HP 3000 Manuals

SORT-MERGE/XL General Users Guide

The SORT/XL Process 

The procedure for using the SORT/XL subsystem is explained below.  By
invoking just a few commands you can convert the types of data mentioned
above, from random listings, into productive and useful data.

The following example shows accessing SORT/XL, identifying the file to be
sorted, identifying the file where the sorted data is to be stored,
identifying the item(s) within the file to be sorted, and initiating the
sort operation.

          :SORT  
          >INPUT filename  
          >OUTPUT filename  
          >KEY 1,10  
          >END  

Taking this example line by line:

          :SORT  

Specifying SORT at the MPE XL colon prompt (:)  takes you into the
SORT/XL subsystem and displays the subsystem chevron prompt (>).  The
ability to run a program, such as SORT.PUB.SYS, without explicitly using
the MPE XL :RUN command is called an Implied :RUN. You can use the :RUN
command (:RUN SORT.PUB.SYS) or simply enter :SORT to access the
subsystem.

          >INPUT filename  

Specifies invoking the SORT/XL >INPUT command and identifies the file you
want sorted.

          >OUTPUT filename  

Specifies invoking the SORT/XL >OUTPUT command and identifies the name of
the file where the sorted data is to be stored.  The file identified can
be either a new or an existing file.

          >KEY 1, 10  

Specifies invoking the >KEY command and identifies the location of the
data you want sorted.  For example, 1 identifies the location of the data
(the first character position of each line in the file) and 10 identifies
the length of the data (in characters).

          >END  

Specifies invoking the >END command.  The >END command indicates to the
subsystem that all commands have been entered and the sort specified
should be performed.  After the sort operation is completed the data is
stored in the specified file, the subsystem is exited, and you are
returned to the MPE XL colon prompt (:).

The sorted data is accessed through the text processing system you used
to create the files containing data to be sorted.  The EDIT/V text
editing subsystem is supplied with the 900 Series HP 3000.  Check with
your System Manager to determine what editors are available on your
system.

There are other SORT/XL commands you can use to manipulate data.  Refer
to Chapter 6 for additional information on commands.

MPE/iX 5.0 Documentation