P

PAC
See privilege attribute certificate (PAC).

pacing
In SNA, a technique by which the receiving system controls the rate of transmission of the sending system to prevent overrun.

package
(1) In DCE X/Open Object Management (XOM), a specified group of related object management (OM) classes, denoted by an object identifier.
(2) In DB2 UDB for AS/400, the object containing the control structures used to run SQL statements on an application server.
(3) In VisualAge RPG, a function that allows an application programmer to collect all the parts of an application together for distribution.
(4) In Java, a group of types. Packages are declared with the package keyword.

package closure
In DCE X/Open Object Management (XOM), the set of classes that need to be supported to create all possible instances of all classes defined in the package.

packaging products
(1) In System Manager, the process of converting objects to AS/400 products.
(2) In System Manager, the process of combining packaging objects with application objects, such as programs and files, to form a product.

packed decimal format
Representation of a decimal value in which each byte within a field represents two numeric digits except the far right byte, which contains one digit in bits 0 through 3 and the sign in bits 4 through 7. For all other bytes, bits 0 through 3 represent one digit; bits 4 through 7 represent one digit. For example, the decimal value +123 is represented as 0001 0010 0011 1111. Contrast with zoned decimal format.

packed decimal item
In COBOL, a numeric data item that is represented internally in packed decimal format.

packed field
A field that contains data in the packed decimal format.

packed key
A key field in packed decimal format.

packet
(1) In data communications, a sequence of binary digits, including data and control signals, that is transmitted and switched as a composite whole. (I)
(2) For TCP/IP, the unit of data passed across the interface between the internet layer and the link layer. A packet includes an IP header and data. A packet can be a complete IP datagram or a fragment of an IP datagram. See also datagram and segment.
(3) In X.25, a data transmission information unit. A group of data and control characters, transferred as a unit, determined by the process of transmission. Commonly used data field lengths in packets are 128 or 256 bytes.
(4) The field structure and format defined in the CCITT X.25 Recommendation.
(5) A datagram that includes information about the line protocol, such as Ethernet, token-ring, or frame-relay.

packet assembler/disassembler (PAD)
A functional unit that enables data terminal equipment (DTE) not equipped for packet switching to use a packet-switched network.

packet internet groper (PING)
In Internet communications, a program used in TCP/IP networks to test the ability to reach destinations by sending the destinations an Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) echo request and waiting for a reply.

packet level
A part of X.25 communications that defines the protocol for building logical connections between two DTEs and for moving data on these connections.

packet-mode host
Any non-SNA, X.25 host system.

packet-switched network
See packet-switching data network (PSDN).

packet switching
The act of sending and routing packets from source to destination based on information contained in their heading record.

packet-switching data network (PSDN)
A communications network that uses packets to send data.

packet window
A specified number of packets that can be sent by the DTE before it receives an acknowledgement from the receiving station.

pad
To fill unused positions in a field with dummy data, usually zeros or blanks. See also packet assembler/disassembler (PAD).

PAD
See packet assembler/disassembler (PAD).

padding character
In COBOL, an alphanumeric character used to fill the unused character positions in a physical record.

PAG
See process access group (PAG).

page
(1) In complex instruction set computer (CISC) systems, a unit of storage equal to 512 bytes. A page can be moved between auxiliary storage and main storage.
(2) In reduced instruction set computer (RISC) systems, a unit of storage equal to 4096 bytes. A page can be moved between auxiliary storage and main storage.
(3) Each group of records in a subfile that are displayed at the same time.
(4) One printer form.
(5) In the GDDM function, the picture or chart. All specified graphics are added to the current page. An output statement always sends the current page to the device.
(6) To move information up or down on the display.

page body
In COBOL, that part of the logical page in which lines can be written, spaced, or both.

page definition
An AFP resource that contains the formatting controls for line data. A page definition can include controls for the number of lines per logical page, font selection, print direction, and mapping individual fields to positions on the logical page. The system-recognized identifier for the object type is *PAGDFN.

page down
To move to the information below the information currently shown on the display. Contrast with page up.

page fault
An exception that occurs when a program refers to data or programs that are marked as not in main storage.

page format
In the OfficeVision program, the defined arrangement of lines on a page. Compare with line format.

page frame
A 512-byte block of main storage on a 512-byte boundary.

page-in
The process of moving a page from auxiliary storage to main storage.

page layout
In AFP Utilities, a printout format of a page in the printout format definition (PFD). By using the print format utility, the user can design the page layout by placing and repeating a predefined record layout with constant data. See also record layout.

page-out
The process of moving a page from main storage to auxiliary storage.

page printer
In AFP support, any of a class of printers that accepts composed pages, constructed of composed text and images, among other things. Contrast with line printer.

page segment
An AFP resource object that can contain text and images and can be positioned on any addressable point on a page or an electronic overlay. The system-recognized identifier for the object type is *PAGSEG.

pages per side
See multiple up.

page up
To move to the information above the information currently shown on the display. Contrast with page down.

paginate
In the OfficeVision program, to adjust text within margins and page boundaries.

paging
To move a page of data between main and auxiliary storage.

paging behavior
In capacity planning, the paging characteristics for the transaction. Examples of paging characteristics defined by BEST/1 are *GENERIC, *OFFICE, *RAMPC, and *SQLRTW. Users can define paging characteristics for any transaction.

paging coefficient
In capacity planning, a number that indicates the amount of paging performed by a transaction in a workload. The higher the number, the more page faults generated. This number is not the number of page faults, but a representation of the total amount of paging.

paging exponent
In capacity planning, a value used to determine the effects of pool size changes. The greater the paging exponent, the greater the change to synchronous reads (page faults) as memory size changes.

paired data
In Business Graphics Utility and the GDDM function, data that is specified so that every X value has only one Y value associated with it. See also data group. Contrast with nonpaired data.

panel
In UIM, a visual presentation of data on the screen.

panel assembly
The hardware parts making up the operator panel, control panel, or indicator panels.

Panel Definition Markup Language (PDML)
A tag language that defines a language for describing user interface elements and layouts. PDML is based on the Extensible Markup Language (XML). PDML files are used with the Graphical Toolbox components within the AS/400 Toolbox for Java to simplify the construction of user interfaces within Java. You can use PDML and the Graphical Toolbox components to build and run Java applications on any Java compliant platform.

panel format
In query management, the format of the data in an externalized query or procedure file.

panel group
An object that contains a collection of any of the following: display formats, print formats, or help information. The system-recognized identifier for the object type is *PNLGRP.

PAP
See Password Authentication Protocol (PAP).

paragraph
In the Procedure Division of a COBOL program, a name followed by a period and a space and by zero, one, or more sentences. In the Identification and Environment Divisions, a header followed by zero, one, or more statements.

paragraph header
In COBOL, a reserved word, followed by a period and a space that indicates the beginning of a paragraph in the Identification and Environment Divisions.

paragraph name
In COBOL, a user-defined word that identifies and begins a paragraph in the Procedure Division.

paragraphs document
In the OfficeVision program, a document that contains a paragraph or paragraphs that can be combined to create other documents.

parallel sessions
Two or more concurrently active sessions between the same two network addressable units using different pairs of network addresses or local-form session identifiers. Each session can have independent session parameters.

parameter
(1) A value supplied to a command or program that is used either as input or to control the actions of the command or program.
(2) In COBOL, a variable or a constant that is used to pass values between calling and called programs.
(3) In the Integrated Language Environment (ILE), an identifier that defines the types of arguments that are passed to a called procedure.
(4) In REXX, information entered with a command name to define the data on which a command processor operates and to control the execution of the command.
(5) In DB2 UDB for AS/400 SQL, the keywords and values that further define SQL precompiler commands and SQL statements. See also keyword.

parameter list
A list of values that provide a means of associating addressability of data defined in a called program with data in the calling program. It contains parameter names and the order in which they are to be associated in the calling and called program.

parameter marker
In DB2 UDB for AS/400, a question mark (?) that appears in a statement string of a dynamic SQL statement where a host variable could appear if the statement string were a static SQL statement.

parent class
A class from which another class inherits instance methods, attributes, and instance variables. Also known as base class or superclass.

parent directory
(1) The directory one level above the current directory. An object's parent directory is the directory that contains the names and controlling information for the object. If the object is named in more than one directory, it has multiple parent directories.
(2) In DCE Cell Directory Service (CDS), any directory that has one or more levels of directories beneath it in a cell namespace. A directory is the parent of any directory immediately beneath it in the hierarchy.

parent file
The file in a constraint relationship that contains the parent or primary key.

parent group
In the Application Development Manager feature of the Application Development ToolSet licensed program, the group directly above another group in a branch of the project hierarchy.

parent key
(1) A field or set of fields in a database file that must be unique, ascending, and may or may not contain null values. The parent key may be the same as the primary or unique key.
(2) In DB2 UDB for AS/400, a primary key or unique key of a referential constraint.

parent process
A process that is created to carry out a request or set of requests. The parent process, in turn, can create child processes to process requests for the parent. Contrast with child process.

parent row
In DB2 UDB for AS/400, a row that has at least one dependent row.

parent table
In DB2 UDB for AS/400, a table that is a parent in at least one referential constraint. A table can be defined as a parent in an arbitrary number of referential constraints.

parent window
In some operating systems, the window that controls the size and locations of its children. If a window has children, it is a parent window.

parity
The state of being either even-numbered or odd-numbered. A parity bit is a binary number added to a group of binary numbers to make the sum of that group either always odd (odd parity) or always even (even parity).

parity bit
A binary digit added to a group of binary digits to make the sum of all the digits, including the added binary digit, either odd or even as preestablished. (T)

parse
In REXX, to split a string into parts. This can be done by function calls or by using a parsing template on the ARG, PARSE, or PULL instruction.

part
(1) In the Application Development Manager feature of the Application Development ToolSet licensed program, an object or source member that is a component of an application. Parts are organized into a collection of groups, which then forms a project hierarchy.
(2) In VisualAge RPG, a self-contained software object consisting of a set of external features that allow the part to interact with other parts. The parts on the VRPG palette can be used a templates to create controls.

partially bound binding handle
In DCE Remote Procedure Call (RPC), a server binding handle that contains an incomplete server address lacking an endpoint. Contrast with fully bound binding handle.

partition
(1) A fixed-size of storage.
(2) On an IBM personal computer hard disk, one of four possible storage areas of variable size; one may be accessed by DOS and each of the others may be assigned to another operating system.
(3) A subset of the active cluster nodes that result from a network failure. Members of a partition maintain connectivity with each other.

partitioned data set (PDS)
In the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE), a data set in direct access storage that is divided into partitions, called members, each of which can contain a program, part of a program, or data.

partner logical unit
In SNA, the remote system in a session.

parts catalog
In VisualAge RPG, a collection of parts defined by the user. Parts in the catalog can be moved to and from the parts palette.

parts palette
In VisualAge RPG, a collection of views and models used in building additional parts for an application. Application programmers can add parts to the palette for use in defining applications or other parts.

party
In telephony, an addressable end point of a telephone call. See also virtual party.

PASA
See program automatic storage area (PASA).

passive attack
In computer security, an assault on a network that is difficult to detect and involves an intruder who taps into or traces communications. Sniffing is an example of a passive attack.

passive open
In TCP/IP, the state of a connection that is prepared to provide a service on demand.

pass-through
See display station pass-through.

password
A unique string of characters known to a computer system and to a user. The user must specify the character string to gain access to a system and to the information stored within it.

Password Authentication Protocol (PAP)
The most basic HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) authentication in which a user's name and password are transmitted over a network and compared to a table of name-password pairs.

password protection
In APPC, the support that uses protected passwords to keep user passwords secure. The LU type 6.2 architecture refers to password protection as password substitution. See protected password.

patch cable
A signal cable that connects network products together and to the IBM Cabling System.

path
(1) In a network, any route between any two nodes. (T)
(2) The route that an operating system follows to locate a file. The path consists of all the directories that must be opened to get to a particular file. On AS/400, the directory names can be separated either with a slash (/) or a backslash (\). Component names in the QSYS.LIB file system must be of the form name.object-type. For example, '/QSYS.LIB/PAY.LIB/TAX.FILE'.
(3) In OSI Communications Subsystem/400, a description of how a local line or line set can be used for outbound communications. See also CLNS path and CONS path.
(4) In SNA, the set of data links, data link control layers, and path control layers that a path information unit travels through when sent from the transmission control layer of one half-session to the transmission control layer of another half-session.

path assignment
In OSI, the permanent assignment of a DTE at an adjacent node to a path. This restricts the path to particular lines to be used for connections to or through that adjacent node.

path code page
A list of the path name components of the files that are exported to and mounted on a specified Network File System (NFS) client or netgroup.

path control layer
In SNA, the layer that routes all messages to data links and half-sessions.

path control network
In SNA, the part of the network that includes the data link control and path control layers.

path information unit (PIU)
In SNA, the smallest amount of data that the system sends out on a communications line, consisting of a transmission header followed by a basic information unit or a basic information unit segment.

path name
(1) A string of characters used to refer to an object. The string can consist of one or more elements, each separated by a slash (/), and may begin with a slash. Each element is typically a directory or equivalent, except for the last element, which can be a directory or another object such as a file.
(2) A sequence of directory names followed by a file name, each separated by a slash.
(3) In a hierarchical file system (HFS), the name used to refer to a file or directory. The path name must start with a slash (/) and consist of elements separated by a slash. The first element must be the name of a registered file system. All remaining elements must be the name of a directory, except the last element, which can be the name of a directory or file. Synonymous with pathname. See also absolute path name and relative path name.
(4) The name of an object in the integrated file system. Protected objects have one or more path names.

pathname
Synonym for path name.

path set
In OSI, a set of paths grouped by the similarity of their requirements. OSI Communications Subsystem requires that each line be assigned to a line set. If the line is to be used for outbound communications, then its associated line set must be assigned to a path set. A line that is not assigned to a path set (through a line set) can be used only for inbound communications.

path set sequencing
In OSI, the process of defining the sequence in which lines are to be selected for outbound connections.

pattern
In REXX, the parts of a parsing template that allow a string to be split by the explicit matching of strings (literal patterns) or by the specification of numeric positions (positional patterns). Parentheses may be supplied to create a variable pattern, a pattern whose value is derived from a variable.

pattern-matching character
A special character such as an asterisk (*) or a question mark (?) that can be used to represent one or more characters. Any character or set of characters can replace a patter-matching character. Synonymous with wildcard character.

pawl
(1) A pivoted tongue or sliding bolt adapted to fall into notches on a machine to permit motion in only one direction.
(2) The tongue of a ratchet.

PBX
See private branch exchange (PBX).

PCC
See power control compartment (PCC).

PC file
A file stored on a personal computer.

PCI
See Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI).

PC-mixed character set
A character set that contains a mixture of single-byte character set (SBCS) PC code pages and double-byte character set (DBCS) PC code pages.

PCML
See Program Call Markup Language (PCML).

PC session
An operating session that uses DOS or OS/2 programs and other IBM programs on a personal computer attached as a 5250 work station to an AS/400 system.

PCT
See program control table (PCT).

PCTA
See PC text-assist function (PCTA).

PC text-assist function (PCTA)
A word processing function, available when both the OfficeVision and Client Access programs are installed, that takes advantage of the capabilities of the personal computer.

PDM
See programming development manager (PDM).

PDML
See Panel Definition Markup Language (PDML).

PDN
See public data network (PDN).

PDS
See partitioned data set (PDS).

PDU
See protocol data unit (PDU).

PDV
See presentation data value (PDV).

PDV report
In OSI, an output file produced by the Abstract Syntax Checker that shows the names of the PDVs in the input module and the data structures that comprise them.

peer
A general term for the corresponding node or entity with which one communicates.

peer application entity
In OSI, the corresponding application entity with which a local application entity communicates.

peer entity
In OSI, an entity within the same layer.

peer-to-peer networking
See Advanced Peer-to-Peer Networking (APPN).

peer trust
In the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE), a type of trust relationship established between two cells by means of a secret key shared by authentication surrogates maintained by the two cells. A peer trust relationship enables principals in one cell to communicate securely with principals in another.

pel
See picture element (pixel).

pending
Pertaining to a request that was submitted and that is awaiting processing.

pending operations window
In the OfficeVision program, a field in the status line that displays the name of any operation that is not completed.

PEP
See program entry procedure (PEP).

percolate
In the Integrated Language Environment (ILE) model, to decline to handle an exception. The unchanged exception is passed on to the next exception handler.

performance
That part of the system that is evident in elapsed time. Performance is largely determined by three factors: throughput, response time, and availability.

performance data
Information about the operation of a system or a network of systems that can be used to understand response times and throughputs and to predict the effects of certain system operational changes or programming changes.

performance management
In System Manager, the discipline that encompasses capacity planning, collecting performance data, and tuning resources.

Performance Management/400 (PM/400)
A licensed program that provides automated collection of performance data, it reduces the data daily, and it manages the amount of storage that is used by the collected data.

performance monitor
A function of the operating system that observes system and device activity, and records these observations in a database file.

Performance Tools
The IBM licensed program that allows a user to reduce and analyze performance data and perform capacity planning.

Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI)
A computer bussing architecture that defines electrical and physical standards for electronic interconnection.

peripheral node
In SNA, a location that uses local addresses for routing and, therefore, is not affected by changes in network addresses. A peripheral node requires boundary function assistance from an adjacent subarea node. See also subarea node.

permanent error
(1) In OSI, an error--for example, a hardware component failure--that can be corrected only by external intervention. Contrast with transient error.
(2) In the token-ring network manager, an error--for example, a hardware component failure--that can be corrected only by external intervention.

permanent event
In OSI, an event that indicates the occurrence of an irrecoverable error--one that makes a resource unavailable or causes OSI Communications Subsystem to stop. Permanent events are logged and generate a message to the operator. Contrast with transient event.

permanently maintained path
In OSI, a CLNS path to an adjacent node that is maintained until OSI Communications Subsystem is restarted. See also CLNS path maintenance.

permanent objects
Objects, such as database files or programs, that stay in the system until a user with the required authority deletes them.

permanent virtual circuit (PVC)
A virtual circuit that has a logical channel permanently assigned to it at each data terminal equipment (DTE). A call establishment protocol is not required. The permanent virtual circuit establishes the identity of the called party within the network services contract. Contrast with switched virtual circuit (SVC).

permission
(1) In the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE), the modes of access to a protected object. The number and meaning of permissions with respect to an object are defined by the access control list (ACL) Manager of the object. Synonymous with access right. See also access control list.
(2) In OfficeVision functions, authority given by one user to allow designated other users to access objects for which the first user has access, with the exception of objects marked private. The designated other users are working on behalf of the first user.

permissions
A set of authorities possessed by a process. The authorities are based on the effective user ID and effective group ID of the process. See also user identification number (UID) and group identification number (GID).

persist
To be maintained across session boundaries, usually in nonvolatile storage such as a database system or a directory.

persistence
A characteristic of data that is maintained across session boundaries, usually in nonvolatile storage such as a database system or a directory.

persistent
Pertaining to data that is maintained across session boundaries, usually in nonvolatile storage such as a database system or a directory.

persistent message
In MQSeries, a message that survives a restart of the queue manager.

persistent object
An object whose state can be preserved beyond the ending of the process that created it. Typically, persistent objects are stored in files.

personal
In the OfficeVision program, the information in a distribution that is sent to the recipient as an individual rather than to the recipient in the recipient's employment role; for example, a note to someone about lunch. On-behalf-of users may see the content.

personal directory
In the OfficeVision program, a user-defined directory. For example, a personal directory can be a distribution list, telephone directory, or inventory report.

personal identification number (PIN)
In Cryptographic Support, a unique number assigned by an organization to an individual and used as proof of identity. PINs are commonly assigned by financial institutions to their customers.

personal mail
In OfficeVision, a mail item with a nonbusiness purpose, such as a note inviting someone to lunch. Users that are authorized to work with another user's mail may see the content of personal mail. Before sending a mail item, the sender can assign it a sensitivity level of personal. See also sensitivity.

personal settings
A choice that allows a user to display or change the characteristics or properties of an object. For example, a user can customize the interface by specifying how the menu bar, status area, and information area are displayed.

PFD
See printout format definition (PFD).

PF key
See programmed function (PF) key.

PFU
See print format utility (PFU).

PGR
See presentation graphics routines (PGR).

phantom row
In DB2 UDB for AS/400, a table row that can be read by application processes running with any isolation level except repeatable read. When an application process issues the same query multiple times, phantom rows can appear between queries because of data being inserted and committed by application processes that are running concurrently.

phase encoding
(1) Pertaining to a method of recording data on magnetic tape.
(2) Pertaining to a magnetic recording method in which each storage cell is divided into two regions that are magnetized in opposite directions; the sequence of the magnetic direction indicates whether the binary character represented is 0 or 1.

Phase I negotiation
A negotiation that establishes the protection suite for the Internet Key Exchange (IKE) messages themselves. A Phase I negotiation determines how to protect a Phase II negotiation. A Phase I negotiation is governed by key policies.

Phase II negotiation
A negotiation that establishes Security Associations (SAs) that protect your data exchanges. A Phase II negotiation is governed by data policies.

phonetic
Relating to spoken language or speech sounds.

phrase
(1) One or more words that together form a unit that is to be searched for in the content of a document.
(2) An ordered set of one or more consecutive COBOL character strings that forms part of a clause or a Procedure Division statement.

physical circuit
A circuit established without multiplexing. Contrast with virtual circuit (VC).

physical disk I/O
In Performance Tools, a disk operation for reading or writing data.

physical file
A description of how data is to be presented to or received from a program and how data is actually stored in the database. A physical file contains one record format and one or more members. See also database file. Contrast with logical file.

physical file member
A named subset of the data records in a physical file. See also member.

physical interface
A device for a given system, such as an I/O adapter for a token-ring network or an Ethernet network, that provides the physical connection to a network.

physical layer
The OSI layer that provides the mechanical, electrical, functional, and procedural means to start, maintain, and deactivate physical connections for transmissions between data-link entities.

physical level
In X.25, a standard that defines the electrical, physical, functional, and procedural methods used to control the physical connection between the data terminal equipment (DTE) and the data circuit-terminating equipment (DCE).

physical page
In COBOL, a device-dependent concept defined by the action taken by a printer when a new page is requested.

physical resource
In OSI, any resource of a computer available to do work, such as the processor, main storage, or a line. Contrast with logical resource.

physical services header (PSH)
An X.25 protocol used by IBM Systems Network Architecture (SNA) data terminal equipment (DTE). Physical services header provides address services for physically connected systems or devices. The AS/400 system does not support PSH. Contrast with enhanced logical link control (ELLC) and qualified logical link control (QLLC).

physical unit (PU)
In SNA, one of three types of network addressable units. A physical unit exists in each node of an SNA network to manage and monitor the resources (such as attached links and adjacent link stations) of a node, as requested by a system services control point logical unit (SSCP-LU) session.

physical unit type
In SNA, the classification of a physical unit according to the type of node in which it resides. The physical unit type is the same as its node type; that is, a type 1 physical unit resides in a type 1 node, and so on.

pica
In AFP support, a unit of about 1/6 inch used in measuring typographical material.

PICS
See Platform for Internet Content Selection (PICS).

picture element (pixel)
In computer graphics, the smallest element of a display area, such as a dot, that can be independently assigned color and intensity. (T)

picture space
In the GDDM function, the area of the page that contains the graphics.

pin
Part of an electrical connection.

PIN
See personal identification number (PIN).

PIN check length
In Cryptographic Support, the number of digits from the personal identification number that are verified.

ping
(1) In MQSeries distributed queue management, a diagnostic aid that uses the exchange of a test message to confirm that a message channel is functioning.
(2) A utility in TCP/IP Utilities that is used to test whether a destination host can be reached by sending test packets and waiting for a reply.
(3) See also packet internet groper (PING).

ping command
The command that sends an Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) echo-request packet to a gateway, router, or host with the expectation of receiving a reply.

PIN translation
In Cryptographic Support, the conversion of a personal identification number (PIN) encrypted under an input PIN-protection key to encryption under an output PIN-protection key.

PIN-validation key
In Cryptographic Support, a key-encrypting key used to encrypt the validation data in the process of creating a customer's personal identification number (PIN).

PIP
See problem isolation procedure (PIP), program initialization parameters (PIP), or prepare in progress (PIP).

PIP data area
A 2000-byte data area that is associated with each prestart job. The PIP data area is used to hold program initialization parameters that are passed on the program start request to the prestart job.

pipe
In DCE Remote Procedure Call (RPC), a mechanism for passing large amounts of data in a remote procedure call. Pipe also refers to the data structure that represents this mechanism.

pitch
The number of characters printed per inch.

PIU
See path information unit (PIU).

placeholder
(1) In the Application Development Manager feature of the Application Development ToolSet licensed program, information about a part at the target group that indicates to which group a part can be promoted. Placeholders are created automatically when new parts are created.
(2) The symbol, consisting of a single period in a REXX parsing template, that can be replaced by a value while running a REXX program. A placeholder has the same effect as a variable name, except that no variable is set.

place operation
In AFP Utilities, an operation that defines a page segment or a record layout in an AFP resource.

plaintext
(1) In Cryptographic Support, data that can be read without decoding. Contrast with ciphertext.
(2) In the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE), the input to or the output of an encryption function. Encryption transforms plaintext to ciphertext and decryption transforms ciphertext into plaintext.

plan
See access plan.

planar
A hardware part that has (in one or more planes) logic paths, low-voltage distribution paths, or grounding paths of a section of a machine.

platform
The operating system environment in which a program runs.

Platform for Internet Content Selection (PICS)
A specification that enables Internet users to filter the material they encounter when they surf the Web. Users can accept or reject the material according to its ratings. This specification enables parents, businesses, schools, or discerning individuals to block access to inappropriate and objectionable material.

playback
A technique in which a history of all or part of a program is recorded. The recording allows the user to regenerate the input and output in either the forward or backward direction. This technique is used in debugging.

playback sequence
A series of characters or function keys assigned to a single function key to be used instead of typing the sequence each time.

plenum
A space used for environmental air; for example, the space above a suspended ceiling.

plenum cable
A cable that is listed by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) as having adequate fire resistance and low smoke-producing characteristics for installation without conduit in ducts, plenums, and other spaces used for environmental air, as permitted by National Electrical Code Articles 725-2(b) and 800-3(d).

PL/I
A programming language designed for use in a wide range of commercial and scientific computer applications.

plot
In the GDDM function, to represent graphically on paper using a plotting device.

plotter
In Business Graphics Utility, a device for drawing a chart on paper or transparencies.

PLU
See primary logical unit (PLU).

Plug and Play (PnP)
An Intel standard for the design of PC expansion boards. It enables computers to recognize new peripheral devices without additional configuration steps. The model 2890 Integrated Netfinity Server has a Plug-and-Play interface.

plug-in
A separately installable component of AS/400 Operations Navigator. A plug-in adds folders and objects to the hierarchy tree, choices to Operations Navigator menus, and property pages to the property sheet for a folder or object.

plug-in support
A part of AS/400 that adds client/server function and tools to the AS/400 Operations Navigator tree and enhances existing Operations Navigator function.

ply
A layer of paper.

PM/400
See Performance Management/400 (PM/400).

PnP
See Plug and Play (PnP).

POE
See Proof of Entitlement (POE).

point
(1) The second byte of a DBCS code, which uniquely identifies double-byte characters in the same ward. Contrast with ward.
(2) In AFP support, a unit of measurement used mainly for describing type sizes. Each pica has 12 points, and an inch has approximately 72 points.

pointer
(1) In the C language, a variable that holds the address of a data object or a function.
(2) The symbol shown on a display or window that a user can move with a pointing device, such as a mouse.

pointer alignment
The COBOL compiler's process of positioning pointer items within a group item to offsets that are multiples of 16 bytes from the beginning of the record.

pointer data item
In the COBOL program, a data item in which address values can be stored. Pointer data items can be compared for equality or moved to other pointer data items.

pointing device
An instrument, such as a mouse, used to move a pointer on the display.

point-in-time table
In DataPropagator Relational, a target table whose content matches all of part of a source table at a given point in time.

point-of-presence
A system that has been identified as a contact point for another subnetwork for the purposes of collecting topology information.

point-of-sale
In retail communications and Point-of-Sale Utility, pertaining to a method of providing information to support sales and of collecting the resulting sales information from retail devices located in stores.

point-of-sale device
In retail communications and Point-of-Sale Utility, a device that, together with the store controller, provides retail transaction, data collection, credit authorization, price information, and other inquiry and data entry functions.

point-of-sale system
In retail communications and Point-of-Sale Utility, a retail environment system consisting of a store controller and one or more point-of-sale devices.

Point-of-Sale Utility
The IBM licensed program that provides connectivity between the AS/400 system and retail controllers. In addition, the licensed program provides file conversion capabilities through the retail file conversion system.

point-to-point
Pertaining to data transmission between two locations without the use of any intermediate display station or computer.

point-to-point line
A communications line that connects a single remote station to a computer. Contrast with multipoint line.

point-to-point link
A connection that uses the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP).

point-to-point profile
A set of data that is used to establish a point-to-point link.

Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP)
In the Internet suite of protocols, a method of connecting a computer to the Internet. Point-to-Point Protocol provides host-to-network and router-to-router connections.

policy
In the Backup Recovery and Media Services licensed program, a named or otherwise identifiable set of controls used by Backup Recovery and Media Services to manage and control specific operations. A policy is an overriding value that is carried in tables for use as a default in processing backup, recovery, archive, and media management operations.

poll
(1) To determine if any remote device on a communications line is ready to send data.
(2) In Managed System Services, to query devices to determine operational status and to collect system data.

polling
(1) The process whereby stations are invited, one at a time, to transmit.
(2) The process whereby a controlling station contacts the attached devices to avoid contention, to determine operational status, or to determine readiness to send or receive data.

polling interval
The time between the start of each polling session for this system. See also global policy and specific policy.

polling list
A list of addresses that the host system uses to control the polling of control units or devices on a BSC or SDLC multipoint line. A general polling list contains the addresses of the control units only; a specific polling list contains the addresses of the devices, which include the addresses of the control units.

polyfillet
In the GDDM function, a curve based on a sequence of lines. A polyfillet is a curved line that is tangent to the end points of the first and last lines and tangent to the midpoints of all other lines. See also fillet.

polygon
In the GDDM function, a sequence of adjoining straight lines that enclose an area.

polyline
In the GDDM function, a sequence of adjoining lines.

polymorphism
An object-oriented programming characteristic that allows a method to different things depending on the class that implements it. Polymorphism allows a subclass to override an inherited method without affecting the parent class's method. Polymorphism also enables a client to access two or more implementations of an object from a single interface.

pool
A division of main or auxiliary storage. See also base pool and storage pool.

pool database faults
In Performance Tools, the total number of interruptions to jobs that were required to transfer data into the pool to permit the program to process the database data.

pool database pages
In Performance Tools, the total number of pages of database data transferred from auxiliary storage to the pool to permit the program to run.

pool nondatabase faults
In Performance Tools, the total number of interruptions to jobs (not necessarily assigned to this pool) that were required to transfer data into the pool to permit the machine interface instruction to access the nondatabase data.

pool nondatabase pages
In Performance Tools, the total number of pages of nondatabase data transferred from auxiliary storage to the pool to permit the program to run.

POP
See Post Office Protocol (POP).

pop
To remove an item from the top of a pushdown list. Contrast with push.

pop-up menu
A menu that, when requested, appears next to the object it is associated with. A pop-up menu contains choices appropriate for the object in its current context.

pop-up window
A movable window, fixed in size, in which a user provides information required by an application so that it can continue to process a user request. Synonymous with secondary window.

port
(1) System hardware where the I/O devices are attached.
(2) An access point (for example, a logical unit) for data entry or exit.
(3) A functional unit of a node through which data can enter or leave a data network.
(4) In data communications, that part of a data processor that is dedicated to a single data channel for the purpose of receiving data from or transmitting data to one or more external, remote devices.
(5) In the Internet suite of protocols, a 16-bit number that is used to communicate between TCP or the User Datagram Protocol (UDP) and a higher-level protocol or application. Some protocols, such as File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), use the same well-known port number in all TCP/IP implementations.
(6) An individual user exit point in the mail server framework, for example, QIBM_QZMFMSF_LST_EXP and QIBM_QZMFMSF_ADR_RSL. It is from these ports that snap-in programs are called.
(7) Synonymous with socket.
(8) An end point for communication between applications, generally referring to a logical connection. A port provides queues for sending and receiving data. Each port has a port number for identification. When the port number is combined with an IP address, it is called a socket address.

portability
(1) The ability to transport equipment manually.
(2) The ability to run a program on more than one computer without changing it.

Portable Document Format (PDF)
A standard specified by Adobe Systems, Incorporated, for the electronic distribution of documents. PDF files are compact; can be distributed globally via e-mail, the Web, intranets, or CD-ROM; and can be viewed with the Acrobat Reader, which is software from Adobe Systems that can be downloaded at no cost from the Adobe Systems home page.

Portable Operating System Interface for Computer Environments (POSIX)
An interface standard governed by the IEEE and based on UNIX. POSIX is not a product. Rather, it is an evolving family of standards describing a wide spectrum of operating system components ranging from C language and shell interfaces to system administration.

port group
A group of ports identified by the common carrier with a single DTE address. The network directs incoming calls to the first available port, using a sequential search (rotary) technique.

port number
In Internet communications, the identification of an application entity to the transport service.

POS
See Point-of-Sale Utility.

position
In DCE X/Open Object Management (XOM), the ordinal position of one element of a string relative to another. The term also means the ordinal position of one value relative to another.

positional parameter
A parameter that must appear in a specified location, relative to other parameters.

positional pattern
In REXX, a pattern that causes parsing to occur on the basis of location within the input string. A positional pattern takes the form of a signed or unsigned whole number.

positive response
In SNA, a response indicating that a request arrived and was successfully received and processed. Contrast with negative response. See also definite response.

POSIX
See Portable Operating System Interface for Computer Environments (POSIX).

post
(1) To add information in a record to keep that record current.
(2) To note the occurrence of an event.

postamble
A sequence of binary characters recorded at the end of each block of data, on phase-encoded magnetic tape, for synchronization when reading backward.

Post Office Protocol (POP)
A protocol that is used for exchanging network mail and accessing mailboxes.

postoperation exit program
A user-written program that is given control after operation of a system function.

Post Telephone and Telegraph Administration (PTT)
An organization, usually a government department, that provides data communication services in countries other than the USA and Canada. Examples of PTTs are the Bundespost in Germany and the Nippon Telephone and Telegraph Public Corporation in Japan.

potential binding
In DCE Remote Procedure Call (RPC), a specific combination of an RPC protocol sequence, RPC protocol major version, network address, endpoint, and transfer syntax that an RPC client can use to establish a binding with an RPC server. See binding. See also endpoint, network address, RPC protocol, RPC protocol sequence, and transfer syntax.

power control compartment (PCC)
The rack component that logically controls the application of alternating current power to the units in the rack.

power cord
The electrical connection between the AC power source and the computer.

power down
An AS/400 command to turn the power off and bring an orderly end to system operation.

Power-On light
The light on the control panel that comes on when the system power supply is on.

PowerPC
A computer architecture that is based on the third generation of RISC processors. PowerPC was developed jointly by Apple, Motorola, and IBM.

PowerPC AS
The AS/400 processors that implement the 64-bit PowerPC architecture with extensions to support commercial applications for multiple users.

power sequence cables
Signal cables that connect the secondary racks to each other and to the primary rack in a system with more than one rack, and allow complete control of the power from the primary rack.

PPDU
See presentation-layer protocol data unit (PPDU).

PPP
See Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP).

PPT
See Processing Program Table (PPT).

preamble
A sequence of binary characters recorded at the beginning of each block of data, on a phase-encoded magnetic tape, for the purpose of synchronization when reading forward.

precision
(1) See single precision and double precision.
(2) In DB2 UDB for AS/400, an attribute of a number that describes the total number of binary or decimal digits (excluding the sign) that can be represented in the number. Floating-point numbers are also described as having single precision or double precision.

precompile
A processing of programs containing SQL statements that takes place before a compile. SQL statements are replaced with statements that will be recognized by the host language compiler. The output from this precompile includes source code that can be submitted to the compiler and used in the bind process.

predefined message
A message whose description is created and stored in a message file before it is sent by the program. Contrast with immediate message.

predefined value
A fixed value defined by IBM that has a special use in the control language and is reserved in the operating system. A predefined value usually has an asterisk (*) as the first character in the value.

predicate
(1) A Boolean logic term denoting a logical expression that determines the state of some variables. For example, a predicate can be an expression stating that variable A must have a value of 3.
(2) In SQL, an element of a search value that expresses or implies a comparison operation.

preferred binary encoding
In OSI, the format in which an NSAP address or network entity title is passed in the network protocol.

preferred transport class
In OSI, a transport class that an application entity initially requests during association establishment. Contrast with alternative transport class.

preloaded system
A system that is shipped with the licensed programs and program temporary fixes (PTFs) already installed on the disk.

preoperation exit program
A user-written program that is given control before operation of a system function.

prepared (PRP)
The prepared logical unit of work (LUW) state indicates that the current LUW is in doubt. This system has prepared to commit, but has not received the final vote from the initiator. The PRP state only occurs at nodes that are not a last agent.

prepared SQL statement
In DB2 UDB for AS/400, a named object that is the form of an SQL statement that was processed by the PREPARE statement.

prepare in progress (PIP)
The prepare in progress logical unit of work (LUW) state indicates that the current LUW is preparing its resources to commit. A failure during PIP state results in a rollback.

preprocessing exit program
An exit program that performs preprocessing when an operation is requested against an exit point. An example of a preprocessing exit program is the Preprocessing Exit Program for Add.

preprocessor
In the C language, a program that examines the source program for preprocessor statements that are then run, resulting in the alteration of the source program.

preprocessor directive
See directive.

preprocessor statement
In the C language, a statement that begins with the symbol # and is interpreted by the preprocessor during compilation.

prerequisite program temporary fix (PTF)
A temporary solution to or a bypass of a problem that is necessary to provide a complete solution to correct a problem. The system requires that you apply the prerequisite PTF either before the PTF that needs it or with the PTF that needs it. Contrast also with corequisite program temporary fix (PTF) and distribution requisite program temporary fix (PTF).

prerun-time array
In RPG, an array that is loaded at the same time as the program, before the program actually begins to run. Contrast with compile-time array and run-time array.

prerun-time table
In RPG, a table that is loaded at the same time as the source program, before the program actually begins to run. Contrast with compile-time table and run-time table.

presentation address
(1) In the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE), an unambiguous name that is used to identify a set of presentation service access points. Loosely, it is the network address of an open systems interconnect (OSI) service.
(2) In OSI, an address that uniquely identifies an application entity. The presentation address consists of one or more NSAP addresses, a TSAP selector, an SSAP selector, and a PSAP selector.

presentation context
In OSI, the combination of an abstract syntax with a transfer syntax that specifies how to transfer and interpret defined data values between nodes.

presentation control
In Business Graphics Utility, an option that allows parts of a chart to be included or excluded when produced.

presentation controls
In Backup Recovery and Media Services, a system policy menu option for defining the presentation of days of the week, the beginning day of the week, and other special characters as they appear on Backup Recovery and Media Services displays.

presentation data value (PDV)
In OSI, a complete unit of information that is meaningful to an application entity.

presentation graphics routines (PGR)
A group of routines within the operating system that allows business charts to be defined and displayed procedurally through function routines. Contrast with graphical data display manager (GDDM).

presentation layer
In OSI architecture, the layer that provides services that enable functional units in the application layer to select a common syntax in order to define data and operations to be performed on the data. (T)

presentation-layer protocol data unit (PPDU)
In OSI, a protocol data unit in the presentation layer. (I)

presentation-layer service access point (PSAP)
In OSI, a service access point in the presentation layer.

presentation-layer service data unit (PSDU)
In OSI, a unit of data transferred between the application layer and the presentation layer.

Presentation Manager
The interface of the OS/2 operating system that presents, in windows, a graphics-based interface to applications and files installed and running under the OS/2 operating system.

presentation service access point (PSAP)
The address of an open systems interconnection (OSI) communications partner. It addresses an application in a computer.

presented type
In DCE Remote Procedure Call (RPC), for data types with the Interface Definition Language (IDL) transmit_as attribute, the data type that clients and servers manipulate. See transmitted type.

prestart job
A batch job that starts running before the remote program sends a program start request.

previous release
The last required release of the system (such as Release 1.0) prior to the current release (such as Release 2.0), including any modification levels (such as Release 1.0 Modification Level 1 or Modification Level 2) that were not required.

previous system
The system that sent the TELNET or pass-through request that brought the user to the current system.

PRI
See primary rate interface (PRI).

primary axis
In the GDDM function, the axis used to plot data in a business chart. See also secondary axis.

primary domain
The domain that is defined by the DNS domain database file on a primary name server.

primary file
(1) In the DDS for a join logical file, the first physical file specified on the JFILE keyword. Contrast with secondary file.
(2) For certain types of join operations using Query, the first of all files that are joined in a query definition. The data from this file is used in every record formed by a join specification.
(3) In RPG, if specified, the first file from which RPG reads a record. In multifile processing, the primary file is used to determine whether the MR indicator is set on. Contrast with full procedural file.

primary focal point
A network node that receives alerts from nodes that the user has defined in a sphere of control. Contrast with default focal point.

primary folder
In System Manager, the folder into which the documentation of the corresponding development folder is stored if dynamic naming is not allowed for the option or if no override folder name is specified at install time.

primary group
A group profile whose authority to an object is stored with that object. Primary group authority may provide better performance than private group authority.

primary group authority
The authority that the primary group has to the object. Contrast with owner authority, private authority, and public authority.

primary key
A field or set of fields in a database file that must be unique, ascending, and may or may not contain null values. The primary key can become a parent key.

primary language
The national language installed on the system as the default language used to display and print information. The primary language is also used to service the system. Contrast with secondary language.

primary library
In System Manager, for a code load, the library in which the code load is stored if dynamic naming is not allowed for the option or no override library names are specified at install time. For language loads, the library in which the language load is stored if the language load identification matches the primary language of the system and either dynamic naming is not allowed for the option or no override library names are specified at install time.

primary logical partition
A logical partition that provides certain general functions on which all logical partitions are dependent. The primary parition is the only partition that is active in a system that has a single partition. All partition management functions are performed from this partition. If this partition is powered off or restarted, for example, the entire system is powered off or restarted. Also referred to as primary partition.

primary logical unit (PLU)
In SNA, the logical unit that contains the primary half-session for a particular logical unit to logical unit session. See also logical unit (LU). Contrast with secondary logical unit (SLU).

primary name
In the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE), the string name of an object to which any aliases for that object refer.

primary name server
A name server that always loads domain information from its own domain database file.

primary node
A cluster node that currently has the principle copy of a cluster resource. All replications of a resilient resource originate from the primary copy of the resource. See also backup node and replicate node.

primary operating system
The operating system that controls the system's resources. The SSP is considered the primary operating system when only SSP is installed. Whenever OS/400 is installed, it is always the primary operating system, regardless of what other operating systems are installed.

primary optical link
A connection between the system unit and an expansion unit. The hardware that creates this link is the local optical link card, the remote bus adapter, and the optical cables that connect the two.

primary part
In the Application Development Manager feature of the Application Development ToolSet licensed program, a part that contains high-level language statements or other information that can be compiled or preprocessed. A secondary part is created as a result of this processing. See also secondary part.

primary rate interface (PRI)
In ISDN, an interface that provides 23 (or 30 in Europe) 64 000 bps data channels (B-channels) and one 64 000 bps signaling channel (D-channel). Also known as 23/30B + D. Contrast with basic rate interface (BRI).

primary system
In a remote journal network, the AS/400 system where the original database resides.

primary system console
A workstation that is attached to the first input/output processor that is capable of supporting workstations. If Operations Console has been configured, a personal computer (either at a local location or a remote location) becomes the primary system console.

primary system name
In SNADS, the system name of an AS/400 system. Contrast with secondary system name.

primary window
The window in which the main interaction between the user and an object takes place.

prime record key
In COBOL, a key whose contents uniquely identify a record within an indexed file.

primitive
A simple and fundamental data structure, API, algorithm, or system service that serves as a building block for more complex solutions, applications, or environments.

primitive binding handle
In DCE Remote Procedure Call (RPC), a binding handle whose data type in Interface Definition Language (IDL) is handle_t and in application code is rpc_binding_handle_t. See customized binding handle.

principal
In DCE Security, an entity that can communicate securely with another entity. In the DCE, principals are represented as entries in the Registry database and include users, servers, computers, and authentication surrogates.

principal development library
In System Manager, a development library into which a load object (*PRDLOD) is created.

principal library
In System Manager, the library that contains the load object (*PRDLOD).

principal primary library
In System Manager, a primary library into which the objects that were created in the principal development library are stored when no overriding library name is specified at installation time.

print band
An interchangeable metal band that contains the print characters used by some printers.

print control commands
In the OfficeVision program, the commands that you add to the document to format the document when you print it. You can see the results of these commands when you display a document in final form.

print descriptor
An object used to manage printing that is created and maintained by the PrintManager program. Print descriptors describe where a print job is printed, how a print job is processed, and how output appears. The print descriptors contain capabilities and defaults of options used for printing. The system-recognized identifier for the object type is *PDG.

print descriptor group
An object used to store print descriptors so they can be managed effectively on a system. The system-recognized identifier for the object type is *PDG.

printer/display layout
A specification on which the user can design the format for a report either printed or displayed.

printer file
A device file that determines what attributes printed output will have. A particular printer may or may not support all of the attributes specified in a printer file.

printer ID
The identification code assigned to printers.

printer session
A PC program that allows a personal printer to emulate a host system printer.

printer spooling
In CICS, a facility that provides support for writing data to AS/400 print spools. Only printed output is supported by CICS.

printer writer
A system program that writes spooled files to a printer. See also diskette writer and spooling writer.

print format utility (PFU)
In AFP Utilities, a utility that allows a user to print a database file member in various formats without writing any programs.

PrintManager
(1) Pertaining to a collective name for a set of IBM programs or operating system functions that provide cross-system print management for an entire enterprise.
(2) The PrintManager functions for the OS/400 operating system.

print options
Specifications for printing a document.

printout format definition (PFD)
In AFP Utilities, a file member that contains information about the record layout, page layout, record selection, and database file name. A PFD is used to print the records of a database file member in various formats.

Print Services Facility (PSF/400)
A feature of the OS/400 licensed program. PSF contains the Advanced Function Printing support.

print share
An output queue that is shared with PC clients on the AS/400 network.

print text
An option that allows the user to specify a line of text at the bottom of a list.

priority queue
In SNADS, a queue that contains distribution queue entries for distributions with a service level of fast, status, or data high. When send times and queue depths are satisfied for both the priority and normal queues, the priority queue is serviced first. Contrast with normal queue.

privacy
In DCE Remote Procedure Call (RPC), a protection level that encrypts RPC argument values in secure RPC communications.

private authority
The authority specifically given to a user for an object that overrides any other authorities, such as the authority of a user's group profile or an authorization list. Contrast with owner authority, private group authority, and public authority.

private branch exchange (PBX)
A switching system located on a customer's premises that consolidates the number of inside lines (extensions) into a smaller number of outside lines (trunks). Many PBXs also provide advanced voice and data communications features.

private document
In the OfficeVision program, a document that cannot be accessed by a user when working on behalf of another user. The private document can still be accessed by users who are authorized to the document when they are not working on someone else's behalf.

private folder
In the OfficeVision program, a folder that cannot be accessed by a user when working on behalf of another user. The private folder can still be accessed by users who are authorized to the folder when they are not working on someone else's behalf.

private key
(1) In secure communication, an algorithmic pattern used to encrypt messages that only the corresponding public key can decrypt. The private key is also used to decrypt messages that were encrypted by the corresponding public key. The private key is kept on the user's system and is protected by a password.
(2) See secret key.

private mail
In the OfficeVision program, mail that can be accessed only by the recipient, but not by someone working on behalf of the recipient. Before sending the mail item, the sender can assign the sensitivity level of private to it. See also sensitivity.

private management domain (PRMD)
In OSI X.400, a private company or noncommercial organization that handles a management domain.

private network
A network established and operated by a private organization or corporation for users within that organization or corporation. Contrast with public network.

private object
(1) In the DCE X/Open Directory Service (XDS), an object management (OM) object created in the workspace using the OM functions. Contrast with public object.
(2) In DCE X/Open Object Management (XOM), an object that is represented in an unspecified fashion.

private storage pool
A storage pool containing a specified amount of storage that can be used by only one subsystem. Contrast with shared storage pool.

privilege
In SQL, a capability given to a user by the processing of a GRANT statement.

privilege attribute
In DCE Security, an attribute of a principal that may be associated with a set of permissions. DCE privilege attributes are identity-based and include the principal's name, group memberships, and local cell.

privilege attribute certificate (PAC)
In DCE Security, data describing a principal's privilege attributes that has been certified by an authority.

Privilege Service
One of the three services provided by the DCE Security service, the Privilege Service certifies a principal's privileges. See also Registry Service and Authentication Service.

privilege ticket
In DCE Security, a ticket that contains a privilege attribute certificate in addition to the information contained in a simple ticket. See ticket, privilege attribute certificate (PAC), simple ticket, service ticket, and ticket-granting ticket.

PRM
See program resolution monitor (PRM).

PRMD
See private management domain (PRMD).

probe
A type of message that determines if a message with certain characteristics can be delivered to a specific recipient. This type of message is treated like a user message by the message transfer agent (MTA), except that it is never delivered to the recipient.

problem analysis
The process of finding the cause of a problem. For example, a program error, device error, or user error.

problem isolation procedure (PIP)
Written information used by service representatives to repair IBM equipment. A PIP contains yes/no questions and procedures that direct the user to the failing part of the equipment.

problem log
A record of problems and of the status of the analysis of those problems.

problem management
In System Manager, the discipline that manages the detection, analysis, correction, and tracking of problems occurring in an information system environment.

problem management focal point
The management services responsible for the problem analysis and diagnosis for a sphere of control. An alert focal point is a subset of a problem management focal point. See alert focal point.

procedural programming
In RPG, a programming technique in which the input and output operations are controlled by programmer-specified operation codes instead of by the program cycle.

procedure
(1) In COBOL, one or more successive paragraphs or sections, within the Procedure Division, that direct the computer to perform some action or series of related actions.
(2) In query management, a query object that consists of a related set of query commands. A procedure allows an application to run multiple query commands through one call to the callable interface.
(3) In the Integrated Language Environment (ILE) model, a set of self-contained high-level language (HLL) statements that performs a particular task and returns to the caller. Individual languages have different names for this concept of a procedure. In C, a procedure is called a function.

procedure call
A call made to a procedure within a module in a bound program. Contrast with program call.

procedure declaration
In DCE Remote Procedure Call (RPC), the syntax for an operation, including its name, the data type of the value it returns (if any), and the number, order, and data types of its parameters (if any).

Procedure Division
One of the four main parts of a COBOL program. The Procedure Division contains instructions for solving a problem. The Procedure Division may contain imperative statements, conditional statements, paragraphs, procedures and sections.

procedure language statements
In query management, the query commands that are used in query procedures.

procedure name
In COBOL, a paragraph name or a section name in the Procedure Division.

procedure order profiling data
A portion of observability that is stored with a program that is produced by Integrated Language Environment (ILE) application profiling. The data lists the order in which the program's procedures were packaged and also indicates how the procedures should be packaged in the future if the program is rebuilt in some way. For example, if procedure A calls procedure B very often, then it is advantageous to package procedures A and B close together.

procedure pointer call
A high-level language call mechanism for specifying the address of a procedure to be called. The procedure pointer call provides a way to call a procedure dynamically. For example, by manipulating arrays or tables of procedure names or addresses, the application programmer can dynamically route a procedure call to different procedures. Contrast with static procedure call.

process
(1) In data processing, the course of events that occurs during the processing of all or part of a program.
(2) In Java, a group of types. Packages are declared with the package keyword.
(3) For Common Programming APIs ToolKit, the collection of all OS/400 jobs sharing an activation group.
(4) In System Manager, a combination of systems management applications that accomplishes one or more customer tasks or a part of a task. A process may contain other processes.
(5) A process is what other systems call a job.

process access group (PAG)
A group of job-related objects that may be paged in and out of storage in a single operation when a job (process) enters or leaves a long wait.

process definition object
In MQSeries, an MQM object that contains the definition of an MQM application. For example, a queue manager uses the definition when it works with trigger messages.

processing
The action of performing operations and calculations on data.

Processing Program Table (PPT)
A table defining the application programs and BMS maps that can be run under CICS.

processing unit
The part of the system that performs instructions and contains main storage.

process manager
In the SystemView structure, the support programming that allows for the defining and running of a process.

processor
(1) A device for processing data from programmed instructions. It may be part of another unit.
(2) One or more integrated circuits that process coded instructions and perform a task. See also system processor, service processor, and input/output processor (IOP).

Processor Active light
The light on the control panel that comes on when the processing unit is running.

product
In System Manager, a program or application that is identified as a product to the OS/400 operating system by a product identifier and a product definition. See also unique product.

product availability object
A system object used to store information about products and licensed programs. The system-recognized identifier is *PRDAVL.

product definition
In System Manager, an object that contains the information about a product. The object type is *PRDDFN. A product definition is identified as belonging to a product (PRDID) and a release (RLS). A given product and release can have only one product definition.

production
In OSI, a part of the formal notation used to specify ASN.1, in which allowed sequences of items are associated with a name that can be used to refer to those sequences in the definition of new sets of allowed sequences.

production library
A library containing objects needed for normal processing. Contrast with test library.

product load
(1) In System Manager, an object that contains the control information about an option. The object type is *PRODLOD. A product load is identified by the product identifier (PRDID), release (RLS), option (OPTION), and load identifier (LODID) parameters.
(2) The smallest logical collection of objects that can make a product option.

product message file
In System Manager, a file containing one or more product descriptions.

product option
In System Manager, a group of one or more loads, one of which must be a code load.

product-sensitive programming interface (PSPI)
(1) A special interface that is intended to be used only for a specialized task, such as diagnosis, modification, monitoring, repairing, tailoring, or tuning.
(2) A special interface that is dependent on or requires the customer to understand significant aspects of the detailed design and implementation of the IBM software product.

profile
(1) Data that describes the characteristics of a user, program, device, or remote location.
(2) In DCE Remote Procedure Call (RPC), an entry in a name service database that contains a collection of elements from which name service interface (NSI) search operations construct search paths for the database. See NSI profile attribute, and profile element.

profile element
In DCE Remote Procedure Call (RPC), a record in an RPC profile that maps an RPC interface identifier to a profile member (a server entry, group, or profile in a name service database). See profile. See also group, interface identifier, and server entry.

profile handle
A value created by the system from the Get Profile Handle API that is used to identify a valid user ID and password. This value is used as input to switch the controlling user profile in a job to another user profile without changing the name of the job.

profile member
In DCE Remote Procedure Call (RPC), a name service entry whose name occupies the member field of an element of the profile. See profile.

PROFS bridge
See VM/MVS bridge.

program
(1) A sequence of instructions that a computer can interpret and run.
(2) In the Integrated Language Environment (ILE) model, the runable object that results from binding modules together.

program automatic storage area (PASA)
A system object that contains call level information for each program on the call stack. The PASA can also contain space (allocated when the program object is called) for program variables.

program call
A call made to an ILE program or to an OPM program. See also dynamic program call and static program call. Contrast with procedure call.

Program Call Markup Language (PCML)
A tag language that is used to describe the input and output parameters for AS/400 programs. PCML is based on the Extensible Markup Language (XML). PCML files are used with the ProgramCallDocument class in the AS/400 Toolbox for Java to automate parameter handling and calls of ILE programs from Java.

program control
A CICS facility that handles the flow of control among application programs.

program control table (PCT)
A CICS table defining the transactions that can be processed by the system. Each transaction is paired with the name of the program that CICS runs when the transaction is called.

program cycle
In RPG, the series of operations performed by the computer for each record read.

program-described data
Data contained in a file for which the fields in the records are described in the program that processes the file. Contrast with externally described data.

program-described file
A file for which the fields in the records are described only in the programs that process the file. To the operating system, the record appears as a character string. Contrast with externally described file.

program device
A symbolic device that a program uses instead of a real device (identified by the device name). When the program uses a program device, the system redirects the operation to the appropriate real device.

program device override
The attributes specified at run time that change the attributes of the program device.

program entry procedure (PEP)
A procedure provided by the compiler that is the entry point for an ILE program on a dynamic program call. Contrast with user entry procedure.

program ID
A 1- to 8-character string entered from a finance device and associated with an AS/400 finance transaction program. Lists of valid program IDs and their associated application programs are maintained in program tables.

program identification entry
In COBOL, an entry in the PROGRAM-ID paragraph of the Identification Division that contains clauses that specify the program-name and assign selected program attributes to the program.

program initialization parameters (PIP)
The initial parameter value(s) passed to a target program as input or used to set up the process environment.

program integrated information (PII)
Programs for the user interface such as menus, messages, and help panels.

program level
Pertaining to an operation that is performed for an entire program. For example, a Monitor Message (MONMSG) command that immediately follows the last declare command in a CL program is a program-level MONMSG command. Contrast with command level.

programmable work station (PWS)
A work station that has some degree of processing capability and allows the user to change its functions. Contrast with nonprogrammable work station (NWS).

programmed function (PF) key
On a workstation, a key that can perform various functions selected by the user or determined by an application program.

programmer subsystem
An IBM-supplied interactive subsystem used to code programs on a display station. The system object name is QPGMR.

programmer user profile
The system-supplied user profile that has the authority necessary for system and application programmers and the special authorities of save system authority and job control authority. Named QPGMR.

program message queue
An object used to hold messages that are sent between program calls of a routing step. The program message queue is part of the job message queue.

programming development manager (PDM)
A part of the Application Development ToolSet licensed program that allows users to perform several operations (such as copy, delete, and rename) from lists of libraries, objects, and members. PDM also allows users to create user-defined options to perform operations.

programming interface
The supported method through which customer programs request software services. The programming interface consists of a set of callable services provided with a product. Synonymous with programming interface for customers.

programming interface for customers
A synonym for programming interface.

Programming Request for Price Quotation (PRPQ)
A customer request for a price quotation for a licensed program to be designed especially for a particular group of customers or an application. Documentation for the program is provided only to those customers who order the PRPQ. Compare with Request for Price Quotation (RPQ).

programming services
Distributed Computing Environment (DCE) services used mainly by programmers to develop distributed applications. Programming services include Remote Procedure Call (RPC) and Threads.

program name
A user-defined word that identifies a COBOL source program.

program object
One of two machine object classifications. It includes those objects used in programs that get their definition from an object definition table. Program objects are used as the parameter or values of machine instructions. Contrast with system object.

program preparation
In DB2 UDB for AS/400, the process of producing a program. The process includes precompilation, compilation, and bind.

program profiling
A technique that is used to optimize a program.

program resolution monitor (PRM)
In the original program model (OPM), a program that translates the intermediate representation of a program into the machine language for use by the computer. The program resolution monitor is used by the programming language compilers to complete the translation of a source program into machine language instructions.

program static storage area (PSSA)
A system object that contains static variable data for programs on the call stack. The PSSA contains space for program variables that is activated when the program object is activated. The PSSA is contained in the process access group (PAG).

program table
A list of the AS/400 finance applications for use in an AS/400 finance job. Each table entry consists of a program ID and the program name and library associated with that ID. Program IDs received in data streams from finance devices are located in the program table to determine the AS/400 application that should be called.

program temporary fix (PTF)
(1) A temporary solution to or bypass of a problem diagnosed by IBM as resulting from a defect in a current unaltered release of a licensed program. Synonymous with fix. Contrast with Licensed Internal Code fix.
(2) In the System Manager program, a means of correcting a problem or potential problem found within a product, or of providing an enhancement to a product before a new release of the product is available. PTFs are designed to replace one or more objects in the product. Generally, PTFs are incorporated in a future release of the product.

program variable
A named changeable value that can exist only within programs. Its value cannot be obtained or used when the program that contains it is no longer running.

project
In the Application Development Manager feature of the Application Development ToolSet licensed program, the name of an application consisting of a collection of one or more groups.

project administrator
In the Application Development Manager feature of the Application Development ToolSet licensed program, the person who defines the environment in which developers work and who enrolls them to a project within the environment.

project hierarchy
In the Application Development Manager feature of the Application Development ToolSet licensed program, a collection of groups organized into levels, with each level representing a phase in the development process.

project log
In the Application Development Manager feature of the Application Development ToolSet licensed program, a record of what has changed in a project, the commands used, the user who issued the commands, and when the changes took place. This log can be printed or viewed on a display.

promote
(1) In the Application Development Manager feature of the Application Development ToolSet licensed program, to move a part up one level in the project hierarchy.
(2) In ILE, to convert an unhandled exception into a new exception with a different meaning. The new exception is passed on to the next exception handler.

promote code
In the Application Development Manager feature of the Application Development ToolSet licensed program, an identifier that shows to which group a part can be promoted to in the project hierarchy.

promote path
Application Development ToolSet licensed program, the arrangement of groups between a group containing parts that must be promoted and the group that will eventually contain the parts when work on them is finished.

prompt
A reminder or a displayed request for information or user action. The user must respond to allow the program to proceed.

prompted aid box
In the OfficeVision program, a list of words shown by the spell aid function, that contains possible spellings or synonyms to replace words in a document.

Proof of Entitlement (POE)
A document that arrives with an AS/400 software order. The POE validates the licensed programs that a customer has purchased.

proportional spacing
The spacing of characters according to their relative width.

proposal
A proposal is a collection of protocols that the initiating and responding key servers use to establish a dynamic Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection between two endpoints.

proposed abstract syntax list
In OSI, a list of abstract syntaxes that an application entity specifies as acceptable when initiating an association.

protected conversation
An LU 6.2 conversation that supports two-phase commit protocols for resource recovery and resynchronization protocols. Contrast with unprotected conversation.

protected field
A field on a display in which a user cannot add, change, or delete data.

protected file
A file that cannot be changed by an override file command.

protected logical unit of work identifier (LUWID)
The logical unit of work identifier that is used in a protected conversation.

protected logical unit of work (LUW)
The logical unit of work that is used in a protected conversation.

protected password
In APPC, a string of bytes that is substituted for a user password. The protected password is sent instead of the user password and can be used to verify the identity of the user but only under specific and controlled circumstances. The LU type 6.2 architecture refers to the protected password as a password substitute.

protected resource
(1) A resource that is updated in a synchronized manner during resource recovery processing.
(2) A resource, such as a database, that can be changed only in accordance with the two-phase commit protocol.

protected storage
(1) The part of the auxiliary storage pool (ASP) that is reserved for the creation of permanent objects, such as libraries and files, when checksum protection is in effect.
(2) All auxiliary storage in an auxiliary storage pool (ASP) when mirrored protection is in effect.

protection level
The degree to which secure network communications are protected. Synonymous with authentication level.

protection setup
In Internet communications, a group of protection subdirectives that work together to define how the server should control access to the resources being protected. You can define protection setups within the configuration file, in separate protection setup files, or by using the Configuration and Administration forms.

protocol
(1) A set of rules controlling the communication and transfer of data between two or more devices or systems in a communications network.
(2) In OSI, a specification of the format and relative timing of information exchanged between peer entities within a layer.
(3) In Internet communications, the set of rules that govern the operation of functional units of a communication system. Protocols can determine low-level details of machine-to-machine interfaces, such as the order in which bits are set. Protocols can also determine high-level exchanges between application programs, such as file transfer.

protocol converter
A general term for a device that changes one type of coded data to another type of coded data for processing. See also link protocol converter (LPC).

protocol data unit (PDU)
(1) A unit of data exchanged between peer systems.
(2) In OSI, a unit of data exchanged between peer entities.

protocol family
Synonymous with address family.

protocol sequence
In the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE), a synonym for RPC protocol sequence.

protocol sequence vector
In DCE Remote Procedure Call (RPC), a data structure that contains an array-size count and an array of pointers to RPC protocol-sequence strings. See RPC protocol sequence.

Protocol 1 (P1)
The message transfer protocol used to relay X.400 messages between message transfer agents (MTAs).

Protocol 2 (P2)
The message protocol used between user agents to convey the syntax and structure of an X.400 message and to specify what a recipient user agent does with the message.

proxy gateway
A firewall that prevents users outside a private network from accessing computers within the private network.

proxy server
A server that receives requests intended for another server and that acts on the client's behalf (as the client's proxy) to obtain the requested service. A proxy server is often used when the client and the server are incompatible for direct connection. For example, the client is unable to meet the security authentication requirements of the server but should be permitted some services.

PRPQ
See Programming Request for Price Quotation (PRPQ).

PSAP
See presentation-layer service access point (PSAP).

PSAP selector
In OSI, an external identifier for a service access point at the Presentation Layer. The PSAP selector is part of a presentation address.

PSDN
See packet-switching data network (PSDN).

PSDU
See presentation-layer service data unit (PSDU).

pseudo-CL variable
In REXX, a variable used in CL commands, whose name conforms to the CL programming rules for variables but actually refers to a REXX variable. The name must begin with an ampersand, but it is stripped off when determining the name of the actual REXX variable that is to be used. Pseudo-CL variables must be valid REXX variable names and valid CL variable names.

pseudocode
A set of instructions that has a logical structure but does not follow the syntax of any particular programming language.

pseudorandom number
In Cryptographic Support, a number that is obtained by some defined arithmetic process, but is effectively a random number for the purpose for which it is required. Contrast with random number.

pseudo-text
In COBOL, a sequence of character-strings and/or separators bounded by, but not including, pseudo-text delimiters. Pseudo-text is used in the COPY REPLACING statement for replacing text strings.

pseudo-text delimiter
In COBOL, two equal signs (==) side by side used to define the beginning and end of pseudo-text.

PSF/400
See Print Services Facility (PSF/400).

PSH
See physical services header (PSH).

PSPI
See product-sensitive programming interface (PSPI).

PSSA
See program static storage area (PSSA).

PSTN
See public-switched telephone network (PSTN).

PTF
See program temporary fix (PTF).

PTF media
The diskette, tape, or CD-ROM on which the user receives program temporary fixes (PTFs).

pthread
Shorthand for the AS/400 threads API set that is based on a subset of the POSIX standard.

PTT
See Post Telephone and Telegraph Administration (PTT).

PU
See physical unit (PU).

Public Address Book
A Lotus Notes database that provides a domain-wide directory of Notes servers, users, certifiers, domains, and groups. It contains documents that manage server-to-server communication and server programs. Also referred to as Domino Directory.

public authority
The authority given to users who do not have any specific (private) authority to an object, who are not on the authorization list (if one is specified for the object), and whose group profile has no specific authority to the object. Contrast with owner authority, primary group, and private authority.

public data network (PDN)
A communication common carrier network that provides data communication services over switched or nonswitched lines.

public interface
The names of procedures and data items, exported from an ILE service program, that can be accessed by Integrated Language Environment (ILE) programs or other service programs.

public key
In secure communication, an algorithmic pattern used to decrypt messages that were encrypted by the corresponding private key. A public key is also used to encrypt messages that can be decrypted only by the corresponding private key. Users broadcast their public keys to everyone with whom they must exchange encrypted messages.

public key cryptography
A method of cryptography that depends on a matched pair of keys. Information encrypted with one key can be decrypted only by the other key in the pair. One of the keys can be made public. The other key is kept private. This method allows secure communication between an individual entity (such as a merchant) and any other entities who obtain the public key (such as consumers).

public network
Generically, a network operated by common carriers or telecommunications administrators for the provision of circuit-switched, packet-switched, and nonswitched lines to the public. Contrast with private network.

public object
(1) In DCE X/Open Object Management (XOM), an object that is represented by a data structure whose format is part of the service's specification.
(2) In DCE X/Open Directory Service (XDS), a descriptor list that contains all the OM attributes of an OM object.

public-switched telephone network (PSTN)
A communication common carrier network that provides voice and data communications services over switched lines.

purge
In Performance Tools, a job attribute that specifies whether a job is to be marked eligible to be moved out of main storage to auxiliary storage when entering a long wait or leaving the activity level.

purported name
In the Distributed Computing Environment (DCE), a construct that is syntactically a name, but has not yet been shown to be a valid name.

push
To add an item to the top of a pushdown list. Contrast with pop.

push button
A button, labeled with text, graphics, or both, that represents an action that starts when a user selects the push button.

pushdown list
A list that is constructed and maintained so that the next data element to be retrieved is the most recently stored.

PVC
See permanent virtual circuit (PVC).

PWS
See programmable work station (PWS).

P1
See Protocol 1 (P1).

P2
See Protocol 2 (P2).


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