1.1 
What is a
macro?
You can think of a macro as a mini computer program within
WordPerfect. A macro is a series of commands. The simplest
macro consists of a sequence of WordPerfect commands; in other
words, a macro that automatically performs WordPerfect operations
that you could do manually. More complex macros include such
programming concepts as variables, decisions, loops, and user
interaction. Such macros use additional commands to implement
these concepts.
1.2 Reasons for
using macros
Macros are played with just a few keystrokes, so they can
automate repetitive tasks and save a lot of time. Macros also
guarantee consistency and accuracy; because they always play the
same way, there is no chance of operator error (provided the
macro
was programmed correctly!).
1.3 Programming
skills required for macros
Simple macros can be created just by storing keystrokes or (some)
mouse clicks, so for those kinds of macros you do not need to
know
anything about programming. More complex macros that incorporate
logic or operator interaction use programming techniques, but
they are relatively simple to learn.
1.4 Difference
between macros and styles
Styles consist of "stored" formatting and text; whatever is
controlled by a style takes on that style's formatting. Like
macros, styles guarantee consistency and accuracy, but by a
different mechanism. One way to look at macros and styles is to
consider macros as active and styles as passive: macros "do" and
styles "are."
Macros insert and/or actively manipulate text and formatting
codes in the document as if they were typed; the text and
formatting performed by the macro in the document can be edited
directly. Logic (decisions) and operator interaction can be
incorporated into a macro. Once a macro is finished, its work is
done.
Styles passively control formatting and text in a section of
the document (or the entire document). A style contains
formatting and text within the style itself, so a style can be
edited only by using the styles editor. A style contains only
formatting and/or text; it cannot incorporate logic (decisions)
or operator interaction. When a style is changed, any and all
text formatted with that style within the document immediately
reflects those changes. So a style continues to control
formatting and text as long as the style exists, just like any
WordPerfect code.
1.5 Scope of this
tutorial
This tutorial is aimed at beginning-level macro writers. No
previous macro-writing or programming experience of any kind is
assumed. The tutorial covers macro commands (product commands)
and introduces basic programming commands (PerfectScript
commands) for variables, user interaction, decisions, looping,
branching, and error-handling. Not covered are user-created
dialog boxes, custom message boxes, SendKeys,
structured-programming concepts, nested
commands, string handling and parsing, and other advanced topics.
This tutorial is based on the WordPerfect for Windows macro
language, specifically WordPerfect version 8. Almost all of the
concepts and commands in this tutorial are identical in versions
6, 7 and 2000 of WordPerfect for Windows. In WordPerfect for DOS
6.x
many of the product commands are different; most of the
programming commands covered in this tutorial are the same.
Earlier
versions of WordPerfect used a different macro language; this
tutorial would not be useful for creating macros in those
versions.
1.6 Resources for
more information
Detailed information on all macro topics is available from
WordPerfect's on-line help; unfortunately it is often buried
several layers deep and can be confusing to find. The macro help
files must be installed from the program CD in order for them to
be available on the computer. In version 8, do Help/Help
Contents, click on the Contents tab, then do Macros/Macro
Programming/List of Commands.
Two WordPerfect macro gurus, Gordon McComb (www.gmccomb.com) and J.J.
Westergren (www.wpmacros.com), have
written comprehensive macro reference books, which are available
from their websites. They are highly recommended.
An excellent source of information on macros and everything
else related to WordPerfect are the various Corel newsgroups on
cnet.corel.com.
Karen Gibson's site (w3.one.net/~kgibson/wpindex.htm), cutely
mis-named "WordPerfect 8 Mis-Information," is anything but! This
site is a treasure trove of information, help, how-to's, tips &
tricks, and various life-savers in WordPerfect. Particularly
invaluable is the FAQ (frequently asked questions) section:
chances are a problem you might encounter is not unique, and
others have found a way to deal with it. You will find those
solutions in the FAQ.
