The names and ID numbers of the entities you picked are entered into the databox of the application form that initiated the selection. The resulting character string, or pick list, is then translated into the appropriate format and processed according to the active command.

The part of the software that is in charge of interpreting the contents of select databoxes so that they could be converted to actions is called the list processor. Whether the character strings are supplied by the graphics system (when you select entities), or typed or pasted in the databox, the list processor puts them into the correct syntax so that all of the Patran application programs will understand their meaning.

Examples of pick list syntax are:

Node 9 18 

Elm 1 4 5 8

Quad 4

hpat 10

Surface 1.2 

If you intend to do your own programming for Patran applications, you need to familiarize yourself with the requirements of the list processor. For further information please refer to Creating Lists, 489.