Creating Directories



Description

Directories similar to those created on PCs can be created on the HP 49g graphing calculator. A directory is simply a named area of memory in which variables can be stored. For example, for easy access, a number of variables relating to mechanical engineering might be created and stored in a directory where they can be accessed when needed.
NOTE: When the calculator is turned on for the first time, there is only one directory. This directory is called HOME. Unless otherwise specified, all of the variables that are created will be stored in the HOME directory. If numerous variables are created, it might be easier to create different directories for each set of similar variables that are created.

Calculator symbol key

The procedures in this document use the following text to represent symbol keys:
KeyDescriptionText representation
Right shift key RS
Left-shift key LS
Move cursor left cursor-left
Move cursor right cursor-right
Move cursor up cursor-up
Move cursor down cursor-down
Backspace/clear backspace

Creating a directory

To create a directory, do the following:
  1. To open the FILE MANAGER and display the directory tree, press LS, then FILES.
  2. Select the directory that is to be the parent of the new directory (any directory that is created must be the child of another directory).
  3. Press OK (the screen now lists the variables and subdirectories in the directory selected in Step 2).
  4. To display the NEW VARIABLE input form, press NXT, then NEW.
  5. Press cursor-down to select the name field (the object field must be left blank when the new directory is being created).
  6. In the Name field, enter a new name for the directory. Some characters cannot be included in a directory name. These are as follows:
    • Characters that separate objects: space, period, comma, @, etc
    • Object delimiters: #, [], ", ', {}, (), :, _, etc
    • Mathematical symbols
  7. Press OK.
  8. Press CHK to indicate that a directory is being created.
  9. Press OK or ENTER (the list of variables and subdirectories displayed in Step 3 now includes the directory that was just created).
  10. To return to the default display, press CANCEL.
    NOTE: Variables can also be created using the above procedure. With the cursor in the OBJECT field, either enter an object's content, or press CHOOS to select an existing object for editing. Specify a name for the variable in the NAME field and leave the DIRECTORY field unchecked.