List variables in .txt files

[Maprwz]

When is a list variable read from a .txt file?
* when the task starts?
* when it executes the ( Start Loop "List Variable ..." )?

I have an application that is going to pass me a BAT file with
the variables that I need for managing it. I plan to use AA to:

• detect the BAT file
• copy the BAT file, which could vary from day to day, to a standard
  C:\Wrappers\JobFiles\CobolName.txt file
• get the variable(s) (one or more)
• then start the BAT file by opening it

Does that sound like it will work?

[forumsupport]

Hello,

Definitely yes, using Automation Anywhere you can automate this task.
If you will try to access List variable that reads value from a text file outside Loop "List Variable" then it would always return first value in the list. However, to access subsequent values in list access that list variable in loop.

Could you please explain more about your third point i.e. get the variable? Is your application going to pass variables in a text file? Also, how exactly you wish to use them. Text format of your task would appear as follows,

1) Start Loop " Each File in C:\Temp"
2) If $Extension$ Equal To "BAT" Then
3) Copy Files "$CurrentDirectory$\$FileName$.$Extension$" to "D:\Temp\"
4) Open "D:\Temp\$FileName$.$Extension$ "
5) End If
6) End Loop

Hope that helps.

[Maprwz]

Yes that helps and I have something along the line that you are showing. But the List Variable statement requires (a) the name of an existing file and (b) the file must be a .txt. So my Copy Files statement was:
Copy Files "$CurrentDirectory$\$FileName$.$Extension$" to "C:\Wrappers\JobFiles\CobolName.txt"

Thank you.

[Maprwz]

Each COBOL job that I recieve in a BAT file may contain 1 or 2 COBOL programs, or an FTP and a COBOL program. I would include the following at the top of the BAT file:

go to jobstart
COBJOB=cobolprog1.exe,cobolprog2.exe
:jobstart

Then I have code that will monitor the program until it ends or throws a U-level error and pops up a series of two different message boxes. I have been able to get it working perfectly.

Thanks.