Using Menus, Commands or the Workplan

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# Using Menus, Commands or the Workplan

Functions can be called from a menu, with a command, from the workplan or in batch jobs.

This document covers the following topics:

- Using Menus

- Using Commands

- Using the Workplan

- Using Menus, Commands and the Workplan Together

- Operating Predict in Batch Mode

- Interrupting the Execution of a Function

- Handling of Errors

## Using Menus

Executing a function from a menu may be appropriate for users who are less familiar with Predict or who use Predict only infrequently. Valid input options are indicated and users are guided through the sequence in which input is required.

Experienced users may prefer to execute functions from menus when using functions with which they are not familiar.

Any Predict menu can be displayed in two ways:

- With a command. Example: RETRIEVE FILE will display the File Retrieval Menu.

- By entering a function and object code in a main menu Example: function code R and object code FI to display the File Retrieval Menu.

## Using Commands

Using commands, functions can be called in a more compact and time-saving form. Complete command sequences, including all parameters, can be entered.

Commands are entered at the Command ===> prompt at the bottom of the screen. Commands are executed by pressing ENTER.

After a function has been executed with a command, Predict displays the menu from which the function is called in menu dialog. For example, if the command DISPLAY FILE is entered, the File Retrieval menu is displayed after successful execution of the function.

A message on the Natural message line indicates successful execution or failure.

## Using the Workplan

The workplan is useful whenever a large number of objects is to be processed.

For example: If objects for all dummies (associations to objects that are not yet created in the dictionary) in the dictionary are to be created, the dummies can be listed with a retrieval operation and be put into the workplan together with an Add command. By executing the Add command from the workplan, objects for all dummies are created easily.

See Using the Workplan.

## Using Menus, Commands and the Workplan Together

There is no obligation to favor menu dialog or entering commands in advance. Use the method which seems more appropriate.

If both a function code of a menu and a command are entered, the command takes precedence.

The menu dialog and the use of the workplan are described in this section. Calling functions with commands is described in the section Predict Commands in the Predict Reference documentation.

## Operating Predict in Batch Mode

Most Predict commands can be called from batch jobs.

See the section Predict in Batch Mode in the Predict Administration documentation.

## Interrupting the Execution of a Function

The execution of a function can be stopped by executing the command STOP. This command must be assigned to a PF key.

See PF Keys.

Entering a period (.) in the Code/Retrieval type field of any menu skips back to the next higher menu level.

## Handling of Errors

Successful execution of a function (or failure) is indicated with a message on the Natural message line.

By entering ? DIC nnnn (nnnn = error number) a more detailed description of the error can be displayed. Example: ? DIC1234 gives additional information on Predict error 1234.

? nnnn gives additional information on Natural error messages.

### On this page

- Using Menus
- Using Commands
- Using the Workplan
- Using Menus, Commands and the Workplan Together
- Operating Predict in Batch Mode
- Interrupting the Execution of a Function
- Handling of Errors