Previous Topic: Responding to Extra Panels During ExecutionNext Topic: Using a LIST Panel

Responding to Extra Panels During Execution › Using a Prompt Panel

Using a Prompt Panel

The cursor appears on the first variable that you can replace. Variables are always highlighted or, with color monitors, shown in a different color.

You can accept the defaults shown, type in a valid variable name, or if a list or range was created, display list or range panels and change the prompt panel according to the valid entries shown on the list or range panels. See Using a LIST Panel and Using a RANGE Panel for instructions.

Rules

  1. If apostrophes enclose the default variable on the prompt panel, you must also use apostrophes.
  2. The variable you enter cannot be longer than the total number of characters in the default variable, including dialog fill (space-holder) characters. A special character is assigned at your site to serve as a space holder that allows you to enter replacements longer than the default. In our examples, we use the underscore (_) character.
  3. If a range was created for a numeric variable, you can only enter numbers within that range.
  4. If a list of valid entries was created for an alphabetic or mixed variable, you cannot enter a variable that is not on the list.

PF Keys

The following shows the objectives you can attain with PF keys during prompt panel display.

<PF1> HELP

Displays Help for panel.

<PF2> RETURN

Redisplays Directory of Queries panel.

<PF3> EXECUTE

Execute selected query with default variables.

<PF5> RANGE/LIST

Displays list of valid entries or range of valid numbers if either panel was defined for this variable. Cursor must be positioned on the variable.

<PF7> FORWARD

Displays next screen if prompt extends beyond the screen.

<PF8> BACKWARD

Displays previous screen, if any.