Extra! Basic Macros

A macro is a series of recorded keystrokes, actions, or special commands that you can combine into a single file. This file can then be associated with a menu command, key combination, at the opening of a session, a particular host screen, HotSpot, QuickPad and more. Macros automate repetitive tasks and can simplify complex ones into a single command or keystroke. You can create macros by recording keystrokes you enter as you're working, create them using the Macro Editor in conjunction with the full-featured Extra! Basic Macro Language, or using a combination of both methods.

Here are some common uses for macros:

Simplifying complex tasks such as transferring a series of files from your host to your PC.
Automating repetitive tasks such as logging into your host, typing your user ID, password, and pressing the enter key, then navigating to your host application.
Extend or create new functions. For example, the provided macro CAPTUR32.EBM grabs an entire screen of data from the host and lets you edit the data in Notepad.

In this chapter

NOTE:Application developers should always use 4-digit year data when writing applications that manipulate date data, as two-digit year data is always ambiguous.

All Extra! Basic macros from all clients run on a single thread. Therefore, when one client's macro displays a dialog box, all other macros are temporarily suspended.