Dictionary/3000 Reference Manual (32244-90001)

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1 Introducing Dictionary/3000
Overview
Dictionary/3000 is a comprehensive set of programs that you can use to:
• Create any number of data dictionaries
• Create and maintain entries in the dictionary
• Create and maintain an IMAGE/3000 database
• Create HP Inform/3000 groups
• Generate COBOL and PASCAL data definitions
What is a Data Dictionary?
A data dictionary is a directory of information about the definition, structure, and usage of
data. It does not contain the data itself. The data dictionary contains the name of each
data item (element), its definition (size and type), where and how it is used, and its
relationship to other data.
The entries in Dictionary/3000's data dictionary define and describe an organization's
structure, identify the data used by an organization, specify where the data is stored,
identify what programs generate the data, and define and describe HP Inform/3000 groups
to report the data. These entries can also be used to generate data definitions for COBOL
and PASCAL programs.
Thus, Dictionary/3000's data dictionary is a central repository for information about an
organization and its data processing environment.
How to Use Dictionary/3000
Dictionary/3000 includes an easy-to-use interactive program called DICTDBM for the
creation and maintenance of entries in the Dictionary. The DICTDBM program provides a
set of commands that allow you to create and maintain entries, and to establish and define
the relationships between entries in the Dictionary. Through a combination of commands,
you control the information in your Dictionary for the following:
• Data
• IMAGE databases
• MPE, MPER and KSAM files
• HP Inform/3000 groups