How to Work with Processes > Working with the Variable Processes Group > Working with Variable Parse String Process

Process Purpose

The Variable Parse String process is used to parse data from a variable and store the result in another variable.

The parsing can be done within a position range. It starts when the “Start string” is found and stops when the “End String” is found or when the specified number of characters is achieved.

The parsing command can search for a specific occurrence of the parsing condition.

The position of the first character, after the parsed data, can be saved in a variable for later use.

When you add a process, you are required to define its settings. This occurs in the process's properties window which is displayed automatically after having added the Variable Parse String process.

If any subsequent edition is required, double-click the process to open its properties window and enter the necessary modifications.

Fill in the following options:

Source Variable
Variable	Click to select the source variable with the data to parse. See Variable Definition.
From Position	Specify the initial position, in the source variable, of the data to parse.
To Position	Specify the final position, in the source variable, of the data to parse.
Parse
Start String	Define the start string. Either click to select the string from within a variable or enter it in the box.
To	Check "End String" and define it by either entering it in the box or clicking to select the variable with that value.
To	Check "Length" and insert the specific number in the corresponding box.
Occurrence	Specify the occurrence criteria by checking “First”; Last” or “No” (in this last case, specify the number in the next option).
Results
Result Variable	Click to select the variable that will receive the parsed string. See To Select/Create a Variable.
Result Next Position (End+1) (Optional)	Click to select the variable that will receive the position of the first character after the parsed data.
Result Number of Data Found (Optional)	Click to select the variable that will receive the number of results found.
If not Found Go to
Define a target location, in case any of the given elements for the parsing operation are not found. Either use a destination from the drop-down list or select one from the list. See Detail of a window below.

Detail of a window:

"S:Menu" is a screen included in the same program as the process.

"R:Routine_1" is a routine included in the same program as the process.

If required, use the icon on the upper right corner of the properties window:

Use the icon to attach any relevant notes to this process. Click it and enter your notes in the resulting text box. These notes will be displayed in the corresponding "Actions" tab or "Process" window (in the "Notes" field) and in the "Developer Report".

After filling in the required options, click to conclude or to abort the operation.

The added process is displayed in the corresponding "Actions" tab or "Process" window.

Use the right click in MCL-Designer's input boxes to access certain features regarding the input box's option as well as general actions such as "Copy"; "Paste"; "Search".

Ex: If you right-click the "Variable" input box (included in a "Conversion's" properties window), you are provided with the "Search..."and "Variable Select" options.

If you right-click another input box, it will provide other possibilities.