KSDS rec length is 24 and key length is also 24

anand tr · New User Joined: 12 Aug 2008 Posts: 41 Location: chennai

Hi,
I have a flat file of record length 100 of which i need 24 fields to b written to the output so that the record is unique.So am reproing those fields into a KSDS giving the 24 fields as a key. looking at the fact that the KSDS rec length is 24 and key length is also 24, will it not be a flat file again?. Can we access the KSDS in the cobol program by using indexed access method?
I guess the concept of giving all the entries to KSDS as keys is wrong... Please correct me if i am wrong.

ramakrishnag · New User Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Posts: 6 Location: india

Hi,

I think you wanted to store 24 bites as key in KSDS file (correct me if am wrong).

You can create 24 bites of KSDS file and you can use the same as INDEX in cobol program too.

My understanding is this file will be having less records and try to validate the key in the input file is entered correct or not.

Ex : Currency file contains currecny code which will be validating during the customer application insretion.

This case can use data in table.

Thanks,
Rama

Robert Sample · Posted: Wed Oct 01, 2008 4:55 pm

Defining a VSAM file with key length 24 and record length 24 does not change the fact that it is a VSAM file. From an application point of view it doesn't make much sense to have a file that is all key but it can be done. The file will be accessed as a VSAM file, not a flat file.