4.2.1 What is a Process?

In LANSA, a process is a group of related functions (programs).  A process can be thought of as a container which holds RDML functions. It also provides an interface or menu to the functions it contains. Every LANSA function must be defined as part of a process. If you are developing with components (such as Forms, Reusable Parts or WAMs), you will not require a LANSA process.

When used in an interactive environment, a process appears as either a menu with a selection of user options, or as an action bar. (Refer to 4.2.2 Process Style.) A process can be thought of as an interpretive control table or menu used to access functions. It is not a "coded" program (it has no RDML) , but it must be compiled. When used in a batch environment, a process usually consists of only one function or a group of closely related functions (such as related reports).

Following are some important characteristics of processes:

• Processes must have a name and a description. Process name should be a maximum of 8 characters.

• A process can be invoked as a menu.

• A process may call another process or a process may call a specific function within another process. (Refer to 4.2.7 Attached Processes/Functions Concepts.)

• A process may call other programs or issue commands. (Refer to 4.2.9 Special Entries Concepts.)

• A process is defined by its functions and control table.  (Refer to 4.2.8 Function Control Table Concepts.)

• A process does not contain any coded RDML commands.

• A process must be compiled.

The design of the application system will determine how many processes are required and what functions will belong to a given process.  The process/function structure in LANSA is an important part of modular design, which helps to build maintainable systems. (Refer to Processes and Functions in the LANSA Application Design Guide.)

Platform Considerations

• IBM i: A process name must be unique within the entire LANSA partition. A function name must be unique within the process it is created. It is possible to have two functions with the same name in a single partition if they are located in different processes.

• Windows: A process name must be unique within the entire LANSA system. All functions must be defined as type *DIRECT. Functions names must be unique in the partition.

Also See

4.2.4 How to Create Processes