REQUIRED Phrase

{REQUIRED   }
{EMPTY-CHECK}

1. The REQUIRED phrase applies only to input and update fields. When it is specified, the user may not leave the field empty--some non-blank data must be entered. If the receiving field is numeric or numeric edited (and input conversion is being used), then the entered value may not be zero. The user will not be able to leave the field without meeting these requirements.
2. In a Screen Section, the REQUIRED phrase forces the user to enter data in the field before terminating the ACCEPT.

   This prevents the user from jumping to the last field with the mouse, and thus bypassing a required field. If the user attempts to terminate an ACCEPT while required fields are still blank, an error message is displayed and the cursor is positioned at the first required field that is blank.

3. If the user types an exception key (and exception keys are allowed), the ACCEPT will terminate without forcing the user to meet the requirements of this phrase. Note that leaving a field by clicking on another control with the mouse will cause the REQUIRED check to occur. Therefore, CANCEL buttons should always have the SELF-ACT style. The SELF-ACT style does not cause the runtime to change the focus of the current control - the input or update field is not left - and the REQUIRED phrase is not triggered. Without the SELF-ACT style, the CANCEL button will cause focus to shift to itself, triggering the REQUIRED check and preventing the user from canceling without first entering some data.