Object keywords

There are two object keywords: SEGMENT and CHILD. Object keywords follow action primary commands and precede optional keywords. The end of an object keyword is determined by the next object keyword or a semi-colon. Each object keyword can be followed by any combination of optional keywords.

SEGMENT

Processes the specified database segments.

The following considerations relate to the SEGMENT object keyword:

• Segments are retrieved in the hierarchical order of the database specified in the PCB if using static PSBs or the DBD if using dynamic PSBs.
• SEGMENT=segname is used to process specific segments.
  • Up to 15 segment keywords in the same hierarchical path can be specified.
  • $ROOT is the generic name for the top segment or root of the hierarchical path that provides the capability to process root segments without regard to segment name. Only one is allowed in a command statement, and it must be the first object keyword.
• Each SEGMENT keyword can be followed by any combination of optional keywords.
• All specified segments must be in the same hierarchical path. Segment levels within a hierarchical path cannot be skipped.
• A command statement with only the SEGMENT object keyword can only process a single database segment.

CHILD

Processes all segments in the hierarchical path below the current parent specified in the PCB or DBD.

The following considerations relate to the CHILD object keyword:

• Only one CHILD object keyword is allowed in a command statement.
• Must follow a SEGMENT object keyword.
• Only 1 to 14 SEGMENT object keywords can precede a CHILD object keyword.
• Must be the last object keyword.
• Not valid with SELECT action sub-commands: CHANGE, DELETE, and INSERT.