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Table Of Contents

4.9 Variable Properties

What is a variable property and how do I enter such a property?

Contrary to fixed properties, variable properties are interpreted at runtime. In other words, when PlanetPress

Watch/Server performs a task that includes variable properties, it must translate these properties into actual

values. So instead of creating multiple tasks with different fixed properties, you can create fewer tasks with

properties that change at runtime as required.

Variable properties may include standard variables (refer to Standard Variables (Page 0)), job info variables

(refer to Job Information Elements and Job Info Variables (Page 0)), printer control characters (refer to Printer

Control Characters (Page 0)), and data selections (refer to Data Selections (Page 0)). For further power and

versatility, you can even mix these with static text. You could, for instance, enter a variable followed by a data

selection and then by static text, as in “%o@(1,1,1,1,24,KeepCase,Trim).ptk“. Note that all the variable

elements listed here may not be used in all cases. Data selections, for example, can only be used if the

property allows it.

Most task properties can be variable. Variable property boxes (sometimes referred to as parse fields) are

identified with non-black labels in the task’s dialog box. In such a box, you may enter a fixed or variable

property, as required.

A) A variable property may be entered in the box identified by this label. Maroon is the default color identifying boxes in

which you may enter variable properties, but this color may be changed.

When a box that allows variable properties is selected, you may use the right-click menu to add variables and

control characters, as well as to get data and make data selections.

A) Boxes that allow variable properties. B) Various types of variables available via the right-click menu.

A) Variables. B) Data selection. C) Printer control characters. D) Static text.

In a box that allows variable values, each variable type is identified as follows:

• A percentage sign identifies standard variables, as well as standard and custom job info variables — %f,

for example.

• A backslash indicates a control character — \004, for example.

• An at sign indicates a data selection for emulations other than database —

@(1,1,1,1,17,KeepCase,Trim), for example.

• Field indicates a data selection for a database emulation — field(1,0,0,'Billing_Email',KeepCase,NoTrim),

for example.