Getting Started

GETTING STARTED WITH ARENA
ReadWrite module
DESCRIPTION
The ReadWrite module is used to read data from an input file or the keyboard and
assign the data values to a list of variables or attributes (or other expression). This
module is also used to write data to an output device, such as the screen or a file.
When reading from or writing to a file, the ReadWrite logic varies according to the
Type of read or write action performed and according to the Access Type of the Arena
File Name (the Access Type of a file is specified in the File module).
Sequential File or LOTUS Spreadsheet Access Types. When an entity arrives at
the ReadWrite module, the specified file is examined to see if it is open (active). If
not, the file is automatically opened. The values of the attributes, variables, or
expressions (other) listed are read or written according to the format specified.
If you plan to import Lotus (.wks) files into Excel, see the online help for guidelines.
Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, and ActiveX Data Objects Access Types.
When an entity arrives at the ReadWrite module, the specified file is examined to see
if an ADO connection to the file is open (active). If the file is currently closed, then
an ADO connection is automatically opened to the data source using either the
Microsoft Jet OLE DB Provider (if the Access Type is Microsoft Excel, Microsoft
Excel 2007, Microsoft Access, or Microsoft Access 2007) or the specified connection
string (if the Access Type is ActiveX Data Objects).
The Recordset ID is then examined to see if that recordset in the file is open. A
recordset refers to a table of data in the data store that is organized in columns (fields)
and rows (records).
If the recordset is currently closed, then it is automatically opened using the recordset
definition specified in the File module (for example, the specified named range or
table name). The recordset then remains open until the file is closed.
The values of the attributes, variables, or expressions (other) listed in the
Assignments repeat group are then read from or written to the specified Record
Number (that is, row) in the recordset. The first entry in Assignments is read from or
written to the first field in the record, the second entry corresponds to the second
field, and so on.
Extensible Markup Language Access Type. When an entity arrives at the
ReadWrite module, the specified file is examined to see if it is open (active). If not,
the file is automatically opened into a single ADO recordset.
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