User manual

6.2The Macro Controller

Menu : Tools => Macro Controller

To facilitate repetitive tasks Aladin

provides a macro controller which is based

on Aladin script commands (see 7.1). It

allows for the script commands to include

input variables that allow for the execution

of a set of commands for a list of object

names.

The macro controller window is divided

into 3 parts :

 The top panel allows the input of a

script. The variables can be specified as

$1, $2 etc.

 The middle panel allows the input of

lists of values to be taken by the

variables.

 The lower panel controls the execution

of the script.

The script and the input values for the

variables may be saved for future use by

using the File menu of the macro controller

window. File-> Save Script

Tip: When writing a script, Aladin

automatically recognizes the syntax and

colours the various elements of the script

to ease the editing. The commands are also

‘clickable’ to provide immediate help .

6.3Interaction with VO tools: SAMP

Menu : Tools => VO Tools

Aladin provides a mechanism for connecting to other independent applications, for

example to tools that provide plotting capabilities, or for the display of spectra. This is

achieved through use of the VO SAMP messaging standard (previously called PLASTIC).

The principles of SAMP

SAMP permits a dialog between applications so they may send data between them, but

also so that they may interact. For example the selection of a source, or set of sources in

Aladin also triggers their immediate selection or highlighting in other tools.