ACCEPT FIELD

Execution

PERFORM RMP--AF-PANELNAME

Description

This standard runtime function performs the entry of a single panel field/control by the user. It is similar to a standard COBOL ACCEPT statement, except that RM/Panels sets all the parameters and can perform many supporting activities automatically. Many characteristics of the field/control can then be modified through the Panel Editor, without requiring program changes or recompilation.

Note: While much more powerful than an ACCEPT statement, this standard runtime function is not the preferred method of allowing user input in RM/Panels. Use the EXECUTE EVENT standard runtime function as the primary method to allow user input. Use ACCEPT FIELD when only one field/control is needed.

Required Parameters

The program must set the name of the field/control to be accepted in RMP--FIELD-NAME. If the field/control occurs more than once, the occurrence number must be specified in RMP--FIELD-OCCUR. The occurrence numbers are equivalent to COBOL subscripts and begin at 1.

Returned Values

The value entered by the user is stored in the appropriate field/control within panelname.WS. The field/control termination code indicating the ending key is returned in RMP--EXCEPTION-NUMBER.

Additional Usage Notes

Before this standard runtime function can be executed, the panel must be displayed.
User Input Errors. If validation is specified for the field/control and an error is detected, the behavior of RM/Panels depends on the way in which user input was terminated. If the input was terminated by the auto-exit property or by pressing the Enter key, the error message is displayed and the user is forced to reenter the field/control. If input was terminated in any other way, control is returned to the application program and RMP--INVALID-INPUT is TRUE. If you want the error message displayed under these circumstances, you must execute the SHOW FIELD ERROR standard runtime function. This approach differs somewhat from the handling of invalid input during the execution of the EXECUTE EVENT function. During the execution of the ACCEPT FIELD function, RM/Panels assumes that the auto-exit property and the Enter key indicate a normal termination of input. The user should not be allowed to proceed if the input is invalid. During the EXECUTE EVENT function, RM/Panels assumes that many other keys also indicate normal termination of input.
Note: If accelerator values are used for any fields/controls, check both the exception value and RMP--VALID-INPUT. Accelerator keys can affect code logic.
Disabled Fields/Controls. In the Panel Editor or at runtime execution, a field/control can be specified as not allowing entry. This characteristic does not apply to the ACCEPT FIELD standard runtime function. It only applies to standard runtime functions that allow input of more than one field/control. RM/Panels assumes that if a field/control is specifically identified for the ACCEPT FIELD standard runtime function, it should allow input regardless of the allow input characteristic. This can be quite useful. For example, ACCEPT FIELD might be used to allow input of a key field/control in a maintenance program, and then EXECUTE EVENT might be used to allow updating of the non-key fields/controls.

RMP--STATUS Values

Status value	Description
0	The function executed successfully.
1	The field/control name is invalid.
2	The occurrence number is invalid.
5	The panel is not in this library
6	The library does not exist.
10	The panel is not displayed.
14	A COBOL input/output error was encountered on the panel library during execution of this function. To determine the exact nature of the I/O error, use the C$RERR subprogram.