FSM—a fullscreen manager

ABSTRACT

FSM is a set of utility functions used in developing fullscreen APL systems at The Upjohn Company. Defining panels and validating input data can be a tedious and time consuming process. FSM simplifies the construction of user dialogues by providing two methods for designing panels, by creating help panels for each screen and input field, and by providing three types of documentation on each panel. It automates checking of user input, scrolling on selected fields, aborting input under program or user signal, and controlling field processing with edit codes, missing values, fill characters, and left/right justification. FSM was originally developed in conjunction with work on a pharmaceutical manufacturing receiving system. The use of nested arrays simplified implementation and contributes to its ease of use. The purpose of the paper will be to describe the capabilities of FSM as influenced by feedback from other development analysts.

INDEX TERMS

Classification:
  D. Software
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.2 Language Classifications

          Nouns: APL
      D.3.3 Language Constructs and Features
          Subjects: Procedures, functions, and subroutines

General Terms:
Design, Languages