Product characteristics
Job variables are data objects that are used for the exchange of information between individual users, and between the operating system and users.
Job variables can be created and modified by the user. The user can also instruct the operating system to set specific job variables to predefined values when certain events occur.
Job variables represent a flexible tool for job control under user supervision. They offer the option of defining the interrelationships in a complex production run in simple terms and form the basis for event-driven job processing.
Description of functions
Job variables are objects that are managed by the operating system. They can be addressed via names and can each hold up to 256 bytes of data. They are used for the exchange of information between individual users, as well as between the operating system and users. Job variables can be accessed via the command and macro interfaces. When the SDF component of BS2000-BC is used, job variables can serve as global parameters on the command level.
In conditional statements, job variables can be linked via Boolean operations. In this way, actions can be made dependent on the truth value of the condition. In addition, user job variables and monitoring job variables (see below) offer the option of synchronous or asynchronous event control at command and program level.
Different job variables are available for different functions:
User job variables
In their most general form, job variables are available as user job variables. The name, life, and data to be stored in such a variable is determined exclusively by the user. These job variables can be supplied with protection attributes such as passwords, writeprotection, and retention period. Access to a user job variable can be restricted to a particular user ID or be universally granted.
User job variables are particularly suitable for the exchange of information. However, they can also be used for job control.
Monitoring job variables
The monitoring job variable is a special form of the user job variable. It is assigned to a job or a program. The name, lifespan, and protection attributes are defined by the user. However, in contrast to the user job variable, these variables are supplied with predetermined values by the operating system and reflect the status of the assigned job or program.
Monitoring job variables are particularly suitable for job control, such as is required, for example, for managing interdependencies in production runs.
Documentation
“Job Variables” manual [7]