Command line input

Command line input can be used to specify the value of parameters required by an application. These always override values from any other source, for example hidden default values in the interface file.

In addition, there is a special keyword PROMPT which may be placed on the command line. This causes all parameters used by the application, including hidden defaults, to be prompted for.

Parameters are entered on the command line by POSITION or by KEYWORD with the following rules and syntax:

1. Logical values: KEYWORD sets value to true, NOKEYWORD sets value to false

2. Other values: KEYWORD=value, or just value if entered by POSITION.

3. Keywords may be placed anywhere on the command line and are not counted when assessing the position of a parameter.

4. Non-scalar values must be enclosed in [ ] eg [1 2 3 4]

5. Character strings need only be put in quotes when they contain spaces, when case needs to be preserved, or where there may be ambiguity with an HDS object name.

6. An HDS object name may be preceded by @ if there is ambiguity but this is not normally needed.