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Example 4: Information Messages - Batch Programs
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Consider the following very simple data entry program:
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Overall, there are not many situations in which the "instructions" which are so often placed onto screen formats cannot be replaced by messages.
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Status messages can add to the "user friendliness" of any system by keeping the user informed of what is going on. Some examples of where they could be used are:
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For instance, processing and validating a large batch of general ledger transactions online can be made more "friendly" if a message such as the following one appears after every 20 transactions are processed "nn G/L transactions processed. nn accepted. nn rejected" It reminds the user that the computer is working for them.
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Very often, it is necessary to get an end user to confirm a request. Typically, this will involve things like deletion confirmation, or confirming that a tape is mounted, or that a large batch report run should really be submitted, etc.
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The following are examples of overlaid message windows which can be easily produced by the MESSAGE command:
Number . . . . A627478 Name . . . . . ACME ENGINEERING CORPORATION Address . . . 121 SMITH STREET, ANYTOWN. Zip code . . . 18475 ...................................................... : Confirm this customer is to be deleted (Y or N) : : Reply : _ : :....................................................: Enter number of action required : 3 1. Power down the system 2. Perform weekly backup procedures 3. Perform daily backup procedures ...................................................... : Confirm daily backup tape is mounted (YES or NO) : : Reply : __ : :....................................................: Produce Customer Summary Report Print customers in state . . . . . C Print Zip code range . . . . . . . 34859 to 48579 Print only those with orders . . . Y ...................................................... : Confirm Customer Summary Report should be run (Y N): : Reply : _ : :....................................................:
A message window has the advantage that it overlays the current display (no matter what program originally presented the screen) and can be positioned to overlay the top, middle or bottom of the screen. Thus you can ensure that the user can see just what they did to cause the window to appear.
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Most programmers quickly realize that the message handling facilities within LANSA can improve the appearance and friendliness of online applications, as well as reducing programming time and maintenance costs.
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