Created On:  13 July 2012

Problem:

The current documentation does not explain how to create an IMS segment Layout file (.slf) which is used to display the fields and values when editing an IMS database.

Resolution:

From the Windows menu section go to
Studio
- Compatibility Tools
  - Net Express
 
Create a new project and add the DBD’s and Cobol programs that use the databases
Gen the DBD files to create ACB files
 
Select File -> New - Segment Layout
 
To create a new one
Select the database and press the Create button
Select the .IDY file of your program that uses the database
Drag the 01 level or the IO area of the segment to the righthand panel
Select the segment name that corresponds to the IO area and press Next
To create a default layout (the easiest) just press the Next button and then Finish.
This will create a layout just for this segment
To add more segments for the database just repeat from the drag and drop step for each segment
After all the segments for the database have been added, close the window and select Yes to save the changes to a meaningful name.slf
 
To edit a DataBase
In the project, select an *.ACB file (compiled *.DBD file)
Right click on it, and select Properties
Go to DBD Gen tab
Highlight the line (segment name) you want, right click and select Edit
You will now see the segment layout with the data in each field of the segment
If the .slf file is not automatically loaded (the name.slf file should be the same as the DBD name) then
Select File, IMS DB Editor, Load Segment Layouts and select where the .slf file can be located and press Open