Alias sequence * alias options

Alias options:  (file-path),    (file-path),    (string)
The  and    alias options request that a  sequence number be prepended or appended to the Subject: lines of  messages posted to the list. They are analogues of the legacy alias file named parameters &#x5b;SEQUENCE_PREFIX&#x5d; and &#x5b;SEQUENCE_SUFFIX&#x5d;. The  item gives  the full file path specification of a sequence number file. This file is read, incremented, and updated each time a message is posted to the  list. The number read from the file is prepended, in the case of , or appended, in the case of   , to the  message&#x27;s Subject: header line. This mechanism provides a way of uniquely sequencing each message posted to a list so that recipients  can more easily track postings and determine whether or not they have  missed any.

By default, a response to a previously posted message (with a previous sequence number) retains the previous sequence number as well as adding  a new sequence number to the subject line; the build up of sequence  numbers shows the entire "thread" of the message in question. However, the   alias option (analogue of the alias file named parameter &#x5b;SEQUENCE_STRIP&#x5d;) can be used to request that  only the highest numbered, i.e., most recent, sequence number  be retained on the subject line. The  item  is currently ignored and should always be.

Important note:To ensure that sequence numbers are only incremented for successful postings, an   or    alias option should  always be set as the last alias option; that is, if other alias options are also being used, the   options should be set (and appear when shown) at the end of the list of alias options on an alias entry.

Sequence number files are binary files and must have the proper file attributes and access permissions in order to function correctly.

See also:
 * Alias options
 * Alias file named parameters
 * alias_tag Option