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SORT (SO)
Syntax
$ TEMPORARY files, which do not exist before the Report begins, and are deleted after
the Report ends.
These files do not exist before the Report begins, and are deleted after the Report
ends. To specify a TEMPORARY file, use one of the following logic command
constructs (and do not include a SET.TITLE; command):
v EXTRACT; (without the RETAIN.AS; command option)
v DETERMINE; ACTUAL (without the RETAINED.AS; command option)
For more details, see ‘‘Categories of Extract file’’ under ‘‘EXTRACT (EX)’’ command, earlier
in this section.
The way a SORT; command handles an Extract file at runtime is influenced by:
$ Category of Extract file (TEMPORARY, PERMANENT, or EXISTING)
$ Whether it is the first or a subsequent access of the Extract file
A first access is defined as the first execution of any DETERMINE; ACTUAL, SORT ,
EXTRACT, or MATCH; commands for a specific Extract file, either in the logic of the
Report, or following a SET.TITLE; or RESTART; command.
The SORT; command attempts to sort the specified Extract file.
$ If this is not the first access of the file, the file is sorted.
$ If this is the first access of the file:
v If it is not an EXISTING file, the file will be created as an empty file if it does not
already exist, or it will be cleared if it does exist.
v If it is an EXISTING file, the file will be sorted if it already exists. If it does not
exist, the Report will abort (on UNIX and OS 2200 based LINC Systems) or
become a waiting entry (on MCP based LINC Systems).
v The following table shows the actions performed on the Extract file if the SORT;
command is the first access to it.
File Status Temporary Extract
File
Permanent Extract
File
File exists Cleared Cleared Sorted
File does not exist Created Created Wait
ZDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD?
3 3
DD DD DABDD DBD DADD4
3 3
@D DY
Existing Extract File
1-238 v