Scripting Guide - SAS

50 Scripting Tools Chapter 4
Using the Script Editor
• teal blue for numbers
• medium blue for JSL functions and operator names
• dark blue for operator symbols and the first keyword
• purple for strings
• dark cyan and bold for scalar values
• black for everything else
Customize colors in the preferences. See “Set Preferences for the Script Editor” on page 53.
Auto Complete Functions
If you do not remember the exact name of a function, use auto completion to see a list of functions that
match what you have typed so far. Type part of the name, and then press CTRL-ENTER on Windows
(OPTION-ESC on Macintosh).
Suppose that you want to clear your JSL variables, but do not remember the command. You can type clear
and then press CTRL-SPACE, to see a list of possible clear commands. Select the command that you want
to insert.
Figure 4.3 Autocomplete Example
Tooltips
If you are using a function and do not remember the syntax or need more information about it, place the
cursor over it to see a brief explanation. This works only with JSL function names, not platform commands,
messages, or user-created functions. JSL function names are colored blue in the script editor.
The tooltip shows the syntax, arguments, and a brief explanation of the function (Figure 4.4). The tip also
appears in the script editor window status bar.
Figure 4.4 Tooltip for a JSL Function
After running a script, you can also place the cursor over variable names to see their current value. To turn
off variable tooltips, deselect Preferences > Script Editor > Show Variable Value Tips.