RE: Numeric from Alpha

I would build a file that hold the Numeric field as a cross-reference.
Basically read the entire file and testn on the field(s).  Write the unique
key?? and the numeric key.  Add a trigger to update this cross-reference
file whenever the file is modified.  Now just search/sort/select/report off
the cross-reference file.



Christopher K. Bipes     mailto:ChrisB@Cross-Check.com
Sr. Programmer/Analyst   mailto:Chris_Bipes@Yahoo.com
CrossCheck, Inc.         http://www.cross-check.com
6119 State Farm Drive    Phone: 707 586-0551 x 1102
Rohnert Park CA  94928 Fax: 707 586-1884

If consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds, only geniuses work here.
Karen Herbelin - Readers Digest 3/2000


-----Original Message-----
From: MacWheel99@aol.com [mailto:MacWheel99@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2000 11:36 AM
To: MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com
Subject: Numeric from Alpha


We have Alpha numeric fields in which our users sometimes insert pure
numbers 
then ask for some reports based on their numbers input ... excluding records

with valid alpha, whose numeric manipulations would cause a decimal data 
error.  There is no coding substructure that would tell me when some alpha 
field is supposed to be purely numeric.

My current scenario is BPCS item master in which a string of numbers with 
certain leading digits are being used for a particular purpose & the users 
what to see where there are gaps in the numbers assigned so far.

I have a plan for how to tackle this & what I am looking for is if my idea
is 
good enough, or if there is a better or simpler algorithm in RPG/400 and/or 
embedded SQL that won't do excessive machine cycles to identify data in an 
alpha field that really is all numeric in certain portions of the field & 
disregard the rest.

My plan is data structure overlay field with an array
test each element of the alpha field
Yes/No can I find it in a look up match vs. digits zero to nine array
any miss & that record is ignored

Al Macintyre  ©¿©
http://www.cen-elec.com MIS Manager Programmer & Computer Janitor
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