Learn NATURAL-SCRIPTING with Real Code Examples

Natural is a 4GL (Fourth Generation Language) designed for rapid application development.

It provides procedural constructs and some modularization capabilities.

Widely used for database-driven business applications on mainframes and server environments.

Supports event-driven and batch processing tasks.

Ideal for enterprises needing maintainable, database-integrated solutions.

Strong support for database access and record handling

Procedural programming constructs (IF, PERFORM, LOOP)

Error handling and transaction management

Callable subprograms for reusable logic

Integration with batch and online environments

Natural Objects: variables, arrays, and structures

Subprograms and functions for modularity

Database access via direct read/write or view definitions

Control flow: IF, PERFORM, LOOP, GOTO

Error handling via ON ERROR or transaction rollback

Source Natural programs (.NAT or .PRG files)

Subprograms and modules for reusable logic

Database definitions and views

Job control or scheduling scripts for batch processing

Documentation of logic and data flow

Identify business process to automate

Design database schema or map to existing structure

Develop Natural programs using modular subprograms

Test in batch or online environment

Deploy to production with appropriate scheduling or triggers

Beginner: simple data entry or report generation

Intermediate: conditional logic and simple batch processing

Advanced: database transactions and multi-step processes

Expert: complex business logic and integration with legacy systems

Architect: enterprise-scale application design and modernization

Natural vs COBOL: Natural is higher-level and faster to develop

Natural vs Java: Natural is database-centric, Java is general-purpose

Natural vs RPG: Natural is procedural 4GL, RPG often tied to IBM i systems

Batch vs Online Natural programs: batch for reports, online for real-time interaction

Natural vs modern scripting: Natural excels in legacy enterprise environments

1970s - Natural developed by Software AG

1980s - Enhanced database integration and procedural features

1990s - Client-server support and Natural Studio IDE

2000s - Modernization for web and server environments

2010s - Integration with middleware and APIs

2020s - Ongoing maintenance and modernization in enterprise environments

Adabas - high-performance database often used with Natural

Subprogram - reusable module of logic

Program library - storage location for Natural programs

Batch job - scheduled process for processing data

Natural IDE - development environment for writing Natural code