Terminal Control Language (TCL)
The Terminal Control Language (TCL) is the primary interface between database users and Reality processors. Processors are executed by typing a command input statement at the TCL colon prompt (:) and pressing the return key.
TCL commands available for use in an account are defined by command definition items in the account's Master Dictionary (MD). The item-id of a command definition item is the name of the command it defines. The first attribute of the definition item specifies the type of command. PROC definition items contain PQ or PQN in attribute 1. All other command definition items have P or V as the first character in attribute 1. Some have a second character that defines special functions that have to be performed by Reality software for that particular command.
TCL and English commands can be used in conjunction with list-generating commands. These commands generate a select list that can be used to supply an item list to an immediately following TCL-II or English command. Alternatively, the list can be saved via SAVE-LIST or NEW-SAVE-LIST for later retrieval via the GET-LIST or NEW-GET-LIST command respectively.
The active Select list is indicated by a change from the usual TCL prompt, the colon (:), to the select prompt, the 'greater than' (>) symbol. The next command you enter at this new prompt uses the active list.
For example, to copy all of the items in the file BP that begin with the letter B to another file called NEWBP, type the following: