ProWesS loader

PROGS, Professional & Graphical Software
Dr. Frans Hemerijckxlaan 13 /1
2650 Edegem
BELGIUM
tel : +32 (0)3/ 457 84 88 fax : +32 (0)3/ 458 62 07 e-mail : joachim@club.innet.be
www : http://www.club.innet.be/~year2827


Introduction

The ProWesS loader is a utility program for ProWesS. It is used to start applications with full configuration and based on a startup file which can make sure that all the necessary extensions are installed.

The loader will execute the commands which are given in the startup files. The commands themselves can either be executable things, or will load them on the searchpath. The searchpath is also given as parameter to each of the commands, preceded by '-path'.

If the startup file which has been passed happens to be an executable, then that program will be executed (without passing any parameters to it).

Usage

loader startup-file [-path path]
startup-file
The program needs one parameter when it is started, the name of the startup file. Startup files are normally called "startup", or have a name ending in "_ldr".
path
This option allows you to give the path where the loader file has to be searched. If you do not tell the program where to look, the file will be searched first on the data default and then the program default device.

  • Input File Format
  • The file format is line oriented. Each line contains a command. However, if the command and the parameters do not fit on one line, then you can make sure that the next line is appended by ending the line with a backslash. Empty lines and lines starting with a percentage sign or a semicolon ('%' or ';') are discarded as comments. Lines which start with two precentage signs ('%%') will be used by maintenance programs to customize startup files.

    Lines starting with an ampersand ('&'), followed by a program name (not separated), and then the parameters will execute thing or file with that name and wait for the result (even the program name can contain spaces when enclosed in double quotes).

    Lines starting with an asteriks ('*'), followed by the name of a startup file (not separated) will run a different startup file (similar to include, except that the search path is redetermined (and restored afterwards).

    Lines starting with plus sign ('+'), followed by a searchpath will replace the searchpath by the directory of the startup file, followed by the searchpath which is given as parameter.

    Lines starting with a program name (not separated), and then the parameters will execute thing or file with that name and wait for the result (even the program name can contain spaces when enclosed in double quotes).

    Some action programs for ProWesS loader
    request
    Request confirmation from the user (e.g. "change disks").
    rext
    Load a resident extension, or a program as executable thing (if the program supports that).
    setenv
    Set a "Global Variable", similar to environmnent variables on other systems.
    wait
    Wait for a thing to be available, or a fixed time (whichever happens first).
    cbutton
    Create a button which will load a program when indicated.
    mbutton
    A program which allows you to indicate from a list, which program has to be loaded.

    Examples

    Set an environment variable. The first word is the program which has to be called. The rest are parameters.

    setenv PWSDIR win1_pws

    Parameters can contain spaces by enclosing them in quotes. The ProWesS loader can wait until the program has finished.

    &request "Please insert another disk"

    Program names can also contain spaces.

    "ProWesS reader" -file myfile

    Commands and their parameters can be spread over several lines.

    request "just to display that multiple" \
            "lines can be used" \
            "indicate OK"
    

    PROGS, Professional & Graphical Software
    last edited April 16, 1996