Automating Tasks

The documentation in this section deals with the tools for QWS3270 Secure that can automate common tasks.

The four main areas of automation support in QWS3270 Secure are:

Dynamic Data Exchange - DDE DDE was originally called Dynamic Data Linking, or DDL. It is aMicrosoft Windows 3 hotlink protocol that allows application programs to communicate using a client-server model. Whenever the server (or "publisher") modifies part of a document which is being shared via DDE, one or more clients ("subscribers") are informed and include the modification in the copy of the data on which they are working. is still supported in QWS3270 Secure. However, we recommend using either HLLAPI or COM automation COM (Component Object Model) is a specification and supporting systems software that enables the creation of software components that are programming-language independent and location transparent. instead since the DDE support is limited.

Scripting - use to automate simple tasks.  For example, you can create scripts to eliminate the need to type user names and passwords during login to the host.

Keyboard Recording - Record your keystrokes and play them back later.  Use for instance to eliminate repetitive data entry tasks.

HLLAPI Programming (High Level Language Application Program Interface) - Use HLLAPI to 'remote-control' the QWS3270 Secure application.  To use HLLAPI you need to be familiar with a programming language like C++, Visual Basic, or VBA.

COM / OLE Automation - The COM interfaces allow you to remotely execute many of the applications features.  Get access to screen data, cursor location, field attributes, etc.  You need to be familiar with a programming language or a script language like VB Script, Java Script, etc.  The COM interface should be easier to use than HLLAPI.