RE: VARLEN vs "BLOCK" Storage

[Buck Calabro <Buck.Calabro@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

>My manager is considering developing a storage 
>algorithm to store a variable length text field in a 32K record.

If your manager wants to optimise on expensive disk by packing records this
way, consider using offline storage instead: tape, optical, CD.  The extra
processing required to pack and unpack the data could be vastly more
expensive than the DASD savings.

If the manager is open to the idea, model the system both ways (VARLEN) and
"packing" with a subset of the actual data you will be using.  See which one
uses less space...

Buck Calabro
Commsoft; Albany, NY
Visit the Midrange archives and FAQ at http://www.midrange.com
"...the humourous man shall end his part in peace..."
  -- Hamlet Act II, scene ii
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