SDA (Screen Design Aid)

User Interface:

SDA is accessed through the IBM i green-screen interface, providing a menu-driven and text-based environment for designing screens. It offers a straightforward and interactive interface for developers.

Main Functions:

SDA is primarily used for designing and defining the layout of interactive display screens. These screens can be used for a variety of purposes, such as data entry, inquiry, reporting and more.

Key functions of SDA include:

Screen Design: Developers can create screens by defining fields, text, and other screen elements. SDA allows for specifying field attributes like size, position, data validation, and help text.

Screen Navigation:

You can define the flow of screens and how users navigate between them. This includes defining function keys for common actions (e.g. Save, Cancel, Next Page).
Field Validation: SDA supports defining validation rules for data entered by users, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
Display File Compilation: Once screens are designed, SDA can compile them into display file source code that can be used in RPG (Report Program Generator) programs to interact with users.
Record-Level Access: Developers can specify how data is retrieved and updated from the underlying database files or tables when users interact with screens.

Integration with Programming Languages:

Screens designed in SDA are typically used in RPG programs, but they can also be utilized in other languages like COBOL. SDA generates source code for the display files, making it easy to incorporate screens into application logic.

Customization:

SDA allows developers to create custom display formats that match the specific needs of their applications. You can define screen templates and layouts that are consistent with your organization’s design standards.

Graphics and Multimedia:

While SDA primarily deals with text-based screens, it does support limited graphics and multimedia elements, such as simple graphics and image placement.

Security and Access Control:

Access to SDA and the ability to modify display files can be controlled through security settings, ensuring that only authorized users can make changes to screen designs.

Documentation:

SDA provides options for adding comments and documentation within the screen design, helping developers understand the purpose and functionality of each screen.

Testing and Simulation:

SDA includes testing and simulation features, allowing developers to preview how screens will appear and behave before they are integrated into applications.
In summary, SDA is a valuable tool within the ADTS on IBM i for designing interactive display screens used in a wide range of applications. It simplifies the process of screen design, navigation, and integration with programming languages, making it an essential component for creating user-friendly and efficient IBM i applications.