Easytrieve Glossary and Quick Reference

Program Structure Terms

Data and File Terms

Batch Processing Terms

Batch Easytrieve jobs run under JCL, read sequential or VSAM files, and write reports or output files without terminal interaction. The JOB INPUT statement is the heart of batch processing: it opens the named FILE, reads each record automatically, executes nested statements for every record, and closes at EOF. You do not write explicit READ loops like COBOL unless using GET for secondary files. SORT may run internally or call the site sort product. STOP ends the program. Understanding batch vocabulary separates report-generator work from online SCREEN activities that use BEFORE-SCREEN and terminal I/O.

Report Writer Terms

The report writer formats columnar output with titles, headings, page numbers, and control breaks. REPORT names a layout block; LINE lists fields on a detail row; TITLE sets page headers. CONTROL on a field declares break levels—when DEPT changes, subtotals and heading lines may fire. BEFORE-LINE and AFTER-BREAK are special PROC hooks the report engine calls automatically. Beginners confuse PRINT (select which report to emit) with LINE (how columns appear)—PRINT triggers layout; LINE defines columns.

Online and Screen Terms

Compile, JCL, and Operations Terms

Language and Migration Terms

Quick Reference: Minimal Batch Program Labels

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FILE   — declare input/output and fields
DEFINE — working storage
REPORT — layout for printed output
JOB    — start read loop
IF     — filter records
PRINT  — emit report lines
STOP   — end program

How to Use This Glossary

1. Encounter unknown term in listing or manual—search this page.
2. Follow Related Pages link to deep tutorial for that topic.
3. Use cheat sheets for syntax tables when coding.
4. Bookmark Quick Guide for first program skeleton.
5. During migration, cross-check terms against release notes—new features add vocabulary.

Explain It Like I'm Five

This page is a dictionary for Easytrieve words. When someone says Library, they mean the part of the program that describes boxes of data and how reports look—not a building with books. When they say control break, they mean the report starts a new section when the department number changes. Look up words here when sentences sound like secret code.

Exercises

1. Define Library versus Activity in your own words.
2. List five field types and one example value for each.
3. Explain control break using department and employee report.
4. Match batch terms JOB INPUT, GET, PRINT to a simple payroll flow.
5. Find three operations terms in a sample compile JCL.