What is DDE?
You can use Dynamic Data Exchange (DDE) to carry out interprocess communication. It allows programs such as Excel, Word for Windows, and Visual Basic to interact with the 3270 emulator. The DDE interface enables you to create new terminal sessions, enter data, run macros, retrieve screens, and transfer files.
Unlike the EHLLAPI interface, a low-level programmatic interface that uses C or C++, the DDE interface in HostExplorer is designed to be used with high-level languages such as Visual Basic or Word Basic. For example, using DDE, you can write macros in Word for Windows that log you into the mainframe, transfer a file to the mainframe, and then send the file automatically as e-mail.
The DDE interface included with HostExplorer is almost completely compatible with the Attachmate® EXTRA! for Windows DDE interface. This compatibility reduces the amount of work involved when you move applications to HostExplorer.