DB2/400 Rerference file

[Mary Koetting <Mary_Koetting@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Is there any way to tell if a data field in a reference file is never
referenced?

We have a huge field reference file that needs cleaned up and other than
starting with an empty file and adding data fields as they are referenced, I
can't think of another way. It seems to be the only way but with thousands
of fields it could be a tremendous task.

Should you have one field reference file per system or if the system is
large should the file be segmented into logical parts? 

Is it better to specify the total characteristics of the field in the
reference file and not have it refer to another field that might refer you
to another field. We also have a lot of fields that add and subtract bytes
from the referenced field or redefine the field in some other way (from
decimal to packed). Is the flexiblility worth the confusion if the system
data fields are stable? 

Should the reference file be in alphabetical order or partitioned by
function?

Many thanks in advance for any and all advice.

PS. We're only using RPG III so all names are limited to six characters and
with thousands of data items to describe it becomes harder and harder to
come with a unique name that is meaningful.  
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