Function Keys – all used up
Hi, I have 1 inquiry functions where all the functions keys (F1 to F24) were already used up. Now, I have an enhancement request to add new inquiry to this existing function. What do I need to do? I was thinking of building a pulldown menu in this inquiry function. Is this the correct approach? And what is the advantage of using a pulldown menu in AS400 Menu. Your help is very much appreciated. Thanks.
Software/Hardware used:
Software/Hardware used:
ASKED:
July 8, 2009 7:36 AM
UPDATED:
August 6, 2009 4:13 PM
Answer Wiki:
So you have an enquiry panel?
- displaying data ? for a record?
- add a 2 or 3 byte input field into which users key the optiuon they want to take.
enable f4 on the field to provide a window showing what the options are. You could make it a subfile over a configuration file containing the option, its description, and the program to call if you want it to be future proof.
either way, they key the option, you call the functionality relating to the option.
- be sure to provide some sort of help. Maybe leave the 'top 10' function keys working.
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Hi Yorkshireman, thanks a lot for brilliant idea. I’ll take this option instead. BTW, do know when to use the pulldown menu and what is it’s advantage?
Thanks again!!!!
You can include a pseudo menu window in the display panel DDS, and threfore handling it within the (monolithic) pgm, but nowadays I’d go for abstracting the functionality into a separate little program that can be re-used anywhere. Pass in the options list – or a code to define the options, and get back the user’s choice. You could use the same function anywhere, and for any list of functions, if you think about how to define the options to show.
It would have been the case that the pulldown would be slightly quicker to execute, but in the days of bound modules and service programs I’d go for componentisation and reusability every time. A few milliseconds costs less than your time maintaining the monolth – future changes could be only to the options list. .
JoBi, you seriously need to get some training or mentoring or complete your degree at IIT.