The n2pdf Server Task works with two databases. These two databases are stored in the data directory during an installation, in the form of Notes design templates ("n2pdfInbox.ntf" and "n2pdfJobs.ntf"). When the Server Task is first started, these two templates are used to create corresponding databases (.nsf). The Server Task uses these two created databases for processing the PDF jobs. The Server Task cannot work without these two databases.
n2pdf Inbox
Like the Domino mail router, the Server Task works like an Inbox. It constantly monitors the database "n2pdfInbox.nsf". When a job appears in this database, the Server Task takes this job and creates the PDF file(s) from it. The Job Documents are normal Notes documents, which have a particular structure. This document contains all the information the Server Task needs to create the PDF file. The information is stored in the Job Documents using fields with defined names. Each of these fields begins with the prefix "$N2PDF" and is therefore easily distinguished from other Notes fields. It makes no difference to the Server Task whether the job document is a scheduled or a one-off job. It takes each job document that appears (according to the priority sorting of the database) and processes it according to the settings in the document. A document can reach this database in various ways:
| • | via the database "n2pdfJobs.nsf" (one-off or scheduled job) |
| • | by defining the database as a mail-in database (Notes address book) |
| • | through agents/scripts in other databases which create documents directly in this database |
n2pdf Jobs
This database handles two tasks for the Server Task. On the one hand, the jobs that have to be executed periodically are stored in this database: the Server Task monitors this database, and starts jobs when their time interval dictates that they have to be run. On the other hand, the database offers the option of defining one-off jobs and starting them. When a job is started (whether scheduled or one-off), the job document is always copied from this database into the Inbox database. Only there the job is processed by the Server Task.
The database contains (sub-)forms with Notes fields which have the prefix "$N2PDF". These fields are "recognized" by the Server Task, and interpreted according to the information.
The database "n2pdfJobs.nsf" offers the simplest option (e.g. for users) for creating jobs for the Server Task. However, it is always possible to create the jobs directly in "n2pdfInbox.nsf". To do this, simply generate a document there with exactly the same field names as in this database. In this way you can arrange the generation of jobs from your own database.