SORT-MERGE/XL General User's Guide > Chapter 2 Getting Started With SORT-MERGE/XL

SORT-MERGE/XL Files

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SORT-MERGE/XL uses several different types of files during its operation. These file types are defined below:

Display File

The display file receives the output from the >SHOW command. This output can be in the form of either the translation table or the collating sequence. The formal designator of the display file is DISPLOUT, which defaults to $STDLIST. $STDLIST is the terminal for a session and the printer for a job.

Input File

The input file contains the data you want to sort or merge. This file can reside on any storage device such as magnetic tape or disc. For SORT-MERGE/XL, the formal designator of the input file is INPUT. INPUT is then equated to the actual file designator you specify with the >INPUT command. $NULL is not a valid input file.

Output File

The output file receives the results of the sorted or merged records. The formal designator for the output file is OUTPUT which is equated to the actual file designator you specify with the >OUTPUT command.

List File

The list file is used by SORT-MERGE/XL to display error messages and prompts during interactive sessions. It does not contain sorted or merged records. The formal designator for the list file is LIST, which defaults to $STDLIST. $STDLIST is the terminal for a session and the printer for a job.

Scratch File

The scratch file is used as a work area by SORT/XL. It is not used by MERGE/XL. The formal designator for the file is SORTSCR in Compatibility Mode. In Native Mode, there is an unnamed scratch file. Refer to the discussion of the >INPUT command for SORT/XL to estimate the size of the scratch file. All extents for the file are allocated at once.

Text File

SORT-MERGE/XL reads commands directly from this file. The formal designator for the file is TEXT, which defaults to $STDIN.

Prompt File

Used by SORT-MERGE/XL to prompt the user for input when the text file is the session terminal but the list file is not. PROMPT is the formal designator which defaults to $STDLIST. The prompt file is the session output device.

Translation Tables

Chapter 3 Using SORT/XL Interactively