Regarding print control character of printer file

kpriya6 · New User Joined: 20 Nov 2006 Posts: 13

Hi,
As per my requirement, I need to read records from input printer file and based on the control character (1st byte) of each record I have to do processing. After that I need to write the records of input file to output file including control characters.

Could you please tell us how can I copy the control character of input file to output file. Because now for me even in browse the control characters are seen in the output file becuase control character is copied as normal character in output file.

But I want the control character of input has to be copied as control charcater even in output file.

Kindly advice.

Thanks and Regards,
Priya

superk · Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 8:18 pm

You shouldn't be having any problems with what you're trying to do. It would be helpful to know what utility you're using to copy and modify the data, and what are the attributes of the data (i.e. LRECL, RECFM, etc.).

Frank Yaeger · Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 10:00 pm

The first byte of a fixed-length record is treated as a control character if the RECFM contains 'A' for ANSI control characters (e.g. RECFM=FBA). The fifth byte of a variable-length record (after the RDW in the first four bytes) is treated as a control character if the RECFM contains 'A' (e.g. RECFM=VBA).

So if you want control characters in the output data set, make sure it has an appropriate RECFM that includes 'A'.

Frank Yaeger · Posted: Tue Nov 21, 2006 10:02 pm

I should have mentioned that 'M' can be used for machine control characters or 'A' can be used for ANSI control characters.