When an application is invoked using the application name (keyword APPLNAME), the system first searches each active library for matching names or keywords using the application name and session language. The order of searching is always from private to system. If the application is not found, the system then searches each active library using the application name and default language. If the application is still not found, the system searches each active library using only the application name. When the application is found, it is invoked. Finding the application with the desired language takes precedence over finding the application at the lowest level.

When an application is invoked by table name (keyword TABLE), the application table is invoked regardless of level. The fourth character of the table name indicates the library level.

When an option is selected on an Application Manager panel, the search order for finding the application is the same as when you use the APPLNAME keyword. In some circumstances the TABLE keyword parameter is used internally to increase performance, but it appears to the user as if the lowest-level application name (respective to language) has been invoked. When an application is invoked by keyword (keyword KEYWORD), the processing is similar to using APPLNAME. The system searches for a match to the keyword from the lowest to the highest level. If more than one application matches the keyword, the Applications Matching Keyword Panel (ICQAME71) is displayed. This panel displays one row for each unique application name and language, with lower-level applications superseding higher-level applications with the same name, language, and keyword.

A switch to alter the search process is available in ICQSIEAM. See Changing variables for Application Manager.