SPL

Syntax

SPL {input | #ch} [TO {output | #ch}]

Location

Toolkit II, THOR XVI

It can sometimes be useful to copy a file in the background. The command SPL sets up a small Job which runs at a low priority and acts as a print spooler, reading the whole of the input data from the given input device as quickly as possible and then just outputting the data when it can. Although control is returned to the calling program quite quickly, both the input and output files are left open until SPL has completed its job.

SPL is mainly for outputting files to a printer in the background (allowing you to carry on other work in the meantime).

If however, a file is specified as the output, the SPL command acts like COPY_O, except in the background. If output is not specified, the SPL command uses the default destination device. Existing channel numbers may also be specified as the input and output names, provided that both channels are already open for input and output respectively.

Examples

SPL flp1_Example_txt TO SER

prints the file flp1_Example_txt in the background.

SPL_USE SER:
SPL flp1_Example_txt

this is the same as example 1.

WARNING

If the default destination device is a directory device and you do not specify a file for output, the SPL job may never complete its task and leave files open.

CROSS-REFERENCE

See COPY_O and SPLF. SPL_USE and DEST_USE allow you to alter the default destination device.