Q - Batch Run of a Menu

This option works like option M (menu) except that the menu to which it chains is processed automatically in the order the options were entered. For Parameter 1 you specify the menu to be processed automatically (<F4-Select> is available if required).

Some routines, such as Data Interchange or Global Updates, when run will require exclusive use of files but you may not wish to run a multi-stage procedure if by the time the exclusivity required action is run the file(s) can not be locked. For Parameter 2 you can enter a string of file numbers that are to be exclusively locked when the Q-Menu procedure beings – i.e. ‘12’ would exclusively lock the first two files.

In addition, as the procedures are run automatically then, on selection of a Q-menu procedure at run-time, the system will pause to ask for the printer for any printed reports that may be created. If you specify ‘SP’ against Parameter 2 then any reports are automatically spooled, if you specify ‘XP’ then the current ‘default’ printer is assumed.

Screens on the Constant File

As reports and global updates are processed automatically without pausing to enter selection criteria it can be useful to set-up as the first action in a Q-Menu a screen based on the application constants database. This screen, configured to only allow access via the U-Update action, is loaded automatically and, on save, the constant file is updated and the system continues with the run. The data items stored in the constant file can be used as the ‘check value’ in selection criteria within reports and global updates by using the <F5> key on the value input.

Calling Other Programs

As mentioned above IF you call an ‘outside’ DF program then the ProFiler application is exited to run the procedure and does not return. If, this action is the last routine required on the Q-menu then this is fine, but if further procedures need to be run then you need to add some additional settings to the parameter 2 setting of the P-Program call.

Firstly, the external routine has to be run automatically – this is achieved by adding an ‘A’ to the four digit parameter number (note only selected routines can be run in this manner).

Secondly, you need to add the call details of the ProFiler application parameter you wish to return to – this parameter must be the beginning of another Q-Menu. This is achieved by adding ‘&AAA\M\O’ to the end of the parameter number where AAA is the three-letter application id, M is the menu number you wish to return to and O is the option number on that menu that calls a further Q-Menu.