[SOLVED] Difference between ON TABLE HOLD and ON TABLE SAVE?

I wasn't sure how to phrase it...so here's what the documentation says. Keep in mind you can save a HOLD file to be used again with an APP HOLD command to a specified location.

When you create a HOLD file, the file is automatically saved in a default location that was specified during installation, or in the directory specified by the TEMPDIR parameter. Administrators and developers can use the SET TEMPDIR command to assign a location for WebFOCUS temporary files and HOLD files.

HOLD files should not be moved to a new location because if they are, they may not be found when you try to use them in a WebFOCUS procedure.

SAVE files are not bound by the same constraint since they are not meant to be used as input to a WebFOCUS procedure. You can provide a complete file specification that places your SAVE file in a new location from the Save File dialog box

In Focus since 1993. WebFOCUS 7.7.03 Win 2003

Posts: 1903 | Location: San Antonio | Registered: February 28, 2005

Ignored post by Prarie posted

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GinnyJakes

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Also, a HOLD creates a master which is why you need it for the TABLE. A SAVE does not. You could use either for your WHERE clause but if using a HOLD, it is better if has been created with FORMAT ALPHA.

The TEMPDIR that Prarie stated in her post is commonly known as edatemp. Once your request is over, the files are deleted. If you need to save them for a subsequent request, again as Prarie stated, you will need the APP HOLD command to point the files to an application directory. Other programs using this file will need an APP FI or FILEDEF to point to them.

If you go up to the documentation link in the upper right corner of this page, look for the Creating Reports with the WebFOCUS Language and look for the output format section (or use Help from Developer Studio) to get a more detailed explanation for the output commands and options.

Ginny
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Ignored post by GinnyJakes posted

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GamP

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And, not unimportant, HOLD also creates a master file for the held data, whereas SAVE does not.
If you want to do a TABLE you need a master file, HOLD will give you that.
If you want to WHERE using the file, you can either use the HOLD or the SAVE option. Using SAVE for this option is not a requirement, but does make sense since no master is needed.
Another difference: SAVE will always store the data in alphanumeric form. With HOLD you can specify the format of the data to be held.

GamP