V. DATAform database interface
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Developer handbook DATAformXTension © 1992-2004 www.gassenhuber.de
5) Timeout
In the fifth argument you specify the maximum waiting time in seconds. DX_Message waits
for the specified time for the answer to arrive.
The wait loop can always be interrupted by command point.
If you specify 0 as the timeout, DX_Message doesn’t wait or give the user the possibility to
extend the wait period.
You have the possibility to install your own cancel dialogue and to create your own error val-
ues. (See the method DX_DemoMessage.)
Note also any further instructions in the header of the DX_Message method.
6) Text pointer
The text pointer of the sixth argument functions as an input as well as an output variable.
You specify a pointer on a global text variable, e.g.:
C_Text (myText)
And then DX_Message (…; =>myText ;…)
Input
If you transfer a text in myText, the dialogue shows this text in case of a timeout and the user
may extend the wait time.
If myText is empty, the interface stops waiting at timeout and the time cannot be extended.
Output
At the end DX_Message transfers in myText:
-
In a timeout case the name of the created message file.
-
If the message is received, the error text that DATAformXTension delivered is transferred
in myText.
For further details see the header of function DX_Message.
7) User
In the fourth argument you may eventually specify a user ID. This is only necessary if more
than one user works with the same QuarkXPress programme.
By the user ID the answer can be linked to the specified user.
If only one user works with his QuarkXPress an empty string may be specified in the fourth
argument or the argument may be left out. Then DATAformXTension places its answer in the
[QuarkXPress]:DATAform:Ausgang:Benutzer folder. The DX_Message function looks for the
answer at this location.
If several users work in a network on the same QuarkXPress programme, specify unique names
for all users. For each of these users, create a folder with the same name in the Ausgang folder.
Specify these names as the seventh argument. DX_Message instructs DATAformXTension to
place the answer in this folder and waits there for the answer. The folder must already exist.
File names
DX_Message places all messages to XTension in the folder [QuarkXPress]:DATAform:Ein-
gang. It automatically creates unique file names with “seconds after midnight”. It then waits
for a file with the same name in the folder Benutzer. It reads the file and erases it.
8) Form name
Here the name of a special wait form can be given. DX_Message will then use this form for the
Cancel dialogue. The form must be present in the table [DX_Table].
If the eighth argument is missing, the form "DX_Wait" in [DX_Table] is used. The form must
exist in [DX_Table] otherwise an error message is given. (See also under the method
DX_Wait.)
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