Escaping a active script

[PCS]

I wrote the attached script to automate calling several different scripts that are used on a scheduled basis. I put the arbitrary date of 03/23/2060 as the time it would stop of its own accord.

I would like to be able to stop it conveniently and efficiently from time to time for maintainence, etc. I thought onkey would be the way to do this, but I haven't been able to get it to work for me.

Anyone have any ideas how to code a means to break this script once it is initiated?

Thanks,
Phil Storre

[Blake]

RE: Escaping a active script

You could try setting a global value. Say:

gCancelScript as L
gCancelScript = .F.

Have some way for the user to set gCancelScript.

That's a typical approach for multi-threaded apps.

Or is this an application running alone with no user interface (or a dead one because the script is running)?

You could still do this, come to think of it. Just rather than set a global value inside the application, you could have the user set an environment value, or your program could detect for the presence of a file (sort of slow).

Or, heh, you could simply activate the "halt script" option. A5 would put up that little dialog with "press to halt script" button.

[Jim Chapman]

RE: Escaping a active script

Hello Phil,

I haven't looked at your script, but I've always pretty much hit a wall trying to do these types of things. I think when v6 gets here with it multi-threading capability, it will open up a whole new realm of capabilities in this area. In the meantime, here are my thoughts. You can use an Xdialog box for this type of thing, as you can raise an event while the script is executing. This is different from a script being run from the context of a form. Because (I think :-) of A5 being 'single threaded', once a script is started, it appears to view the global variables as they were when execution started, even if you manage to change them via another process. I think you will have much more luck in using script_schedule() or on_condition() to intermitantly trigger your script again and again, rather than actually having a single script process run continually.

Just thoughts,
Jim

[PCS]

RE: Escaping a active script

Jim,

Thanks for the thoughts. I am using the multi threading capabilities of A5V6 to address this. Looks promising.

-Phil

[Al Buchholz]

RE: Escaping a active script

Phil

What about having a table that controls if the script should keepng running?

You can have the script check the table prior to scheduling another job, or at a prescribed point in the script.

Look at http://www.learn alpha.com/ShutDownNetwork/ShutDownNetwork.htm
for an example of how to use that idea.

I agree with Jim about using the script schedule routines, just like the shutdown example does.

Does your script give Alpha a break during it's execution or is it always busy doing something? Using the scritp schedule or on timer of a form does give the system a chance to do something else, like change a record so the script can check it and stop.

Let us know how you fare.

[PCS]

RE: Escaping a active script

Al,

Thanks for writing. I'll let you know what I come up with using the Threads() functions.

Phil