The sample session below shows command input in all possible forms of unguided and guided dialog. Among other things, it demonstrates
which types of prompting SDF offers on the three levels of guided dialog
how input can be compressed
how SDF supports the correction of errored entries
how to switch to temporarily guided dialog
how to switch guidance levels
how to call information on the use of SDF.
The sample session was run under BS2000/OSD-BC V8.0A. The user ID under which the user in the sample session logs on to the system is USER1. Language code E was set both at system generation and in the catalog entry for user ID USER1. As a result, English is used as the language of both the SDF dialog and message output (if required the user ID-specific language settings can be modified with the MODIFY-MSG-ATTRIBUTES command). The frequently used command SHOW-FILE-ATTRIBUTES is used to demonstrate the various input options. For a detailed description of this command please refer to Volume 3 of the “Commands” manual [1]. Four files are cataloged under user ID USER1:
the ISAM files TEST.EXAMPLE.1 and TEST.EXAMPLE.2
the SAM files TEST.EXAMPLE.3 and TEST.EXAMPLE.4
If you wish to familiarize yourself with the various SDF input options, you can duplicate the sample session on your own system, adapting the LOGON specifications (e.g. user ID) and the file names as required.
After that, the function key assignments for the Styleguide mode are set. After the NEXT line, all possible inputs are displayed depending on the guidance mode, and the possible functions and function keys are displayed in a separate line (KEYS:). If the old mode is set, then instead of using the function keys stated, the corresponding old mode keys are to be used. If there is no corresponding function key in the old mode, then the corresponding control statement or the corresponding command must be entered in the NEXT line (see the section “Function keys”).
You can terminate guided dialog and the sample session at any time by entering the command MODIFY-SDF-OPTIONS GUIDANCE=*EXPERT (or *NO) in the NEXT line.