Console Mode/Run Mode

The whole purpose of PRO/5 is to carry out commands (in the form of lines). You may give PRO/5 commands one at a time (executing each command as it is entered), or you may store a list of commands as a program to be executed later.

When PRO/5 is waiting for command lines to be typed in, it is in console mode. The "greater than" prompt (>) on the left side of the screen indicates this. In order to exit PRO/5 while in console mode, type either RELEASE or BYE at the ">" prompt.

When a line is typed without a line number (or with line number 0) it is executed immediately. This is called a console mode command. After execution, the line is discarded and PRO/5 prompts for another line. If a line is entered with a line number other than zero it is stored in the workspace in a list along with any other lines that were entered with non-zero line numbers. These are program lines. When you are ready to have PRO/5 execute the lines stored in a program, type RUN at the ">" prompt. PRO/5 will now enter run mode. While in run mode, PRO/5 is receiving its commands from the stored lines. If you want to give PRO/5 more console mode commands, then you must first wait until the program terminates (or interrupt it - see below). Unlike many popular BASICs, PRO/5 generally allows any command to be executed in either console mode or run mode. The exceptions are indicated in the description of applicable verbs in the Commands Manual.

While it is executing, the program may request input from the terminal. PRO/5 will temporarily suspend execution until something is typed. It is important to understand that in this instance you are NOT in console mode. You are entering information that will be processed by the program and not by PRO/5 itself.