Running commands from the Analytics command line

Most of the functionality in Analytics that is completed by selecting options from menus and entering the required information in dialog boxes can also be completed by running commands from the command line. Analytics includes a language called ACLScript that is used throughout the application to process commands and record analysis steps. For example, when you select Analyze > Count from the main menu and complete the required information in the Count dialog box, Analytics automatically converts the information you entered to a command statement that is used to run the command and record the action in the log.

The following points provide general guidelines for working with ACLScript commands on the command line:

  • You can only enter one command at a time.

  • Commands are not case-sensitive. You can use uppercase or lowercase characters.

  • Commands can include a set of required and optional parameters.

  • When the text for a command is long, Analytics expands the Command Line text box and wraps lines to display the entire command. Click outside the text box to collapse it and click inside the text box to display the entire command again.

  • You can abbreviate commands, functions, and keywords in ACLScript. The abbreviation must include the leading characters of the command, function, or keyword. The abbreviation can be as short as you like, provided it uniquely identifies the term. In most cases you will need to enter at least the first three characters.

For detailed information about the syntax required for each ACLScript command, see the ACL Scripting Guide.

To run a command from the command line:

  1. If the Command Line text box is not visible, select Window > Command Line.
  2. Enter the command text using one of the following methods:

    Type in the command using the required syntax.

    Click an entry in the Log tab in the Navigator to add the command to the command line. You can run the command as is, or edit it before running the command.

    Copy the command syntax from an existing Analytics script, or other text file, and paste it in the Command Line text box. You can run the command as is, or edit it before running the command.

  3. Optional. If the command has a dialog box associated with it in the Analytics user interface, click Edit Command to display the associated dialog box, which you can use to modify the parameter settings for the command.
  4. Click Run  or press Enter to run the command.

    The Run, Clear Entry, and Edit Command options are also available by right-clicking in the Command Line text box.