Source file attributes

 

Here are the attributes common to most source files and the restrictions on using these attributes. Source files usually have the following attributes:

• A record length of 92 characters (this includes a 6-byte sequence number, a 6-byte date, and 80 bytes of source).

• Keys (sequence numbers) that are unique even though the access path does not specify unique keys. You are not required to specify a key for a source file. Default source files are created without keys (arrival sequence access path). A source file created with an arrival sequence access path requires less storage space and reduces save/restore time in comparison to a source file for which a keyed sequence access path is specified.

• More than one member.

• Member names that are the same as the names of the objects that are created using them.

• The same record format for all records.

• Relatively few records in each member compared to most data files.

Some restrictions are:

• The source sequence number must be used as a key, if a key is specified.

• The key, if one is specified, must be in ascending sequence.

• The access path cannot specify unique keys.

• The ALTSEQ keyword is not allowed in data description specifications (DDS) for source files.

• The first field must be a 6-digit sequence number field containing zoned decimal data and two decimal digits.

• The second field must be a 6-digit date field containing zoned decimal data and zero decimal digits.

• All fields following the second field must be zoned decimal or character.

 

Parent topic:

Creating a source file