Creates a subprocess of the current process. The context of the subprocess is copied from the current process. You can use the SPAWN command to leave SYSMAN temporarily, perform other tasks (such as displaying a directory listing or printing a file), and return to SYSMAN. Note that SPAWN performs actions on the local node only. If you want to execute DCL commands or command procedures throughout your environment, use the DO command. Requires TMPMBX or PRMMBX user privilege. The SPAWN command does not manage terminal characteristics. You cannot use the SPAWN and ATTACH commands if your terminal has an associated mailbox. Format SPAWN [command-string]
1 – Parameter
command-string Specifies a command string of fewer than 132 characters that you want executed in the context of the created subprocess. When the command completes execution, the subprocess terminates and control returns to the parent process. If you specify both a command string and the /INPUT qualifier, the command string executes before additional commands are obtained from the /INPUT qualifier.
2 – Qualifiers
2.1 /INPUT
/INPUT=filespec Specifies an input file containing one or more DCL command strings that you want executed by the spawned subprocess. If you specify a command string along with an input file, the command string gets processed before the commands in the input file. When processing is complete, the subprocess terminates.
2.2 /LOGICAL_NAMES
/LOGICAL_NAMES (default) /NOLOGICAL_NAMES Specifies that the logical names of the parent process are copied to the subprocess. When you do not want the subprocess to use the logical names of the parent process, enter the /NOLOGICAL_NAMES qualifier.
2.3 /OUTPUT
/OUTPUT=filespec Identifies the output file to which the results of the operation are written. Specify an output other than SYS$OUTPUT whenever you use the /NOWAIT qualifier. This prevents output from being displayed while you are specifying new commands. If you omit the /OUTPUT qualifier, output gets written to the current SYS$OUTPUT device.
2.4 /PROCESS
/PROCESS=subprocess-name Specifies the name of the subprocess that you want to create. The default subprocess name is in the format USERNAME_n.
2.5 /SYMBOLS
/SYMBOLS (default) /NOSYMBOLS Determines whether the system passes DCL global and local symbols to the subprocess.
2.6 /WAIT
/WAIT (default) /NOWAIT Controls whether the system waits until the subprocess completes before you can specify more commands. The /NOWAIT qualifier enables you to specify new commands while the specified subprocess is running. If you specify the /NOWAIT qualifier, use the /OUTPUT qualifier to direct the output to a file instead of displaying it on the screen. Doing this prevents your terminal from being used by more than one process simultaneously.
3 – Examples
1.SYSMAN> SPAWN DIR SYS$MANAGER:SITE*.* Directory CLU$COMMON:[SYSMGR] SITE$STARTUP.COM;5 Total of 1 file. SYSMAN> This command enables you to enter the DIRECTORY command in DCL to see if a site-specific startup file is in the directory. After the DIRECTORY command executes, control returns to the parent process. 2.SYSMAN> SPAWN $ EDIT SITE$STARTUP.COM . . . $ LOGOUT Process SYSTEM_1 logged out at 28-JUN-2002 10:05:17.24 SYSMAN> This example shows how you can use the SPAWN command to leave SYSMAN and edit a file. The LOGOUT command returns you to SYSMAN. 3.SYSMAN> SPAWN /NOLOGICAL_NAMES SET HOST _Node: NODE21 . . . $ LOGOUT %REM-S-END, control returned to node _NODE22:: SPAWN> This example shows how you can use the SPAWN command to create a subprocess in which you can use the SET HOST command. When you want to leave NODE21, enter the LOGOUT command. The /NOLOGICAL_NAMES qualifier prevents the logical names of the parent process from being copied to the subprocess.