# NetDefGen Help

Overview
Cached Assemblies
Namespace Classes
Clear Namespace Selection
Show Namespaces For Input Assembly
Input Assembly Path
Output Copy file Path
Execute Button

## Overview Of Copy file Generation

    Net Assemblies are made up of Classes within a Namespace.
    A COBOL program accesses an Assembly using a Namespace and
    Class from the copy file.
    Within a Namespace Class hierarchy are Methods, Properties,
    Enumerations and Events.

    NetDefGen interrogates an Assembly and produces an English
    translation for Namespaces, Classes, Methods, Enumerations,
    Properties and Events.
    The resultant copy file is included in a COBOL program for
    use by the compiler and programmer.
    In addition to the copy file, event handlers are generated
    for each Class in the Assembly.
    .NET events and event data are delivered to the ACUCOBOL
    runtime and COBOL program from event handlers.
    Event handlers are loaded by the runtime when a COBOL program
    executes a Display or Create statement or references an Assembly
    in a COBOL Screen Section.
    The runtime locates Event handlers from an NetEvents.ini
    file containing a list of directory paths or, by default, the
    directory where the runtime is located.

    Windows base types, integer, unsigned integer, float, double,
    byte, character and character string are supported.
    Objects are not supported.
    Any method, property or constructor requiring parameter object
    creation by the COBOL program will fail as well as any method
    or property returning objects.

### Cached Assemblies Top

    The List Box labeled Cached Assemblies contains all Assemblies
    located in the Global Assembly Cache.
    When an Assembly is mouse selected, all Namespaces and Classes
    found in that Assembly will display in the list box labeled
    Namespace Classes.

### Namespace Classes Top

    This allows for specific selection of only what is needed.
    Assemblies may contain many Namespaces and Classes resulting
    in large unused copy files.
    If a specific Namespace Class is not selected the resulting
    copy file will contain definitions for all Namespaces and Classes
    found in the Assembly.

### Clear Namespace Selection Top

    The Clear Namespace Selection Button clears a selection from the
    Namespace Classes list.

### Show Namespaces For Input Assembly Top

    The Show Namespace For Input Assembly Button is used when you
    manually type an Assembly path in the Input Assembly Path.
    Namespaces will automatically display upon return from an Open
    Dialog when using the search button.

### Input Assembly Path Top

    The entry field labeled Input Assembly Path may be used as an
    alternative to the Cached Assemblies selection when the Assembly
    is not located in the Global Assembly Cache.
    The SEARCH button to its right will display a File Open Dialog
    to assist you in locating the desired Assembly.

### Output Copy file Path Top

    The entry field labeled Output Copy file Path contains the full path
    and file name of the generated Copy file.  If any event handlers are
    generated, they will be located in this same directory path with a
    file name prefix of Namespace and Class and suffix of .DLL.
    The SEARCH button to its right will display a File Open Dialog
    to assist you in locating an output directory and file name.

### Execute Button Top

    Pressing the Execute Button will start the copy file and event handler
    generation.  A completion status message will appear at the bottom of
    the screen.