Re[2]: Reading a Flat File

     Aw, c'mon Jim,
     
     You left out IDDU! <g> 
     
     eric.delong@pmsi-services.com
     


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: Reading a Flat File 
Author:  <RPG400-L@midrange.com> at INET_WACO
Date:    11/5/99 8:07 AM


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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