How Vermont Views Functions are Named

Functions and variables in Vermont Views use a consistent set of mnemonic abbreviations. Functions are named with the most important identifier of the function first, generally the object of the action. For instance, functions that define or operate directly on data forms begin with "fm_".

After the object part of the function name is an abbreviation that indicates what action is being performed either on or with the object. For example, the function fm_def() defines a form, fm_up() puts a form on the screen, and fm_dn() removes a form from the screen.

Another class of functions set structure members or environment variables. These functions start with an "s", which stands for "set." For example, "sfm_" functions set form structure members, and "se_" functions set environment globals. Some object names combined with "s" made the function name too long to maintain 8-character uniqueness and were shortened. For example, "sw_" functions set window structure members, and "sf_" functions set field structure members.

The most common Vermont Views abbreviations are listed in Table 3.6. A comprehensive alphabetical listing of abbreviations can be found in the Tables and Structures section of the Function Reference.

Table 3.6: Abbreviations Commonly Used in Vermont Views