Managing ABL Applications

ABL and R-code Deployment and Management : Managing Print Devices : Printing in Windows

Printing in Windows

In Windows, you can choose either of the following two printing modes:

Default mode

Windows Passthrough Printing (WPP)

In default mode, OpenEdge uses the Windows device drivers. This mode is sufficient for all basic printing that does not use any printer access control codes, such as those sent by PUT or DISPLAY statements.

In WPP mode, OpenEdge bypasses the Windows device drivers. This means you can send control codes (such as POSTSCRIPT commands) directly to the printer with the PUT or DISPLAY statements. To enable windows passthrough printing for a session, use the Windows Passthrough Printing (-Wa -wpp) startup parameter. You can only use this parameter on the command line.

You cannot use WPP mode with a POSTSCRIPT printer to print OpenEdge standard reports, such as those produced by the Data Dictionary.

Note: When using windows passthrough printing in Windows95, you must change the Spool Data Format from bmp spooling to RAW spooling. Use the Control Panel to access the Printer Properties for the printer, then select Spool Setting from the Details tab of the Printer Properties tab. Change the Spool Data Format to RAW spooling.

For a complete description of the PUT and DISPLAY statements, see OpenEdge Development: ABL Reference. For more information about the Windows Passthrough Printing (-Wa -wpp) startup parameter, see OpenEdge Deployment: Startup Command and Parameter Reference.