
The OPTCHECK program is used to perform testing of Link Options files.
It's primary purpose is to check that all of the input files (object, object
library, shareable library...) listed in the options file exist and are
readable.  This capability is useful in quickly determining if the Linker will
be able to perform the link operation successfully before actually trying it.
This especially good to know due to a bug in the Linker which causes it to
go into an infinite loop when processing large link options files where some
of the object files do not exist.  To a limitted extent, the syntax of the
options file is checked in order to parse out the names of the input files.

The STScI has also provided a program (OPTEST) which checks link options files.
However, I'm told that their program is very slow, not always reliable, nor
very friendly to use.  OPTCHECK has been checked out at TRW/W and seems to be
much faster and more reliable.  It uses the standard VMS command syntax and
error reporting methods so it is friendlier to use (at least to me).  Please
try it out.  Mail suggestions and problem reports to TRWSOG::SIEGEL.

To gain access to the program, you should execute the OPTCHECKDEFS.COM
command procedure which is located in SIUSER:[SIEGEL.OPTCHECK] on TRWSOG,
and in DISK$PTERO:[SIEGEL.OPTCHECK] on the Science Cluster.  This will
define the logical name OPTCHECK_DIR and the command verb OPTCHECK.

The command format is:

	OPTCHECK [/LOG] [/FULL] file(s)

The input file parameter can be a list of file names which can include
search lists and/or wildcards.  The default file type for input files
is ".OPT".  Normally, OPTCHECK will not report anything if it the input
files are valid (ie. all files listed in the options file exist and are
readable).

The /LOG qualifier will cause OPTCHECK to output a message indicating the
name of the options file it is currently checking, and if the file is ok it
will issue a "passed" message for the file.  This is useful when OPTCHECK is
given a list of files to process and/or the file names contain wildcards.

The /FULL qualifier (which is not checked unless /LOG is given) will cause
OPTCHECK to output a message for each file name it encounters in the options
file.  This message reports the fully expanded file specification for the file.
This is useful in determining where the Linker will take input from when the
link options file contains logical names or search lists.  (It is also useful
in determining how far along the checking is for large link options files.)

