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Despool Command

Obsolete

This command is obsolete. It is valid only in character-mode DataFlex. This functionality is achieved in DataFlex by closing the output device (Close Output) that is being printed to after printing is complete.

See Also

Purpose

In multi-user operations, this command causes the print spooler (if there is one) to start printing.

Syntax

despool

What It Does

The despool command causes output that you have sent to a "logical" spooled printer to be released to the (physical) printer queue. The command should be placed at the point in processing where output to the logical printer (typically LST:) is complete, and you wish the spooled output to be actually printed.

A spooler queues concurrent print requests from multiple users in the order in which they are released to the queue, printing each as the previous one is completed. If you're not sure whether your operating system has a spooler, check the manual for your operating system. To use your operating system's spooler, it must be configured (installed) so that the option to do so is enabled.

direct_output "LST:"
output check_form
close_output
despool

Notes

  • If you have a single-user system, you do not have an operating-system spooler, and the despool command has no effect.

  • The DataFlex menu program, MENU.FLX, issues a despool command whenever execution returns to the menu.

  • In some operating systems, DataFlex cannot cause despooling because there is no such function in the operating system. In these cases, the command has no effect. See your installation guide for information on despooling in your system.

  • In most systems, despooling is done automatically when the spooler file is closed. The despool command, although not always necessary, will function normally in these systems.