# Define classes

The Define classes TaskGuide window displays the MFS statements that will be used in generating code. Each statement is represented by a single line in the list. Because some of the names in the list are used as class and attribute names in the generated code, the list is presented so you can modify the names. Define the class and attribute names to be generated.

Statement label

If the MFS statements have a label, they appear in this column. If they do not have a label, one is generated and appears in this column.

Statement type

The type (MSG, LPAGE, SEG, or MFLD) of statement appears in this column.

IN/OUT

Input represents an input message, logical page, or message field.

Output represents an output message, logical page, or message field.

Class/Attr name

After the MFS source files are parsed, the LPAGE and MFLD names in the source, or those that IMS Web defaults, are loaded into the Class/Attr Name list box on the Define classes page. To edit a name, double-click on the name in the Class/Attr Name list box. A dialog box displays so you can enter a new name. Restriction: Do not use names beginning with HWS, because HWS is reserved for IMS Web.

Select Next. IMS Web checks the names in the Class/Attr Name list box for duplication. Each LPAGE name and each MFLD name within each LPAGE name must be unique. If IMS Web finds a duplicate name, a message box displays, stating the nature of the problem. The second occurrence of the duplicated name is automatically selected for editing.

Due to limitations of the list widget being used, the selected item cannot be automatically scrolled into view. Use the scroll bar to find the selected name.

Notes:

The names associated with LPAGE statements will become class names in the generated code, so be sure to use only valid C++ class names. Duplicate names will not be allowed, because it does not make sense to have non-unique class names in a single application.

The names associated with MFLD statements become member variable (attribute) names within the class named by the preceding LPAGE statement entry in the list, so be sure to use only valid C++ class names. These names must be unique within each class or LPAGE, because it does not make sense to have two member variables with the same name in a single class.

HTML control

This represents the type of HTML control used for each input field. Currently, we only generate text fields.