF, real y-data values that are to be presented in a stacked chart-type. The actual points to be plotted for a particular component are obtained by adding the y data of that component to the y data of the previous components. Contrast with absolute data.

reverse video. A form of alphanumeric highlighting for a character, field, or cursor, in which its color is exchanged with that of its background. For example, changing a red character on a black background to a black character on a red background.

scalable markers. In GDDM-PGF, (vector) markers on a line graph or polar chart that may be varied in size.

scale marks. In GDDM-PGF, markings spaced at equal intervals along an axis. Each pair of "major scale marks" may have one or more "minor scale marks" in between. Synonymous with tick marks.

scatter plot. In GDDM-PGF, a variety of line graph in which only the marked points, and not their joining lines, are drawn.

scrolling. In computer graphics, moving a display image vertically or horizontally in a manner such that new data appears at one edge as existing data disappears at the opposite edge.

secondary axis. In GDDM-PGF, an x- or y-axis line drawn parallel to the primary axis and capable of having scale marks, labels, and title different from those of the primary axis. Permits the combination of two business charts.

skyscraper chart. Synonym for tower chart.

spider labels. In GDDM-PGF, labels that annotate pie-chart sectors. Each label is joined to its associated sector by a line, giving the resulting chart a spider-like appearance.

stacked chart type. A surface chart, composite bar chart, or histogram where the data components are stacked one on top of another. The data value of a particular component is indicated by the depth of the band at that point. See also relative data.

stand-alone (mode). Operation that is independent of another device, program, or system.

state-1. In GDDM-PGF, the state of a business graphics program, before the first plot has been made.

state-2. In GDDM-PGF, the state of a business graphics program after the first plot has been made, thereby constructing the axes.

stylus. A pen-like pointer for indicating positions on the surface of a tablet.

surface chart. A chart similar to a line graph, except that no markers appear and the areas between successive lines are shaded.

symbol. Synonymous with character. For example, the following terms all have the same meaning: vector symbols, vector characters, vector text.

symbol cell. Synonym for character cell.

symbol matrix. Synonym for dot matrix.

symbol set. A collection of symbols, usually but not necessarily forming a font. GDDM applications may use the hardware device's own symbol set. Alternatively, they can use image or vector symbol sets, which the user may have created.

symbol set identifier. In GDDM, an integer (or the equivalent EBCDIC character) by which the programmer refers to a loaded symbol set.

system printer. A printer belonging to the subsystem under which GDDM runs, to which output is sent indirectly by means of system spooling facilities. Contrast with queued printer.

table chart. In GDDM-PGF, a chart in which the data is presented as numbers arranged in rows and columns.

tablet. (1) A locator device with a flat surface and a mechanism that converts indicated positions on the surface into coordinate data. (2) The IBM 5083 Tablet Model 2, which, with a four-button cursor or stylus, allows positions on the screen to be addressed and the graphics cursor to be moved without use of the keyboard.

tag. In interactive graphics, an identifier associated with one or more primitives that is returned to the program if such primitives are subsequently picked.

terminal. A device, usually equipped with a keyboard and a display unit, capable of sending and receiving information over a link. See also display terminal.

text. Characters or symbols sent to the device. GDDM provides alphanumeric text and graphics text.

text attributes. See graphics text attributes.

tick marks. In GDDM-PGF, synonym for scale marks.

tied data. In GDDM-PGF, data that shares the same set of x points for each component. This is the most common form of data. It was formerly known as non-paired data. Contrast with free data.

tilted pie chart. A pie chart drawn in three dimensions, which has been tilted away from full face to reveal its three-dimensional properties.

tower chart. A form of business chart in which rows of towers stand on a two-dimensional base. Synonymous with Manhattan chart and skyscraper chart.

transparency. (1) A document on transparent material suitable for overhead projection. (2) An alphanumeric attribute that allows underlying graphics to show.

TSO. Time sharing option. A subsystem of OS/VS under which GDDM can be used.

user exit. A point in GDDM execution where a user routine will gain control if such has been requested.

variable cell size. In most devices, the hardware cell size is fixed. But the 3290 Information Panel has a cell size that can be varied. This in turn causes the number of rows or columns on the device to alter.

vector symbol. A character or shape made up of a series of lines or curves.

Vector Symbol Editor. A program supplied with GDDM-PGF, the function of which is to create and edit vector symbol sets (VSS).

vector symbol set (VSS). A set of symbols each of which was originally created as a series of lines and curves.

Venn diagram. A form of business chart in which two populations and their intersection are represented by two overlapping circles.

VM/SP CMS. IBM Virtual Machine/System Product Conversational Monitor System. A system under which GDDM can be used.

VSE. Virtual storage extended. An operating system consisting of VSE/Advanced Functions and other IBM programs. In GDDM, the abbreviation VSE has sometimes been used to refer to the Vector Symbol Editor, but to avoid confusion, this usage is deprecated.

VSS. Vector symbol set.

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