The IFP function is used to test a Parameter (PARM1-6), a Variable, the current Page Number (PAGE) of a document, the number of copies or the paper drawer.

Testing is character based for the PARM and VAR parameters unless the ‘Compare Data’ field is all numeric (preceding zeros must be included). In this case the field to be compared is checked to make sure it contains only numbers (preceding blanks are counted as zeros) and a numeric comparison is carried out. The testing is numeric for the PAGE, Copies and Drawer parameters.

Parameter name

PARM1-6 - The parameter to be tested

Parameters are the input/output of an Exit Program, 6 parameters of 132 characters are passed to/from the exit program. Unused parameters are specified and ignored. The specified parameter(s) (from 1-6) is compared with the Compare Data if true all the functions following the IFP, up to the ENDI are executed. One IFP can be followed by any number of others but the functions will only be executed if all conditions are satisfied. The correct sequence is IFP, IFP, Functions, ENDI.

Variable name - The Variable to be tested

Variables are not passed to an exit program and are used solely for storing data for testing at a later date.  Typically variables are loaded within a loop and tested after the end of the loop, to condition the output. This can now be any name that you have given to a variable.

PAGE - The Page number to be tested

Testing using the ‘PAGE’ Keyword enables the page number to be checked. This can be used to condition the use of the graphics overlay, either for the first page or continuation pages.

Copies - Number of Copies to be tested

Number of copies can be used to condition data on the output page; perhaps only the first copy requires an overlay.

Drawer - Paper Drawer to be tested

The number of the paper drawer may be tested so that, for instance, you do not add an overlay when you are using the drawer containing letterhead.

Compare operation

The condition being tested, possible conditions are Equal EQ, Not Equal NE, Greater than GT, Less than LT.

Compare data

This is the data used to compare with the PARM, VAR, PAGE, Copies or Drawer. You may also use another Parameter or Variable to compare with by specifying ?PARM1 or ?VAR1 for instance.

For Page this can be *FIRST, or *LAST for the first or last page in a group or the page number ‘99999’. See Print Page Definition Instructions for details on how to set up page control.

Function keys