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3.8 3270 Data Fields

Attribute characters and EAB characters determine the characteristics of 3270 data fields.

3.8.1 Attribute Characters

On formatted 3270 displays, an invisible attribute character at the beginning of each field determines whether you can enter data in the field and, if so, the type of data you can enter (for example, numeric or alphanumeric). The attribute character also determines whether information is displayed and, if it is, determines the intensity or color of the display.

3.8.2 EAB Characters

Some host applications use the EAB (Extended Attribute Byte) feature to permit display of graphic characters at the terminal. With the EAB feature your terminal can display reverse video, blinking characters, and underlining, and it can show characters in different colors. However, these features are available to you only if the Solaris computer and terminal you are using can support them. Customizing Display Colors, explains how to customize 3270 emulation to interpret these special attributes.

If the host application does not use the EAB feature, the characters are displayed as one of four base colors, depending on the attribute byte of the field. These colors indicate whether the field is protected (meaning you cannot enter data into it), and whether it is highlighted or normal intensity.

How Field Attributes Determine a Base Color, shows how the color option and the field attributes determine the base color. The base color corresponds to one of the four base colors listed in the Color Mappings dialog box; the actual color displayed on the screen depends on whether you are using color or mono display and on the color mappings you are using for that session.

How Field Attributes Determine a Base Color

Field Attributes Color
Unprotected, normal intensity Green
Unprotected, intensified Red
Protected, normal intensity Blue
Protected, intensified White
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