| Introduction | MTB Statements | File System | Compiler | Applications | Reference Guide | Index |
| Language Structure | Data Division | I/O Format Division | Procedure Division | Mnemonics |
| Overview | Variable Names | Variable Types | Variable Length | Variable Classification | Data Division Statements | System Variables |
| System variable: | HELPKEY |
| Length: | 4 |
| Description: |
The system variable named HELPKEY$ is a four-byte string. The
value of HELPLEY$ is set by an MTB program and subsequently used
by the Comet Help System. The HELPKEY$ value links a help message
to an MTB program using the following key:
object name + HELPKEY$This may be used as an alternative to the screen position/program address method of linking a help message to a specific program. For example, if your program sets HELPKEY$ to a value of "ABCD" and your object program is named "PROG1234", the help message will be keyed as follows: "PROG1234ABCD"You may change the value of HELPKEY$ throughout a single MTB program; each new value will effect a new help message link. This is the way to link numerous help messages to a single object program without using the screen position/program address method. If the HELPKEY$ variable is not set by your MTB program, the system assigns it a null value, and the Comet Help System (if invoked) will link help messages to the program as follows: object name + screen position, or object name + screen position + program address |