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Why does the *** prompt appear

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tpms2000

Programmer
Jan 20, 2003
19
EU
The Rexx at the end of this message asks the user to enter a number.
If a particular dataset containing this number exists the dataset is displayed.

The question is -
When the code runs and the dataset does exist, instead of displaying it immediately, the *** prompt appears (I am not at the last line of the panel). When I press <Enter> the dataset is then displayed. Why does the dataset not display immediately without the *** prompt?

/* Rexx */
/* If dataset IASSHARE.PAC.REQUEST.INFO(PRGnnnnn) exists, display it */
Say &quot;Enter Code Control request number&quot;
Pull number
number = Right(number,5,0) /* pad out to 5 digits */
dataset = &quot;IASSHARE.PAC.REQUEST.INFO(PRG&quot; || number || &quot;)&quot;
status = SYSDSN(&quot;'&quot;dataset&quot;'&quot;)
If status = &quot;OK&quot; Then
Address ISPEXEC 'BROWSE DATASET('''dataset''')'
Else
Say &quot;Cannot check&quot; dataset &quot;-&quot; status
Exit
 
I don't know the exact technical reason, but I think this is because you are prompting using a REXX function (PULL), then calling an ISPF function (BROWSE).

If you prompt for the number using a panel (I recommend an ADDPOP) you won't have this continuation prompt.

As an un-related tip, I recommend you use the &quot; symbol instead of '' (2x single quotes) - for example where you have this;

'BROWSE DATASET('''
dataset''')'

I think it looks easier to match quotes, easier to read, and tidier if expressed like this;

&quot;BROWSE DATASET('&quot;
dataset&quot;')&quot;
 
Sounds right.
I used to use this via a panel and did not get the *** prompt.
 
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