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Keyword versus Positional Parameters

For tasks with a few parameters, using position is quick and convenient. However, in complex applications with many parameters it would be tedious not only to enter all the intermediate values between the ones you want to define, but also to remember them all. Another consideration is that some parameters do not have defined positions because they are normally defaulted. Keywords may also be abbreviated. Thus the keyword technique is recommended for most parameters, especially in scripts and procedures. Unabbreviated keywords insulate scripts against new keywords and positional changes that are sometimes needed.

See custom KAPPA commands if you want to learn how further to abbreviate command strings to reduce typing for manual operation.



next up previous 530
Next: Special Behaviour
Up: Specifying Parameter Values on Command Lines
Previous: Position

KAPPA --- Kernel Application Package
Starlink User Note 95
Malcolm J. Currie & David S. Berry
2013 February 14
E-mail:starlink@jiscmail.ac.uk

Copyright © 2013 Science and Technology Facilities Council