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mcshastry · Beginner Joined: 24 Nov 2005 Posts: 4 Topics: 4

How can I find out the number of records existing in a flat file?
One solution is open the file in VIEW mode and enter the command M<PF8> and see the number of lines.if the file contains a large number of records it is taking a lot of time to go to the last record.Is there any other method to count the records?

vkphani · Intermediate Joined: 05 Sep 2003 Posts: 483 Topics: 48

mcshastry,

You can achieve this thru some sort utilities.Check these links.

http://www.mvsforums.com/helpboards/viewtopic.php?t=7&highlight=count
http://mvsforums.com/helpboards/viewtopic.php?t=2256&highlight=number+records

ofer71 · Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2005 1:59 am Post subject:

You can try this tiny REXX as 3.4 command:

Mervyn · Posted: Tue Nov 29, 2005 5:01 am Post subject:

Provided the file isn't too large to EDIT or VIEW, this works fine, too:

Samuel · Beginner Joined: 12 Aug 2004 Posts: 38 Topics: 10

1) Logon to TSO.
2) Logon to ISPF.
3) Choose File-Aid option 3. 8 (Interactive Utility)
4) Enter the data set name.

EX: Input Dataset Information:
Dataset name ===> 'YOUR.DATA.SET NAME'
Volume serial ===> (If not cataloged)

5) Depress the enter key (you will be promted to enter a function)
6) Type TALLY and depress the enter key.

superk · Advanced Joined: 19 Dec 2002 Posts: 684 Topics: 5

A "Flat File", as in a file that has no vertical depth, would contain no more than 1 physical record.

kolusu · Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 9:21 am Post subject:

superk · Advanced Joined: 19 Dec 2002 Posts: 684 Topics: 5

I got these definitions from a web search:

Flat files are data files that contain records with no structured relationships. Additional knowledge is required to interpret these files such as the file format properties.
A computer file where all the information is run together in a signal character string.
A file consisting of records of a single record type, in which there is no embedded structure information governing relationships between records.
Said of a text file that contains only 7-bit ASCII characters and uses only ASCII-standard control characters (that is, has no embedded codes specific to a particular text formatter markup language, or output device, and no meta-characters).
Sometimes referred to as interface file, is designed to hold EDI data prior to and following translation or transmission to and from a trading partner.
An ASCII data file produced by a business application that is converted into ANSI ASC X12 format by translation software, and vice versa. It typically uses fixed-length format rather than variable length ANSI ASC X12 format. Also known as a User Defined File (UDF).

The last two definitions are the two that are most familiar to my interpretation of the term. Most of the definitions seem to only be applicable to data stored as ASCII files, not as MVS datasets. I don't know, maybe it's becoming a new term synonymous with QSAM or SAM or Sequential dataset.

semigeezer · Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2005 12:29 pm Post subject:

I've known it as a sequential data set (as opposed to a PDS, KSDS or other layout dependent data set) since the mid-80s. The term came about when DOS came out and we had to compare MVS's complex file structures to a PC's simple byte stream. 'Flat' meaning 'boring' or 'uninteresting'.

maheshwaran · Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2005 7:06 am Post subject:

kolusu · Posted: Sat Dec 17, 2005 9:33 am Post subject:

Phantom · Posted: Mon Dec 19, 2005 2:18 am Post subject:

maheshwaran,

If the input files are huge and cannot be opened in View / Edit mode, then you can probably CALL SORT - repeatedly (in a loop) from your REXX program or prepare a Synctool / Icetool code which can handle all input files and invoke it from your rexx.

Thanks,
Phantom