Fun VBScript tip

When writing a VBScript designed to run at a command prompt (or "console") you some times want to not have to write data to a new line.

 

For instance, you might want to write a "." each time you loop through a array or collection so that you know something is happening.  Using WScript.Echo each use generates a CR\LF, much like using the vbCrLf constant or the textstream.writeline method.

 

This is where the WScript.StdOut.Write method comes in handy.  While not well documented this method works exactly like we need it to.  Take the following example where rsNames is a result set from an ADO query:

 

 

 

Do While Not rsNames.EOF

  If rsNames.Fields.Item(0).Value = "Bob" Then

    ‘ Write a period to show work then start a new line

    WScript.StdOut.WriteLine "."

    Wscript.StdOut.WriteLine "I found Bob!"

    Exit Do

  Else

    ‘ Write a period to show work

    Wscript.StdOut.Write "."

  End If

Loop

 

And if you really want to have some fun you could go for the "rotating line":

 

a = 0
b = 10000000
c = "\"

do while a < b
  if c = "\" then
    c = "|"
  elseif c = "|" then
    c = "/"
  elseif c = "/" then
    c = "-"
  elseif c = "-" then
    c = "\"
  end if
  wscript.stdout.write chr(08) & c
  wscript.sleep(100)
loop

 

Just for clarification chr(08) is a backspace and the sleep for 100 milliseconds makes the rotation direction of the line more obvious. : )

 

Have fun!