param

The param function is used to read the value of the PARAM(n) variable. The extended rule allows you to reference values that have been passed into the translator via the command line.

Introduction

The -u switch can be used during the invocation of the translator to pass values in so they can be referenced by an extended rule. Typically, the param extended rule is not used by maps that are running within the Sterling Gentran:Server® environment because Sterling Gentran:Server does not use the -u switch when invoking the translator. However, if you are invoking the translator to perform translation outside of Sterling Gentran:Server (tx32 -f <inputfile> <templatefile> <outputfile> <reportfile>), you have the option to pass values into the translator using the -u switch and reference those values using the param extended rule.

Syntax

param(integer_PARAM_number);

where:

interger_PARAM_number = the number of the pre-defined variable

Example

For example, if you invoke TX32.EXE in the following manner:

tx32.exe -f input.txt 850.tpl output.txt out.rpt -u "PurchaseOrderNumber" -u 12345 
  -u 500.25

Then you could write an extended rule in the \GENSRVNT\Tutorial\Pet_850.map that looks like the following:

	string [32] strDescription;
	string [32] strPONbr;
	string [32] strTotalCost;
	real nTotalCost;

	strDescription = param(0);
	strPONbr = param(1);
	strTotalCost = param(2);
	nTotalCost = aton(strTotalCost);

	if nTotalCost > 200 then
	begin
	  messagebox("Get approval from boss",0);
	end

You can run this rule from any scope in your map (for example, pre-session, post-session, group onbegin, field).