HP OpenVMS Systems

DCL$PATH and Foreign Command Definitions?

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The Question is:

 
Does VMS have an equivalent of the Unix $PATH?
 
 

The Answer is :

 
  The OpenVMS Wizard would prefer to receive a feature request rather
  than a feature comparision with another platform -- the latter often
  assumes a detailed knowledge of the other platform, knowledge which
  may or may not be available.  Features can and often are implemented
  differently, as well.
 
  In this particular case, OpenVMS provides a mechanism similar to the
  UNIX PATH environment variable; a mechanism which permits the user
  to select a series of directories through which a search for matching
  command procedures and matching executable images is performed.  The
  match is based on user input, on existing symbols and command verbs,
  and on the contents of the specified directories.
 
  This mechanism is formally known as an Automatic Foreign Command
  definition.
 
  For introductory details on this mechanism and on standard foreign
  command symbols and the associated argument-passing mechanisms available
  to application images, please search for PATH or for DCL$PATH in the
  OpenVMS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), and (if you require any
  additional details) please then see the details of the Automatic
  Foreign Command mechanism available within the OpenVMS documentation.
 

  

     

     
answer written or last revised on ( 19-FEB-2003 )
     
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