Use the following procedures to create a COBOL data source project. If the COBOL 01 data descriptions are in a formlibrary, go to Using an SDF Formlibrary with ePortal.
If you have not already done so, review the following topics before performing the procedures:
Procedure 1 - Mapping a Drive to the MCP Server
The COBOL source file that is the input to the MCP COBOL Data Source Wizard can be on a disk on an MCP server or on the PC containing the ClearPath ePortal Developer software. Use Client Access Services to map to a drive on an MCP server when the source file resides on an MCP server. Refer to Client Access Services Overview for information.
Procedure 2 - Creating a Project
On the File menu, point to New, and click Project.
In the Create a new project dialog box, do the following:
Notes:
Select C# or All Languages from the Language list.
Select Windows or All Platforms from the Platform list.
The ePortal templates are not displayed if other values are selected.
Select ePortal Data Source from the Project Type list.
The ePortal Data Source templates are displayed.
Do any one of the following to select the template:
From the templates list, select MCP COBOL Data Source, and then click Next.
Enter MCP COBOL Data Source in the search option, select the template from the search result, and then click Next.
In the Project name box, type a name for the project. The name must be a valid C# name.
Note: The project name should not contain any special characters.
In the Location box, identify the path to the location where the project should be saved.
(Optional) In the Framework box, select the desired .NET Framework version from the list. For information on selecting the .NET version, refer to Multi-Targeting Issues.
Note: If you do not select a desired Framework, a default Framework version is selected.
Click Create. The project appears in the Solution Explorer.
Procedure 3 (Optional) - Set Project Properties
Open the Solution Explorer window.
Right-click the Data Source project name and select Properties. The Data Source Project Property Pages Dialog box opens.
Procedure 4 - Importing COBOL Records
To initiate first import session
Open the ePortal Message View, which was established earlier. Refer to Preparing to Use ClearPath ePortal Developer.
Right-click the Server Messages node, and click New to open the MCP COBOL configuration dialog.
In the Server Name box, type the name or the IP address of the MCP server that contains the running COBOL application. This action is required before the importation process can be initiated.
In the Connector PSH Endpoint box, type the endpoint value associated with Connector PSH. The default value is 7952.
In the Window Name box, type the name of the window that is configured in Transaction Server for running the COBOL application. This action is required before the importation process can be initiated.
In the Application Character Set list, select the MCP character set to be used when data is transferred to the MCP server.
Select the This application use EGI to denote the last send check box if the following conditions are true:
The MCP application uses multiple outputs when responding to a request.
The MCP application is coded to set the EGI flag on the last SEND statement.
Click OK to initiate the MCP COBOL Data Source Wizard. For information about how to use any page of the wizard, go to MCP COBOL Data Source Wizard.
To initiate subsequent import sessions
Open the project and the ePortal Message View.
Right-click the Server Messages node, and click New. The MCP COBOL Data Source Wizard appears.
Refer to Creating Client Messages for information about making changes once a new presentation has been created.
Procedure 5 - Creating Client Messages
Go to Understanding Client Messages or Creating Client Messages.