Re: Fwd: INFDS Sy 36 PSDStr... Issue

Let's see if I understand this.

You have a 64 character file that will have multiple batches put in by different
people from different screens.  When someone has already put in some batches,
and wants to a) change an existing batch or b) start a new batch, they are to be
shown all existing batches they have personally entered.  If they choose to
change an existing batch, then they will get up a secondary screen showing the
existing details of that batch.

Is this right?

Presuming it is, then I would have heaps of questions about
     - # of outstanding batches at one time
     - size of each batch
     - how long data will be kept for
     - how data will leave the flat file
     - batch numbering requirements
     - etc.

On general principle though, I would proceed as follows.

I would create a key in your spare area.  Its contents would be someting like
WSaaaabbbb, where WS is the workstation, aaaa is the batch number, and bbbb is
the sequence number.  I would use sequence 0000 for all batch headers, and
sequences 0001 and above for the details.  When filling the first screen, I
would therefore be using WS as the SETLL/COMP area, and only display those
records with a 0000 as the sequence, and when filling the second I would use
WSaaaa, and display all records of sequence 0001 or more.  As you write each
detail record, you just add 1 to the highest number so far, and use that.

The batch numbering would be from 0001 up.  To find what batch to use, you can
either read all records to find the first available batch number, or use an
alternate key on the aaaa value, and use SETGT & READP to find the last batch
number, then add 1.  The methodology depends a lot on questions such as how big
the batches are, and whether the transactions will be totally cleared from the
file, or on a btach by batch basis.

I would strongly suggest against using anything like RRN, as this can get REALLY
messy.

Another concern would be if someone takes ATTN 1, and starts another session.
The last thing you want is to have the same batch being updated twice at the
same time, that would really screw the sequence numbers around.



Kathie wrote

I am creating transactions in a 64 character flat file. Some of the records
are Batch Hdr records (i.e. Positions 1-4 are 'B', '1234', etc.etc.) and some
are detail records (i.e. Positions 1-16 are 'A', 'TAG123', 'PART123456', xxxx
etc etc etc....). I have the last 13 positions of the record to hold whatever
I wish. I need to be able to retrieve the records later in the program for
'REVIEW'. On one screen, I need to ROLL through the Header records and allow
the user to modify them, on another screen, I need to ROLL through the Detail
records for the associated Header record to allow modification of them. The
records in the transaction file will be written by different workstations. I
am only supposed to show the records written by the workstation the user is
using. The program must run in 36 mode, and later will be 'converted' (by a
package) to a 400 program.
Soooooo, I am thinking I must use my 13 positions to store Batch (4) Batch
Start RRN (4) Prev Dtl Rcd RRN (4) and a 1? position WSID.
I need to get the RRN of the record - how? the WSID of the record - how?
Any help is most GREATLY appreciated.