I would like to write one external procedure to load multiple dropdown boxes, modifying what is retrieved by passing parameters to the external procedure. I see nothing in the GUI that allows me to pass parameter values to the external procedure.

I find it odd that the Properties and settings window displays the fex code of the external procedure - does this mean we can alter it here? Does this mean I can point to the same external procedure for each dropdown box and then change the code to suit each one?

Thanks,

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Francis Mariani,

Showing the external procedure in the dialog is a convenience. If you edit it there, you can right-click and save it back to the external procedure. Also a convenience.

David,
I have wondered this myself. What if I don't right click and save? Will it save the code for one drop down when I close the composer? Would I be able to use the same fex to populate different drop downs and alter the code in each without saving it back to the procedure? Or does it all disappear when the composer is closed?
Thanks.

Francis, I know I have changed code in that window before and it has worked.

Thanks for the convenience, but it doesn't help me in this situation.

I need to call the same external fex several times, outputting different data, controlled by parameters - is this possible?

Thanks,

Oh well - I guess this is not possible.

It appears that I can make it a dynamic embedded procedure with code like this:

-SET &PFOCEXEC = 'trend';
-SET &PPARM_TYPE = 'dimension';

-INCLUDE DB_SETUP1

This seems to work.

BUT THERE IS A BUG: THE DYNAMIC EMBEDDED PROCEDURE SOMETIMES DISAPPEARS! I HAVE TO RE-ADD THE SAME CODE I PREVIOUSLY HAD IN THE EMBEDDED PROCEDURE BOX!

Most annoying and how do I reproduce this for a tech support case?

Definitely a bug.