PTD includes a command console that starts automatically when PTD starts. The command console can be used to run any Phantom command or script. Resulting output is displayed directly in the console, including any error or warning information.

The console is useful for learning how to use new Phantom commands and prototyping new code. It can also be used to invoke Phantom functions specially designed for the console, such as the what() and who() functions (see the Phantom Language documentation).

To use the Console, start PTD and select the Console tab in the PTD output area:

Alternatively, if the console has been closed or a new console is to be opened, select Console from the Run menu:

Once the console is active, any Phantom command can be typed in the console. Once the Enter key is pressed, the command is processed by the Phantom engine. Note that the console has the same text color-coding as the main script editor.

Previous commands can be cycled by pressing the up and down keys on the keyboard.

Useful Phantom Console Commands
Below is a brief description of some Phantom commands useful for console operations:

• what() – Displays a list of available Phantom function packages. If used with a string parameter of the package name, displays a list of functions available in that package.
• who() – Displays a list of global variables, including the type, name, and value.
• include – Used to run a separate Phantom script from the console.
• members() – Displays a list of member variables and member functions associated with a particular data type.
• disp() – Displays the parameter.

See the Phantom documentation for more information on the usage of these functions.

Printing the Console
The console output can be sent to the printer by selecting ‘Print’ from ‘Output’ in the main menu. The console output will be printed as it appears, with the addition of line numbers displayed on the left. Note that the console must be selected and displaying the keyboard cursor in order to print the console output.