Specifying user variables

You use the Global Variables page of the Preferences window to view, add, delete, and edit user global variables.

1. Select View > Preferences. The Preferences window opens. Select Global Variables from the tree. The Global Variables page opens.
2. Click Preferences > Global Variables.
3. The system and user global variables that are defined for your session are listed in the Variables list box. The name of the global variable is listed in the Name field. The current value for the global variable is listed in the Value field. The lifetime setting is listed in the Variable Lifetime field.
4. To add a user-defined variable, click the Add button. The New Variable window opens.
   1. In the Name field, type the name of the new user variable
      Note: You can type any combination of unique characters that are not used. Do not begin a user variable with the system global variable prefixes of DSQQW, DSQAO, DSQEC, DSQDC, and DSQCP.
   2. Optional: In the Description field, type the text describing the user variable that is displayed in the Description column on the Global Variables page.
   3. In the Value field, type the initial value of the user variable.
   4. In the Variable Lifetime area, select the lifetime for the created variable:
      • If you want the variable to be available for use during the current QMF session, select Current session.
      • If you want the variable to be available persistently, select Permanent. This option is useful when you use the variable in different objects and distribute them among other users.
   5. Click OK.
   Note: User variables cannot be used with the task scheduler in the thin client.
5. To edit the value of a user variable, click the Value field for the variable that you want to change and type the new value for the variable.
6. To edit the description of the permanent user variables, click the Description field for the variable that you want to change and type the text.
   Note: The description of the current session variable is read-only.
7. To edit the lifetime of a user variable, click the Variable Lifetime field for the variable that you want to change and select the lifetime that you want to apply to this variable.
8. To delete a user variable, select an existing user variable from the Variables list and click the Remove button. The user variable is deleted.
9. Click Apply to save your preferences choices.
10. Click Restore Defaults to restore the default preference values.
11. Click Apply and Close to close the Preferences dialog.