Keywords

A keyword parameter, which may be either actual or formal, is an expression or variable name preceded by a keyword and an equal sign that identifies which parameter is being passed. When calling a procedure with a keyword parameter, you can abbreviate the keyword to its shortest unambiguous abbreviation. Keyword parameters may also be specified by the caller with the syntax /Keyword, which is equivalent to setting the keyword parameter to 1 (e.g., Keyword = 1).

When shortening a keyword, you should always use at least three characters to ensure that PV-WAVE correctly identifies the keyword. Otherwise, as new keywords are added to routines, it is possible for PV-WAVE to misidentify a new keyword as an older keyword.

Keywords are an easy means to add optional parameters to commands, providing variety, power, and flexibility. For example, you can create windows with the WINDOW command. You can modify the size, position, title bar text, and colors used in a window by using keywords for the WINDOW command.

A single keyword, such as Title, may apply to many functions, such as PLOT, SURFACE, CONTOUR, WINDOW, etc.