Exchange/SNA Manual

Operational Considerations
Using the Exchange/SNA Command Interpreter
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The IN Option
If you use the IN option in the RJECIS command, the Exchange/SNA command
interpreter reads all its input from the specified command file. When the end of the
command file is reached and all outstanding send and receive operations are
processed, the command file executes an implicit EXIT command; the command
interpreter stops and control returns to the command interpreter (usually TACL).
The IN option does not let you enter any commands interactively. Therefore, it is
suitable for use only with command files that perform a complete, self-contained task.
If the task you want to perform requires any interactive use of the command
interpreter, you must use the OBEY command.
The OBEY Command
After you have started the Exchange/SNA command interpreter, you can use the
OBEY command to read and execute the commands in a command file. When the end
of the command file is reached, control is returned to the Exchange/SNA command
interpreter.
With the OBEY command, you can enter commands interactively before and after the
commands in the command file are executed. This lets you use command files to
perform partial tasks, such as setting up a standard configuration, as well as complete
tasks.
For a detailed description of the OBEY command, see Section 3.
Error Handling and Command Files
When a command file contains a command that causes an error when executed, the
command interpreter displays the error message and then continues with the next
command in the command file. An error does not terminate the command file.
However, certain errors can prevent other commands in the command file from
executing correctly. For example, if a CONNECT command fails, all subsequent
SEND and RECEIVE commands also fail.
The BREAK Key
If you press the BREAK key while a command file is executing, control of your
terminal is passed back to the command interpreter, which is usually TACL. When
you return control to the Exchange/SNA command interpreter, the command
interpreter continues executing the command file from where it left off.
To return to the Exchange/SNA command interpreter, enter the TACL PAUSE
command. The PAUSE command returns control of your terminal to the
Exchange/SNA command interpreter. For more information about the PAUSE
command, see the TACL Reference Manual.
Command File Format
Typically, command files are standard EDIT-format text files. A command file can,
however, be a device, another process, or any type of disk file. The maximum length