DLL

A DLL Global Routine is a separate object that can be called by other objects from any application. The Global Routine becomes a separate DLL executable once it is generated, which can be used by any other AMT applications and Windows programs. In contrast with other Global Routines, this means that functions of the DLL Global Routine are available to use in other programming languages, such as Visual Basic and Delphi. It is also possible to use external data files.

Parameters are defined the same way in DLL Global Routines as in other Global Routine types. The DLL functionality has to be written inside the Main routine for external and remote use. It is possible to call other routines in local use (also see below). Every DLL Global Routine also contains several static routines that are only used internally.

Using A DLL Global Routine In AMT

A DLL Global Routine can be called in the same way a Performed Global Routine is called in LION. A DLL has its own variables and the only way to pass values to its routine is through passing parameters for these variables.

The following characteristics apply:

• All object definitions (e.g. system, global, local, and table) are reinitialized before every call.
• Every call is executed as a separate transaction when the DLL is called externally.
• It is not necessary to generate the whole application again if only the code of the DLL is changed. Only the DLL is required to be generated. However, if a routine heading is changed, then all related objects need to regenerated.
• A call is part of a transaction of a calling form or report when a function is called internally.
• The value of the system item RESOK is set to True if a routine is done.

Using global routine DLLs in the same application (local)

The main routine of a global routine DLL can be called directly from a report or form in the same way as local routines by using a routine call.

Calling non-main routines in global routine DLLs is also possible when using both the DLL and report/form objects are in the same application. To call non-main routines it is necessary to use public routines in the DLL which can then be called in reports or forms by using a public routine call.

Example:

Using global routine DLLs in a different AMT application (remote)

When using more than one application in the same repository of AMT, it is possible to use a global routine DLL of one application in reports/forms of another application.

The main routine of a global routine DLL can be called directly from a report or form in nearly the same way as local routines by using a routine call only preceded by the name of the application where the DLL is located. 

Syntax:

<application>.<Global_Routine_DLL> ([<Parameter list>])

Example: