Conference iosg::all-in-1_v30

405.0. "Wish: OA$FLD_SKIP function, and /SKIP field qualifier" by HOTAIR::MADDOX (DIGITAL Alien) Thu Apr 02 1992 21:49

I would like to see an OA$FLD_SKIP function.  This purpose of this function
would be to set the field disposition to SKIP, i.e., don't allow the user
on this field.  The field would be ignored as if it were not included in the
/FIELDS= list, but this function would need to be issued each time the user 
attempted to move to that field.

A corresponding field qualifier might be /SKIP with the form /SKIP='test
function\\OA$FLD_SKIP'.  This qualifier might not be necessary if the 
OA$FLD_SKIP function could be used reliably in the /PRE qualifier.

The advantage of the OA$FLD_SKIP as opposed to OA$FLD_NEXT and related 
functions is that the programmer would not need to test OA$FIELD_TERM_NAME to
determine where to land instead of this field.  I.e., if the user pressed
TAB, DOWN, GOLD T, or NEXT SCREEN the cursor would advance.  If he pressed
BS, GOLD B, or PREV SCREEN the cursor would back up one field.  If he 
pressed UP the cursor would advance if there were another field on that line
and back up if not.

You can see that an OA$FLD_SKIP would save the application developer from 
having to think about and code in lots of tests.

Thanks,

Joe

    Here's another vote for OA$FLD_SKIP.
    
    Sjaak.