AB (Action Bar)

The AB tag defines an action bar on an application panel.

Syntax


>>-<AB--+------------------+------------------------------------>
        |          .-YES-. |   
        '-MNEMGEN=-+-NO--+-'   

>--+------------------------------+----------------------------->
   '-ABSEPSTR=ab-separator-string-'   

>--+----------------------------------+-->--</AB>--------------><
   '-ABSEPCHAR=ab-separator-character-'

Parameters

MNEMGEN=YES | NO: Note: When the conversion utility is operating in DBCS mode, the default value for MNEMGEN is NO.
This attribute controls the automatic generation of mnemonic characters for the entire action bar. When MNEMGEN=NO, mnemonic characters are determined only by the use of the M tag within action bar or pull-down choice description text. See Mnemonic choice selection and M (Mnemonic) for additional information.
When MNEMGEN=YES, the NOGUI invocation option is ignored and mnemonics are generated automatically.
ABSEPSTR=ab-separator-string: This attribute provides a string of data to be overlaid at the right end of the action bar separator line.
Note: This attribute is NOT recommended for general use because the action bar separator line is not displayed when operating in GUI mode.
ABSEPCHAR=ab-separator-character: This attribute provides a replacement character for the action bar separator line. When the GRAPHIC invocation option has been specified, the action bar separator defaults to a solid line for host display. You can use the ABSEPCHAR attribute to provide a different character such as a dash.

Comments

The AB tag defines an action bar on an application panel. The action bar appears on the panel above the panel title line. The action bar provides a way for users to view all actions that apply to the panel it is coded within.

The conversion utility inserts a line between the action bar and the panel title line. The GRAPHIC invocation option creates a solid line. NOGRAPHIC creates a dashed line. If required by the length or number of action bar choices, the conversion utility formats multiple lines for the action bar.

ABC tags, which you code within an AB definition, define application panel choices for the action bar. PDC tags, which you code within ABC tag definitions, define the action bar pull-down choices.

To define an action bar and its associated pull-downs, you code the AB tag (and other tags that define the action bar choices and pull-downs) within a PANEL definition.

Restrictions

The AB tag requires an end tag.
You must code the AB tag within a PANEL definition. Each application panel can include only one action bar. See PANEL (Panel) for a complete description of this tag.
You must code at least one ABC tag within an action bar definition.
To conform to CUA rules, you must include a help action bar choice.

Processing

Table 1. The tag you can code within an AB definition
Tag	Reference	Usage	Required
ABC	ABC (Action Bar Choice)	Multiple	Yes

Examples

Here is markup that contains the action bar markup for the application panel illustrated in Figure 1.

<!DOCTYPE DM SYSTEM(
  <!entity sampvar1 system>
  <!entity sampbody system>)>
&sampvar1;

<PANEL NAME=ab KEYLIST=keylxmp>Library Card Registration
<AB>
<ABC>File
  <PDC>Add Entry
    <ACTION RUN=add>
  <PDC>Delete Entry
    <ACTION RUN=delete>
  <PDC>Update Entry
    <ACTION RUN=update>
  <PDC>Exit
    <ACTION RUN=exit>
<ABC>Search
  <PDC CHECKVAR=whchsrch MATCH=1>Search on name
    <ACTION SETVAR=whchsrch VALUE=1>
    <ACTION RUN=search>
  <PDC CHECKVAR=whchsrch MATCH=2>Search on card number
    <ACTION SETVAR=whchsrch VALUE=2>
    <ACTION RUN=search>
<ABC>Help
  <PDC>Extended Help...
    <ACTION RUN=exhelp>
  <PDC>Keys Help...
    <ACTION RUN=keyshelp>
</AB>
&sampbody;
</PANEL>

Figure 1. Action bar

   File  Search  Help
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Library Card Registration

 Type in patron's name and card number if applicable.

 Then select an action bar choice.

 Date . . . :
 Card No. . . _______  (A 7-digit number)
 Name . . . . _________________________  (Last, First, M.I.)
 Address  . . _________________________

 Choose one of the following           Check valid branches
 __  1.  New                           _  North Branch
     2.  Renewal                       _  South Branch
     3.  Replacement                   _  East Branch
                                       _  West Branch

 Enter a command ===> ______________________________________________________
  F1=Help        F2=Split       F3=Exit        F6=KEYSHELP    F9=Swap
 F12=Cancel