Messages

You can use DTL to define messages that display in response to a user request or action, or that provide additional information. Messages can confirm a user-requested action, report an error in user input, or notify the user of an error or exception condition. Figure 1 illustrates a message displayed in the message area of an application panel (highlighting added).

Figure 1. Message displayed in message area

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

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

 Then, select an action bar choice.

 Date . . . : 12/29/90
 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
 You must type your name in the Name field.
 Enter a command ===> ______________________________________________________
  F1=Help        F2=Split       F3=Exit        F6=KEYSHELP    F9=Swap
 F12=Cancel

The messages you define for an application are stored within message members. You use DTL to define the messages and message members.

Messages provides a complete description of defining messages and message members.