topic Using variable to set def directory in Operating System - OpenVMS

Using variable to set def directory

gibson — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 10:48:16 GMT

Is there some way within a DCL command procedure to pass a variable to the set default direcory command.

for example

$newdir = test1
$set def sys$sysdeivce:[stuff.mine.newdir]

where newdir is a variable name

Re: Using variable to set def directory

Heinz W Genhart — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 10:53:50 GMT

Hi Gibson

$ newdir = "test1"
$ SET DEF sys$syssdevice:[stuff.mine.'newdir']

This will do what you expected.

or ...

$ @my_commfile "test1" ! Supply the variable part as a variable to the commfile

The commfile then looks like this:

$ SET DEF SYS$SYSDEVICE:[stuff.mine.'P1']

Hope that helps

Regards

Heinz

Re: Using variable to set def directory

Hoff — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 10:57:43 GMT

Hello and Welcome to ITRC.

DCL symbol substitution will be of interest here, and applies here and most any other time when the $ prompt or DCL is otherwise reading and processing input:

$ newdir := SYS$SYSDEVICE:[SOMEWHERE]
$ SET DEFAULT 'newdir'

To perform a substring substitution

$ newdir := test1
$ SET DEFAULT ddcu:[this.that.'newdir']

(or potentially [.'newdir'], if you can use relative directory notation.)

Navigation within a directory hierarchy can be a bit, um, interesting.

Also look around for PUSHD and POPD tools, as these are widely available and potentially relevant here, and there are a gazillion versions of "CD" tools around for OpenVMS. Start on the OpenVMS Freeware, but you should have no problem finding examples using Google or such. (http://www.hp.com/go/openvms/freeware)

As for learning more about DCL and DCL arcana, the OpenVMS User's Guide (in the OpenVMS documentation set) is a good start, and (if you can find a copy) Writing Real Programs in DCL 2nd Ed, a book I co-authored a few years back.

Available tutorial and command-related information is referenced in the OpenVMS FAQ (http://www.hoffmanlabs.com/vmsfaq), for both books and tutorial sites, and comparisions between (say) Unix shell commands and DCL commands.

And again, welcome to ITRC.

Stephen Hoffman
HoffmanLabs

Re: Using variable to set def directory

Heinz W Genhart — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 10:58:06 GMT

Hi Gibson

welcome to the forum. I did not recognize that you are a new member.

Have Fun

Regards

Heinz

Re: Using variable to set def directory

gibson — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 13:48:55 GMT

Your instructions worked like a charm. I have my script running...saved me a bunch of time.

Thanks for your help and friendly welcome to the forum !