isCOBOL Evolve : Appendices : Library Routines : W$GETC
W$GETC
The W$GETC library routine returns the next keystroke from the user. The keystroke is not echoed.
Syntax:
 CALL "W$GETC" USING keystroke
Parameters:
keystroke
PIC X(2)
Receives the keystroke.
If the character is a single 8-bit value, it will be preceded by a space. For example, if the user types an A, the return value will be " A".
If the key typed is a special character such as a function key or Enter, W$GETC returns the two-character keycode found in the Acucobol-GT key codes.
Examples:
Example - Accept a password without doing any echo on video
 working-storage section.
 77 pwd pic x(32).
 77 i   pic 9(2).
 77 k   pic x(2).
 
 procedure division.
 ...
    perform varying i from 1 by 1 until i > 32
       call "w$getc" using k
       if k = "^M" |Enter pressed
          exit perform
       else
          if k(1:1) = space |8-bit character inputted
             move k(2:1) to pwd(i:1)
          end-if
       end-if
    end-perform.
    if pwd = "secret"
    |manage the inputted password here
    ...