Myth & Magic

By Michael "Aussie" Holten

G'day all,

Rexx Help: 25 updates to help use NewTek Rexx

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The power of ARexx is awesome, but using the NewTek ARexx editing routines has always left me nervous. Some of the croutons and filenames are cryptic or indistinguishably similar. In fact, I would often open up and read the code before running any routine, simply because I had forgotten which one to use and whether there were any hazards. Not any more

At one of classes at the NewTek Expo, I handed out a floppy disk named "RexxHelp," a full set of 25 updated replacement files for NewTek's Flyer ARexx routines. The class was focused on using existing ARexx tools, and creating one's own ARexx routines. I was very pleased with the number of folks that wish to "write their own" tools. I encourage them "give it a go" and also to stay in touch.

You are welcome to download and share this file with other Flyer uses or user groups... however, please note that NewTek maintains the copyright for each routine. All I have done, is add help and advice to each ARexx program. ... replace your old files with these ones and you have help with a "double-click." Dare I say it... with a little bit of knowledge, we could rule the world (or at least "apply for a grant to rule the world").

Click Here to Download Rexxhelp.lha

Here is an archived file of Aussie's HelpRexx disk from his NewTek Expo ARexx class. Download it, move it to the Flyer and unarchive it to ram: (e.g. Lharc x RexxHelp.Lha Ram:) Then drag the files from the RexxHelp drawer into NewTek:Arexx/Editor/ overwriting the identical Flyer routines.

Once these are installed, you can comfortably double-click on any Flyer editing ARexx routine to discover what it does. Each program will now display an initial Aussie help screen that:
1 - tells you what the routine does,
2 - warns you of any hazards or limitations, and
3 - gives you the option to continue or cancel.

So now you can give those NewTek routines their best shot, and you do not have to remember what does what.

P.S... Aussie notes that he was surprised that NewTek's Export routine is not the opposite of the Import routine.... you'll see!