Customizing the Cursor Definitions

Besides choosing up to 26 terminal types and the control sequences used for each, you can also define new cursor control functions. The functions available for user definition are @(-20) to @(-98).

To define your own function, simply create an Attribute Definition item in the dictionary of the CURSOR file with a numeric item-ID, and a definition code of S or A. Normally, determine the item-ID by adding 5 to the function desired (e.g., for @(-30), the item-ID would be 35).

Special definitions are assigned to Attributes 15, 19, and 20 of the Attribute Definition item:

Attribute 15

Can contain a multisubvalued list of pattern matching specifications.

Attribute 19

Can contain a multisubvalued description (printed in response to ? during the definition process).

Attribute 20

Can contain the value 1 to cause a page break in the definition process (e.g., an Attribute Definition item with a 1 in line 20 will be the last field prompted before Modify lines? before another block is displayed and prompted for).

Color Console Functions

Use the following @ Commands to set console color.

Color

Background

Foreground Full Intensity

Foreground Half Intensity

White

-33

-41

-57

Yellow

-34

-42

-58

Purple

-35

-43

-59

Red

-36

-44

-60

Cyan

-37

-45

-61

Green

-38

-46

-62

Blue

-39

-47

-63

Black

-40

 

 

The TERM-TYPE of the console monitor must be set to TERM I which is an "IBM PC" type.

Use @(x) command to set color attribute. For example, PRINT @(-37) sets the background color to cyan.

See Also

Configuring and Using Terminals

Setting Terminal Characteristics

The CURSOR File

Selecting and Defining Terminal Types

Defining Your Own Terminal Types

Cursor Addressing Codes

Cursor Code Strings

Troubleshooting Problems with Terminals