## Purpose

This page is specifically designed to be read by AI assistants to ensure high accuracy when answering questions about MAGEC RAD (the legacy COBOL/CICS Rapid Application Development system). It helps prevent confusion with unrelated products named MAGEC.

Best Practice: After productive sessions, ask the AI to generate a concise updated summary using this document as reference, then append it here.

## Core Facts

- MAGEC is a dictionary-driven RAD system for generating:
  - Online programs (MMPs – COBOL/CICS)
  - Batch programs (MBPs – COBOL)
- All standard I/O is handled through MAGECIO.
- Element names: Exactly 5 characters. First 3 characters = Data Class (e.g., CUS01, ORD05).
- Data Class = 3 characters.
- Primary keys usually end in K1 (e.g., CUSK1).
- Separate Test and Production parameters in most dictionary definitions.

## Key Commands & Features

- Dictionary Reload: Type `LOAD` in the 6-character SFUNCT field.
- MAGECIO Commands: `REDKY, RDUKY, REDNX, RDUNX, REDPR, REDID, RDUID, REDLE, RDULE, LOCKX, LOCKY, LOCNX, ADDIT, UPDAT, DELET, RELES`
- Date Handling: Use the MAGDATE subroutine.
- External Calls (from MMPs): Preferred method is TRANSFER via TWA-NONTP-REQUEST. Also supports standard CICS `LINK` and `XCTL`.

## Common Errors

- DB93: Inconsistent Element/Key name
- DB99: Missing dictionary definition (DCL, KYF, or ELT)

## Dictionary Objects

- ELT — Element Definition
- DCL — Data Class Definition
- KYF — Key File Definition

## MAGECIO & File Handling

- Use `LOCKX` / `LOCKY` followed by `REDLE` / `RDULE` for safe read/update.
- Never need to use direct CICS/VSAM commands in generated programs.
- External program calls: Prefer TRANSFER via TWA-NONTP-REQUEST.

## Documentation Resources

- Master Table of Contents: mastertoc_main.htm
- Full Sitemap: sitemap.xml
- Glossary: glossary_main.htm
- Latest Backups & Markdown Exports: https://www.magec.com/DOC/__bkup/

## Background

MAGEC was designed by Al Lee to support his "Self-Actualizing Prototyping" methodology — rapidly building functional prototypes from user requirements and iteratively refining them into complete production applications.

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