Specification and Parameter Files

Parameter files are used throughout Vulcan, for example the scheme file ( .scd ), the sampling file ( .smp ) etc. A parameter file consists of a number of definition (DEF) sections each containing parameter assignment statements, keywords and/or tables (TAB). The sections and tables may usually appear in any order.

Each section begins with BEGIN$DEF <SECTIONNAME> and ends with END$DEF <SECTIONNAME>.

Each table begins with BEGIN$TAB and ends with END$TAB.

A table contains a list of values which are referred to as Table fields.

The parameter assignments consist of either Numeric or Character fields. Keywords consist of Logical fields. The various field types are explained in more detail below.

Logical

If the field is included then a flag is set, for example AUTOMATIC_IDS. The flag is left unset if the field is omitted or if it is preceded by NO_; for example NO_AUTOMATIC_IDS.

Numeric

This has the form NAME=99.99 where the flag NAME is set to the value 99.99, for example BENCH_HEIGHT=15.0.

Character

This has the form NAME=STRING where the flag NAME is set to the value STRING, for example AUTOMATIC_BASE=BH. Note that the value is enclosed in quotations (single or double).

Table

This is a composite type containing one or more of the other three field types. All three types must be enclosed in quotes when specified in a table.

Table fields are in free format but if more than one item is on a line, they must be separated by commas.