Re: Reading a Flat File

A "flat file" is a file without DDS.  S/36 files with just their two fields,
K000001 and F000001 are considered "flat files".  A file transferred
from a PC to the AS/400 is considered a "flat file".

Any file that's not a DB2 file is a flat file.

Now, the best way to read them, there are 3 or so ways.

The way I normally do it is I create a DDS for the file, compile it, then
copy the flat file to the DB2 file with FMTOPT(*NOCHK).  Then read
it the same as any other AS/400 file.  This is the best way, IMO.

Second best way to do it, is make it an internally described file, and give
the file layout in the I specs of your RPG program.

Lastly, instead of using I specs create D specs for the layout.  Define the
file as one huge field and move the buffer to the your DS.  This is doable,
but I don't know why you would want to do this instead of using the I
specs.

Regards,

Jim Langston

"Stone, Brad V (TC OASIS)" wrote:

> What's a flat file?  One that's not bumpy?
>
> My apologies.  Our sys admin made me say this.  He says he's never heard it
> called a flat file and wants to know what the opposite of a flat file would
> be.

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