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Processing Files and Records
6.1 Defining Files and Records
Figure 6–5 Indexed File Organization
record
Key Definition
... ...
Primary key index (employee name)
... ...
ABLE SMITHJONES
ABLE ELM AVE JONES MAIN ST COLT RDSMITH
record record
ZK−6058−GE
For a more detailed explanation of indexed file structure on OpenVMS Alpha
systems, see the Guide to OpenVMS File Applications. ♦
For information about specifying file organization in your program, see
Section 6.2.2.
6.1.2 Record Format
Compaq COBOL provides four record format types: fixed, variable, print-control,
and stream. Table 6–2 shows the record format availability.
Table 6–2 Record Format Availability
Sequential
Line
Sequential Relative Indexed
Disk Tape
Fixed length yes yes no yes yes
Variable length yes yes no yes yes
Print control yes no no no no
Stream no no yes no no
The compiler determines the record format from the information that you specify
as follows:
• Fixed record format—Use the RECORD CONTAINS clause. This is the
Compaq COBOL default.
• Variable record format—Use the RECORD CONTAINS TO clause or the
RECORD VARYING clause.
• Print-control (VFC on OpenVMS Alpha systems or ASCII on Tru64 UNIX
and Windows NT systems)—use the Procedure Division ADVANCING phrase,
the Environment Division APPLY PRINT-CONTROL or (on Tru64 UNIX and
Windows NT systems) ASSIGN TO PRINTER clauses, or the Data Division
LINAGE clause, or use Report Writer statements and phrases.
• Stream—Use the FILE-CONTROL ORGANIZATION IS LINE SEQUENTIAL
clause. On OpenVMS Alpha you also get this format with /NOVFC.
6–8 Processing Files and Records