Hi,
I need to read the contents of a flat file and display it using a fex.can you please send me a sample code...

Regards
Sandeep

Sandeep,

Analyse the file and create your own master file description for it. Then use the fielnames in your fex.

T

how can I create a access file for the master file which uses flat file as the source

You will have to make a FILEDEF before you start using the master file

eg: your master file name is TEST_DATA
and your text file name is test_data.txt you will have to define as follows

FILEDEF TEST_DATA DISK appname/TEST_DATA.txt
-RUN

Venu,

You are correct, however your FILEDEF intimates using an appname and not a full path, so the actual FILEDEF should be an APP FILEDEF mfd_name DISK appname/filename.extn

T

sandy_16,
To answer your question, there is no need for an access file when you are working with a flat file (suffix=fix).

Hi all,
I would appreciate if the answers were in detail as I am relatively new to this..

Thanks in advance...

Regards
Sandeep

ok, HOW TO READ A FLAT FILE 101
3 parts.
1) the master file description
2) the data file
3) the filedef statement in the fex

1)Here's a master for a little file that gives the full statename for each state

FILE=STATELST, SUFFIX=FIX
SEGNAME=BASE, SEGTYPE=S1, $
  FIELD=STABBR, ALIAS=E01, USAGE=A3, ACTUAL=A3,  $
  FIELD=FILL,,A1,A1,$
  FIELD=STNAM, ALIAS=STNAM , USAGE=A16, ACTUAL=A16, $ 
DEFINE StateName/A16=LCWORD(16,STNAM,'A16');$
$$$ comment lines in a master file have $$$ to start them off

2)You just examine your data file, .txt or .prn. or .whatever, and figure out how wide each field needs to be. and then just type up a master file description, save it as filename.MAS
In this case, i named it MYSTATES.MAS
The .MAS part is important, and save it on your edapath or apppath, wherever all your other masters are. The SUFFIX=FIX in line 1 of the master tells focus it is a flat text file in fixed layout.
Heres some data

AK  'ALASKA'
AL  'ALABAMA'
AR  'ARKANSAS'
AS  'AUSTRALIA'
AZ  'ARIZONA'
CA  'CALIFORNIA'
CN  'CANADA'
CO  'COLORADO'
CT  'CONNECTICUT'
DC  'DIST COLUMBIA'
DE  'DELAWARE'
FL  'FLORIDA'

Before you attempt to read your data, issue a CHECK on the master file you've just created,
CHECK FILE MYSTATES
This command will tell you if the master file syntax is ok, or if there's something whacky with it.

3. Now in your fex, issue a filedef command to tell focus what map (the master) to use when reading this file and where the file is.
FILEDEF {master name} DISK {data file name and full path}
e.g.
FILEDEF MYSTATES DISK D:\IBI\APPS\STATELST.TXT
the Master name does NOT have to be the same as the file name. the filename can be long..just don't put blanks in it...it just makes it too hard for a beginner.
FILEDEF MYSTATES DISK D:\IBI\APPS\MYREALLYBIGSTATESFILE.TXT

Now you're ready to read.
TABLE FILE MYSTATES
PRINT StateName BY STABBR
END

You can read any kind of file, comma delimited, tab delimited, pipe delimited, with column headers, without column headers, funky little square boxes delimited, .... etc. Just slight adjustments to the master..thats in course 102.
You should be good to go, for now.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: susannah,