7.6

l The executable file must accept so-called "command-line options" and be able to run without any sort of user inter-
action. Only certain programs are able to do this and may refer to it as "command-line"or "automation"features.
l The process will always wait for the executable file to finish before it continues to the next task, and does not have any
timeout setting. This mean that if your program fails to exit for any reason, your process will hang.
Input
Any active data file, in any format.
Processing
The external program is executed using the parameters provided. Note that the current data file is not "sent"to the executable
file, however you can refer to the full path of the data file using %F.
Output
If the external program modifies the job file using the full path, the modified file is the output of this software. Otherwise, the
output is the same as the input. Metadata is not modified in any way. Job Infos may be modified, depending on the options set
in the task's properties.
External Program action task properties are as follows:
General tab
l Program group
l Executable file: Enter the name and path of an executable file (exe or com extension), batch file (bat exten-
sion), or command script (cmd extension) that can run in command mode. Note that the program will be run
without user interaction. Although it may display progress information, it is better if the application has no user
interface.
l Parameters: Enter parameters that will be passed to the external program when it is launched. Each param-
eter should be enclosed in quotation marks and separated by a space ("Param1""Param2" "Param3") except
command line options (such as -f, /n). The exact parameters accepted are unique to the executable and defined
in its documentation if it exists.
l Start in: Enter the folder in which the external program is to run. This is important, for example, if the program
is to generate files that are to be picked up in a specific location for further processing, or if it requires resources
that are located in a specific folder. Leave blank to run the program in the folder of the executable file.
l Run minimized: Select to prevent a window (a DOS box, for instance) from being displayed on the desktop.
When selected, the program runs in a background window.
l Program output capture group
l Log the program output: Check to store the program output (messages generated by the execution of the
external program)inside of a job info or variable.
l Store the program output in variable: Use the drop-down to select which variable or job info to will be
used to store the program output.
l Exit Code group
l Store the exit code in job info:Use the drop-down to select which variable or job info will be used to store
the program's exit code. The exit code is a numerical value generated by the program which will indicate
whether its execution was a success or if errors were encountered.
l Verify return value: Check to enable the group and react whenever specific exit codes are returned by the
software.
l If exit code is:Use the drop-down to select how to compare to the exit code. This numerical comparison is
either equal, greater than or lower than.
l Value:The numerical exit code that will be verified.