Release 10.1A: OpenEdge Development:
Progress 4GL Reference

> ## SET-WAIT-STATE( ) method

> Sets or cancels a Progress wait state that blocks user and system input.

> Return type: LOGICAL

> Applies to: SESSION system handle

> Syntax
>     SET-WAIT-STATE ( state-string )

> ``state-string``

> A character-string expression that sets the wait state.

> The value of `state-string` determines the state and the type of wait message displayed. The valid values are:

> - "`GENERAL`", which displays a general working message.

> - "`COMPILER`", which displays a message that Progress is compiling.

> Input is blocked and the message is displayed until the wait state is cancelled. The null string ("") cancels the wait state.

> The SET-WAIT-STATE( ) method accepts an arbitrary mouse pointer name (any string which is a valid argument to the LOAD-MOUSE-POINTER( ) method) as an argument, in addition to the “GENERAL”, “COMPILER”, and “” states. The return value is TRUE if the wait-state is set successfully; otherwise the return value is FALSE.

> Note that this method is intended to provide user feedback for lengthy processing that involves no user input, such as compiling procedures, doing a time consuming database lookup, or some long CPU and memory operation like computing the value of p.

> This method is not supported in character mode.

> If an error occurs from this method, Progress displays the error and terminates the wait state.

> Caution: Be sure that the processing you invoke after setting the wait state is guaranteed to cancel the wait state. Otherwise, Progress remains in the wait state indefinitely. For example, do not place user input statements, such as SET or UPDATE, between the setting and cancelling of the wait state. Because the user cannot respond to these statements during the wait state, Progress I/O blocks indefinitely, preventing the wait state from being cancelled.

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