pTAL Reference Manual (H06.08+)

Glossary
HP pTAL Reference Manual—523746-006
Glossary-12
source file
source file. A file that contains source text such as data declarations, statements, compiler
directives, and comments. The source file, together with any source code read in from
other source files by SOURCE directives, compose a compilation unit that you can
compile into an object file.
SSV. See ASSIGN SSV command.
standard pointer. A 16-bit simple pointer or structure pointer. A standard pointer can
contain a 16-bit address.
structure. A variable that can contain different kinds of variables of different data types. A
definition structure, a template structure, or a referral structure.
structure data item. An accessible structure field declared within a structure, including a
simple variable, array, substructure, simple pointer, structure pointer, or redefinition.
Compare to structure item.
structure item. Any structure field, including a structure data item, a bit filler, or a byte filler.
structure pointer. A variable that contains the address of a structure that you can access
with this structure pointer.
sublocal variable. A variable that has sublocal scope; that is, a variable that is declared in
a subprocedure (including its formal parameters). A sublocal variable is visible only in
the subprocedure that declares it, after the point where it is declared. Compare to local
variable and global variable.
subprocedure. A named sequence of machine instructions that is nested (declared) within
a procedure and that is callable only from within that procedure.
substructure. A structure that is nested (declared) within a structure or substructure.
system. All the processors, controllers, firmware, peripheral devices, software, and related
components that are directly connected together to form an entity that is managed by
one HP NonStop™ operating system image and operated as one computer.
system procedure. A procedure provided by the operating system for your use. System
procedures, for example, manage files, activate and terminate programs, and monitor
the operations of processes.
TAL. See HP Transaction Application Language (TAL).
TAL compiler. The compiler that takes TAL or pTAL source code as input and generates
TNS object code. Compare to pTAL compiler and EpTAL compiler.
template structure. A declaration that describes a structure layout but allocates no storage
for the structure. Compare to definition structure and referral structure.