Re: Special Considerations for a one record file?

If this is for a file id (like order number, customer number, etc) then I 
would suggest using an identity column in the table itself.  Check out the 
V5R2 SQL Reference for identity columns.  This would significantly reduce 
the amount of code needed, and the errors.  There is a field in the SQL 
data area that will tell you the number posted, if you need that.  Also, 
there is a SQL 'Values' function that will return that number also. 
Although I would stick with the data area, because if you have people 
hammering in the file someone could post a record in between your post and 
the time you execute the Values function, thus getting their number.

The problem with using a file, especially with an 'approve' option is that 
many people want the new number on the approve screen.  However if you do 
NOT approve it, then they want the new number to be reused.  The problem 
with this, is that you then need to handle the record locking on the 
number file.  You either lock the number, (and shoot the person when they 
leave it on the approve screen and go to lunch), or when they finally do 
approve you say, 'sorry slow poke, that number got used by someone else, 
is this new number good?'  And if you got a rapid turnover of new numbers 
the odds of locks increases.  Often it becomes a show the number only 
after they approve.  "Customer 1295 - xyz corp, added".  And if you're 
going to do that, all the more reason to use the identity column.

Others may suggest data areas, etc, instead of a file.  As far as I am 
concerned, they all have the same limitation with locking.

Rob Berendt
-- 
Group Dekko Services, LLC
Dept 01.073
PO Box 2000
Dock 108
6928N 400E
Kendallville, IN 46755
http://www.dekko.com





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Special Considerations for a one record file?






HI I have a file that contains a one record only, one field in fact that 
is a running number that users will get a display of this number, approve, 
and then the next number will be displayed and updated. Then within the 
same program they can go and get a new next number. I am unsure of the 
file aspect. I am doing a Read each time with LR for EOF. Is there going 
to be Open file status and should this file be closed each time? The file 
is not keyed.
Thank you,
Rob
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