Processing Large Files  Micro Focus and Windows http://www.simotime.com

Introduction
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This is an example of how Micro Focus COBOL can create and access large indexed files on a Windows platform. We started the process of testing an application on a Windows platform with small files and were planning to do the final testing with a copy of the larger production files. When we started the final testing we ran into the 2-gig limit and after a little research, frustration, trial-and-error and reading the documentation we successfully completed the final testing on a Windows/2000, Windows/NT and Windows/XP platform. The drives that contained the large files were formatted for NTFS.

Note: It is a good practice to use NTFS formatted disks for large files (over 2 gigabytes). Many USB drives are shipped with FAT formatting that does not allow large files (over 2 gigabytes), these disks will need to be reformatted before attempting to allocate or copy large files.

Here is what we had to do. The configuration file (EXTFH.CFG) file was located in the same directory as the file being created. An environment variable may be used to point to a specific configuration file. Refer to the Environment Settings section of this document for more information.

Our Net Express was Version 4.0. From within the Net Express project we selected "Project" and "Project Properties" and added the FILETYPE(8) directive to the Project Directives. The FILETYPE(8) is apparently a replacement for the IDXFORMAT(8) directive according to the Net Express documentation. Also, it appears that setting this directive in the project can be used in place of the $set statement in the COBOL program. It appears this "large file" support for keyed-indexed files is both a compile and run time dependent issue. For Sequential files only the run time (EXTFH.CFG) is required.

When we first tried to look at the file with the Micro Focus Data File Editor we discovered the default was to backup the file prior to allowing access to the file. For a file with 15,000,000 records this could take a few minutes. This was solved by changing the "Options" and Data Tools configuration to not do the backup. Next, if you look at the beginning or end of the file it is very quick. However, if you use the vertical scroll bar to reposition to the middle of the file it could take a couple of minutes while you are presented with the message, "Seeking through file...".

We also encountered another frustration when we put the display statement in the COBOL program to help in debugging. The display items did not display when we were running the .EXE (Note: we did the EXE to test performance). To correct this and have the item display to the screen we set the link options to static, single-thread, character. In Summary, it does work when all the pieces are properly coordinated.

Also, the COBOL program will work with COBOL for MVS and COBOL/370. The JCL member is provided to run the job as an MVS batch job on an IBM mainframe or as a project with Micro Focus Mainframe Express (MFE) running on a PC with Windows (refer to http://www.microfocus.com ).

Environment Settings
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When working with files larger than 2-gigabytes it will be necessary to set environment variables to allocate the larger file sizes.

Environment Settings for External File Handler (EXTFH)
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For keyed-indexed (or VSAM, KSDS) files the IDXFORMAT(8) compiler directive will be required when processing files larger than two gigabytes in size. For keyed-indexed files and sequential files the following will be required. The EXTFH.CFG file contains the following four statements.

[XFH-DEFAULT]
filemaxsize=8
idxformat=8
filepointersize=8

The EXTFH.CFG file was located in the same directory as the file being created. An environment variable may be used to point to a specific configuration file. For example, the following set statement could be used.

set EXTFH=d:\myextfg.cfg

Environment Settings for Mainframe Access (MFA)
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When using Mainframe Express and Mainframe Access to transfer a file from the Mainframe to a Windows platform the following environment variable is required to allocate indexed files larger than 2 gigabytes.

set MFA_INDEX_FORMAT=IDXFORMAT(8)

Performance (Sample Timings)
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The following timings were performed on an IBM ThinkPad running at 1.6 megahertz with 512 megabytes of memory. The operating system was Windows XP with Service Pack 1. The data files were Micro Focus Indexed Files using the IDXFORMAT(8) directive. The record length was 256 bytes and the key length was 12 bytes starting in position 1 of the record. All the files were located on the C-drive. The drive was 30 gig with 15 gig of free space at the start of each "create, convert and compare" cycle.

The "Create a File" function uses a Micro Focus COBOL program to generate a key and a text string that is shifted one byte to the left for each record. The "Copy and Convert" function will read the file created in the preceding step, convert the data between EBCDIC and ASCII and write a new file. The "Compare Files" function will read two files and compare the contents of each record.

The elapsed times are hh:mm:ss format.

After creating the file with 15 million records we used the Windows copy function to copy the file from the C-drive to a larger, backup drive attached to a USB 2.0 port. This copy took 12 minutes and 56 seconds.

The JCL Member
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The following is the mainframe JCL (KSDBIGJ1.JCL) that is required to run as a job on the mainline or as a Mainframe Express project on the PC.

//KSDBIGJ1 JOB SIMOTIME,ACCOUNT,CLASS=1,MSGCLASS=0,NOTIFY=CSIP1
//* *******************************************************************
//*                   This program is provided by:                    *
//*                    SimoTime Enterprises, LLC                      *
//*           (C) Copyright 1987-2010 All Rights Reserved             *
//*             Web Site URL:   http://www.simotime.com               *
//*                   e-mail:   helpdesk@simotime.com                 *
//* *******************************************************************
//*
//* Text   - Execute a COBOL program to update a large, VSAM, KSDS.
//* Author - SimoTime Enterprises
//* Date   - January 01, 1997
//*
//* This cobol program will create a large, VSAM, KSDS with a
//* 256-BYTE data record.
//* The number of records added to the file is determined by the
//* RECORD-LIMIT in the COBOL program.
//*
//* Mainframe Name is: SIMOTIME.DATA.VKSD0256
//*
//* Also, under Projects, Project Settings, Catalog enable the
//* DataConnect lookup when dataset not found.
//*
//* This set of programs will run on a mainframe under MVS or on a
//* Personal Computer with Windows and Micro Focus Mainframe Express.
//*
//*             ************
//*             * KSDBIGJ1 *
//*             ********jcl*
//*                  *
//*                  *
//*             ************     ************
//*             * KSDBIGC1 *-----* VKSD0256 *
//*             ********cbl*     *******vsam*
//*
//* *******************************************************************
//* Step   1   This is a single step job.
//*
//VSAMCRT1 EXEC PGM=KSDBIGC1
//STEPLIB  DD  DISP=SHR,DSN=SIMOTIME.DEMO.LOADLIB1
//VKSD0256 DD  DISP=SHR,DSN=SIMOTIME.DATA.VKSD0256,
//             DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),
//             STORCLAS=MFI,
//             SPACE=(TRK,(5,10)),
//             LRECL=256,KEYOFF=0,KEYLEN=12,RECORG=KS
//*

The COBOL Demonstration Program
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This program (KSDBIGC1.CBL) was written to test the capability of creating and processing very large indexed files.

       IDENTIFICATION DIVISION.
       PROGRAM-ID.    KSDBIGC1.
       AUTHOR.        SIMOTIME ENTERPRISES.
      *****************************************************************
      * Copyright (C) 1987-2010 SimoTime Enterprises, LLC.            *
      *                                                               *
      * All rights reserved.  Unpublished, all rights reserved under  *
      * copyright law and international treaty.  Use of a copyright   *
      * notice is precautionary only and does not imply publication   *
      * or disclosure.                                                *
      *                                                               *
      * Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software  *
      * for any non-commercial purpose and without fee is hereby      *
      * granted, provided the SimoTime copyright notice appear on all *
      * copies of the software. The SimoTime name or Logo may not be  *
      * used in any advertising or publicity pertaining to the use    *
      * of the software without the written permission of SimoTime    *
      * Enterprises.                                                  *
      *                                                               *
      * Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software  *
      * for any commercial purpose requires a fee to be paid to       *
      * SimoTime Enterprises. Once the fee is received by SimoTime    *
      * the latest version of the software will be delivered and a    *
      * license will be granted for use within an enterprise,         *
      * provided the SimoTime copyright notice appear on all copies   *
      * of the software. The SimoTime name or Logo may not be used    *
      * in any advertising or publicity pertaining to the use of the  *
      * software without the written permission of SimoTime           *
      * Enterprises.                                                  *
      *                                                               *
      * SimoTime Enterprises makes no warranty or representations     *
      * about the suitability of the software for any purpose. It is  *
      * provided "AS IS" without any express or implied warranty,     *
      * including the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness  *
      * for a particular purpose and non-infringement. SimoTime       *
      * Enterprises shall not be liable for any direct, indirect,     *
      * special or consequential damages resulting from the loss of   *
      * use, data or projects, whether in an action of contract or    *
      * tort, arising out of or in connection with the use or         *
      * performance of this software                                  *
      *                                                               *
      * SimoTime Enterprises                                          *
      * 15 Carnoustie Drive                                           *
      * Novato, CA 94949-5849                                         *
      * 415.883.6565                                                  *
      *                                                               *
      * RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND                                      *
      * Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject  *
      * to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1)(ii) of    *
      * the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software clause at  *
      * DFARS 52.227-7013 or subparagraphs (c)(1) and (2) of          *
      * Commercial  Computer Software - Restricted Rights  at 48      *
      * CFR 52.227-19, as applicable.  Contact SimoTime Enterprises,  *
      * 15 Carnoustie Drive, Novato, CA 94949-5849.                   *
      *                                                               *
      *****************************************************************
      *      This program is provided by SimoTime Enterprises         *
      *        Our e-mail address is: helpdesk@simotime.com           *
      *     Also, visit our Web Site at http://www.simotime.com       *
      *                                                               *
      *****************************************************************
      *
      *****************************************************************
      * Source Member: KSDBIGC1.CBL
      *****************************************************************
      *
      * KSDBIGC1 - Execute KSDBIGC1 to add records to a
      * VSAM Keyed Sequential Data Set (KSDS).
      *
      * EXECUTION or CALLING PROTOCOL
      * -----------------------------
      * Use standard JCL to EXECUTE or ANIMATE.
      *
      * DESCRIPTION
      * -----------
      * This single COBOL program will add records to a VSAM, KSDS.
      * The number of records added is determined by the RECORD-LIMIT.
      *
      *    ************
      *    * KSDBIGJ1 *
      *    ********jcl*
      *         *
      *         *
      *    ************     ************
      *    * KSDBIGC1 *-----* VKSD0256 *
      *    ********cbl*     *******vsam*
      *
      *
      *****************************************************************
      *
      * MAINTENANCE
      * -----------
      * 1997/02/27 Simmons, Created program.
      * 1997/02/27 Simmons, No changes to date.
      *
      *****************************************************************
      *
       ENVIRONMENT DIVISION.
       INPUT-OUTPUT   SECTION.
       FILE-CONTROL.

      *****************************************************************
           SELECT VKSD0256-FILE
               ASSIGN       to VKSD0256
               ORGANIZATION is INDEXED
               ACCESS MODE  is SEQUENTIAL
               RECORD KEY   is VKSD0256-KEY
               FILE STATUS  is VKSD0256-STATUS.

      *****************************************************************
       DATA DIVISION.
       FILE SECTION.

      *****************************************************************
       FD  VKSD0256-FILE.
       01  VKSD0256-RECORD.
           05  VKSD0256-KEY        PIC 9(12).
           05  VKSD0256-DATA       PIC X(244).

       WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
      *****************************************************************
      *    Data-structure for Title and Copyright...
      *****************************************************************
       01  SIM-TITLE.
           05  T1 pic X(11) value '* KSDBIGC1 '.
           05  T2 pic X(34) value 'Sample, Create a large KSDS file  '.
           05  T3 pic X(10) value ' v1.1.00  '.
           05  T4 pic X(24) value ' http://www.simotime.com'.
       01  SIM-COPYRIGHT.
           05  C1 pic X(11) value '* KSDBIGC1 '.
           05  C2 pic X(20) value 'Copyright 1987-2010 '.
           05  C3 pic X(28) value '  SimoTime Enterprises, LLC '.
           05  C4 pic X(20) value ' All Rights Reserved'.

       01  SIM-THANKS-01.
           05  C1 pic X(11) value '* KSDBIGC1 '.
           05  C2 pic X(32) value 'Thank you for using this sample '.
           05  C3 pic X(32) value 'by SimoTime Enterprises, LLC    '.
           05  C4 pic X(04) value '    '.

       01  SIM-THANKS-02.
           05  C1 pic X(11) value '* KSDBIGC1 '.
           05  C2 pic X(32) value 'Please send comments or suggesti'.
           05  C3 pic X(32) value 'ons to helpdesk@simotime.com    '.
           05  C4 pic X(04) value '    '.

       01  VKSD0256-STATUS.
           05  VKSD0256-STAT1      pic X.
           05  VKSD0256-STAT2      pic X.

       01  QSAM0080-STATUS.
           05  QSAM0080-STAT1      pic X.
           05  QSAM0080-STAT2      pic X.

       01  IO-STATUS.
           05  IO-STAT1            pic X.
           05  IO-STAT2            pic X.
       01  TWO-BYTES.
           05  TWO-BYTES-LEFT      pic X.
           05  TWO-BYTES-RIGHT     pic X.
       01  TWO-BYTES-BINARY        redefines TWO-BYTES pic 9(4) comp.

       01  END-OF-FILE             pic X(3)    value 'NO '.

       01  CONSOLE-BUFFER.
           05  CONSOLE-HEADER      pic X(11)   value '* KSDBIGC1 '.
           05  CONSOLE-MESSAGE     pic X(48).

       01  VSAM-WRITE-ONLY         pic X       value 'N'.

       01  APPL-RESULT             pic S9(9)   comp.
           88  APPL-AOK            value 0.
           88  APPL-EOF            value 16.

       01  TEST-DATA.
           05  LOWER-CASE pic X(26) value 'abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz'.
           05  UPPER-CASE pic X(26) value 'ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ'.
           05  ZERO-NINE  pic X(10) value '0123456789'.

       01  SHIFT-COUNT    pic 9(3)  value 1.


       01  RECORD-COUNT-MESSAGE.
           05  FILLER          pic X(19) Value 'Record count is... '.
           05  RECORD-COUNT        PIC 9(12)   value 0.

      *01  RECORD-LIMIT            PIC 9(12)   value 100.
      *01  RECORD-LIMIT            PIC 9(12)   value 50000.
      *01  RECORD-LIMIT            PIC 9(12)   value 250000.
      *01  RECORD-LIMIT            PIC 9(12)   value 1000000.
      *01  RECORD-LIMIT            PIC 9(12)   value 5000000.
       01  RECORD-LIMIT            PIC 9(12)   value 15000000.

      *****************************************************************
       PROCEDURE DIVISION.

           perform Z-POST-COPYRIGHT.

           perform VKSD0256-OPEN.

           add 1 to ZERO giving RECORD-COUNT

           perform until RECORD-COUNT > RECORD-LIMIT
               add RECORD-COUNT to ZERO giving VKSD0256-KEY
      *
      *        * Clear the data area of the record to be written...
               move SPACES to VKSD0256-DATA
      *
      *        * Identify the record number
               move 'This is record - ' to VKSD0256-DATA
               move RECORD-COUNT to VKSD0256-DATA(18:12)
      *
      *        * Add the test data and shift one byte per each record
               if  SHIFT-COUNT = 1
                   move TEST-DATA to VKSD0256-DATA(32:62)
               else
                   move TEST-DATA(SHIFT-COUNT:63 - SHIFT-COUNT)
                     to VKSD0256-DATA(32:63 - SHIFT-COUNT)
                   move TEST-DATA(1:SHIFT-COUNT - 1)
                     to VKSD0256-DATA(95 - SHIFT-COUNT:SHIFT-COUNT - 1)
               end-if
               if  SHIFT-COUNT < 62
                   add 1 to SHIFT-COUNT
               else
                   add 1 to ZERO giving SHIFT-COUNT
               end-if
      *
      *        * Identify the end of the record...
               move '...End'     to VKSD0256-DATA(239:6)
      *
      *        * Write the record
               perform VKSD0256-WRITE
               add 1 to RECORD-COUNT
           end-perform.

           subtract 1 from RECORD-COUNT

           perform VKSD0256-CLOSE.

           move 'VKSD0256-HAS-BEEN-UPDATED' to CONSOLE-MESSAGE
           move VKSD0256-KEY to CONSOLE-MESSAGE(27:12)
           perform Z-DISPLAY-CONSOLE-MESSAGE

           move RECORD-COUNT-MESSAGE to  CONSOLE-MESSAGE
           perform Z-DISPLAY-CONSOLE-MESSAGE

           move 'NORMAL-END-OF-JOB...' to CONSOLE-MESSAGE
           perform Z-DISPLAY-CONSOLE-MESSAGE

           perform Z-THANK-YOU.

           GOBACK.

      *****************************************************************
      * The following routines are in alphabetic sequence.            *
      *****************************************************************

      *****************************************************************
      * Routines to do a read by KEY of the KSDS, VSAM Data Set. If   *
      * the read is successful then the record may be updated else a  *
      * new record may be added.                                      *
      *****************************************************************
       VKSD0256-GET.
           read VKSD0256-FILE
           if  VKSD0256-STATUS = '00'
               subtract APPL-RESULT from APPL-RESULT
           else
               if  VKSD0256-STATUS = '10'
                   add 16 to ZERO giving APPL-RESULT
               else
                   add 12 to ZERO giving APPL-RESULT
               end-if
           end-if
           if  APPL-AOK
               CONTINUE
           else
               if  APPL-EOF
                   move 'YES' to END-OF-FILE
               else
                   move 'VKSD0256-Record-NOT-Found.'
                     to CONSOLE-MESSAGE
                   perform Z-DISPLAY-CONSOLE-MESSAGE
               end-if
           end-if
           exit.
      *---------------------------------------------------------------*
       VKSD0256-WRITE.
           write VKSD0256-RECORD
           if  VKSD0256-STATUS = '00'
               subtract APPL-RESULT from APPL-RESULT
           else
               if  VKSD0256-STATUS = '10'
                   add 16 to ZERO giving APPL-RESULT
               else
                   add 12 to ZERO giving APPL-RESULT
               end-if
           end-if
           if  APPL-AOK
               CONTINUE
           else
               if  APPL-EOF
                   move 'YES' to END-OF-FILE
               else
                   move 'VKSD0256-FAILURE-WRITE...' to CONSOLE-MESSAGE
                   move VKSD0256-STATUS to IO-STATUS
                   perform Z-DISPLAY-CONSOLE-MESSAGE
                   perform Z-DISPLAY-IO-STATUS
                   perform Z-ABEND-PROGRAM
               end-if
           end-if
           exit.
      *---------------------------------------------------------------*
       VKSD0256-OPEN.
           add 8 to ZERO giving APPL-RESULT.
           open OUTPUT VKSD0256-FILE
           if  VKSD0256-STATUS = '35'
               move 'Y' to VSAM-WRITE-ONLY
               move 'VKSD0256-FAILURE-OPEN-IO...' to CONSOLE-MESSAGE
               perform Z-DISPLAY-CONSOLE-MESSAGE
               move VKSD0256-STATUS to IO-STATUS
               perform Z-DISPLAY-IO-STATUS
               move 'VKSD0256-ATTEMPT-OPEN-OUTPUT..' to CONSOLE-MESSAGE
               perform Z-DISPLAY-CONSOLE-MESSAGE
               open output VKSD0256-FILE
           end-if
           if  VKSD0256-STATUS = '00'
               subtract APPL-RESULT from APPL-RESULT
           else
               add 12 to ZERO giving APPL-RESULT
           end-if
           if  APPL-AOK
               CONTINUE
           else
               move 'VKSD0256-FAILURE-OPEN...' to CONSOLE-MESSAGE
               move VKSD0256-STATUS to IO-STATUS
               perform Z-DISPLAY-CONSOLE-MESSAGE
               perform Z-DISPLAY-IO-STATUS
               perform Z-ABEND-PROGRAM
           end-if
           exit.
      *---------------------------------------------------------------*
       VKSD0256-CLOSE.
           add 8 to ZERO giving APPL-RESULT.
           close VKSD0256-FILE
           if  VKSD0256-STATUS = '00'
               subtract APPL-RESULT from APPL-RESULT
           else
               add 12 to ZERO giving APPL-RESULT
           end-if
           if  APPL-AOK
               CONTINUE
           else
               move 'VKSD0256-FAILURE-CLOSE...' to   CONSOLE-MESSAGE
               move VKSD0256-STATUS to IO-STATUS
               perform Z-DISPLAY-CONSOLE-MESSAGE
               perform Z-DISPLAY-IO-STATUS
               perform Z-ABEND-PROGRAM
           end-if
           exit.

      *****************************************************************
      * ABEND the program, post a message to the console and issue    *
      * a STOP RUN.                                                   *
      *****************************************************************
       Z-ABEND-PROGRAM.
           if  CONSOLE-MESSAGE not = SPACES
               perform Z-DISPLAY-CONSOLE-MESSAGE
           end-if
           move RECORD-COUNT-MESSAGE to  CONSOLE-MESSAGE
           perform Z-DISPLAY-CONSOLE-MESSAGE
           move 'PROGRAM-IS-ABENDING...'  to CONSOLE-MESSAGE
           perform Z-DISPLAY-CONSOLE-MESSAGE
           add 12 to ZERO giving RETURN-CODE
           STOP RUN.

      *****************************************************************
      * Display the file status bytes. This routine will display as   *
      * two digits if the full two byte file status is numeric. If    *
      * second byte is non-numeric then it will be treated as a       *
      * binary number.                                                *
      *****************************************************************
       Z-DISPLAY-IO-STATUS.
           if  IO-STATUS not NUMERIC
           or  IO-STAT1 = '9'
               subtract TWO-BYTES-BINARY from TWO-BYTES-BINARY
               move IO-STAT2 to TWO-BYTES-RIGHT
               display '* KSDBIGC1 FILE-STATUS-' IO-STAT1 '/'
                       TWO-BYTES-BINARY upon console
           else
               display '* KSDBIGC1 FILE-STATUS-' IO-STATUS upon console
           end-if
           exit.

      *****************************************************************
      * Display CONSOLE messages...                                   *
      *****************************************************************
       Z-DISPLAY-CONSOLE-MESSAGE.
           display CONSOLE-Buffer upon console
           move all SPACES to CONSOLE-MESSAGE
           exit.

      *****************************************************************
       Z-POST-COPYRIGHT.
           display SIM-TITLE     upon console
           display SIM-COPYRIGHT upon console
           exit.

      *****************************************************************
       Z-THANK-YOU.
           display SIM-THANKS-01 upon console
           display SIM-THANKS-02 upon console
           exit.
      *****************************************************************
      *      This example is provided by SimoTime Enterprises         *
      *        Our e-mail address is: helpdesk@simotime.com           *
      *     Also, visit our Web Site at http://www.simotime.com       *
      *****************************************************************

Summary
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The purpose of this document is to assist as a tutorial for new programmers or as a quick reference for experienced programmers. In the world of programming there are many ways to solve a problem. This suite of programs is provided as a COBOL programming example of how to create a very large file using Micro Focus COBOL.

Software Agreement and Disclaimer
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Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software for any commercial purpose requires a fee to be paid to SimoTime Enterprises. Once the fee is received by SimoTime the latest version of the software will be delivered and a license will be granted for use within an enterprise, provided the SimoTime copyright notice appear on all copies of the software. The SimoTime name or Logo may not be used in any advertising or publicity pertaining to the use of the software without the written permission of SimoTime Enterprises.

Permission to use, copy and modify this software for any non-commercial purpose and without fee is hereby granted, provided the SimoTime copyright notice appear on all copies of the software. The SimoTime name or Logo may not be used in any advertising or publicity pertaining to the use of the software without the written permission of SimoTime Enterprises.

SimoTime Enterprises makes no warranty or representations about the suitability of the software for any purpose. It is provided "AS IS" without any express or implied warranty, including the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. SimoTime Enterprises shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from the loss of use, data or projects, whether in an action of contract or tort, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of this software.

If you have any questions, suggestions or comments please call or send an e-mail to: helpdesk@simotime.com

Downloads and Links to Similar Pages
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You may download this example at http://www.simotime.com/sim4dzip.htm#LargeFilesIdxSeq as a Z-Pack. The Z-Packs provide individual programming examples, documentation and test data files in a single package. The Z-Packs are usually in zip format to reduce the amount of time to download.

Please view the complete list of SimoTime Z-Pack Examples at http://www.simotime.com/sim4dzip.htm .

Note: You must be attached to the Internet to download a Z-Pack or view the list.

The SimoZAPS Utility Program has the capability of generating a COBOL program that will do the conversion of sequential and VSAM (KSDS) files between EBCDIC and ASCII. SimoZAPS can also read a sequential file in EBCDIC format and create an ASCII/CRLF file or VSAM KSDS file in ASCII format. The conversion tables may be viewed or modified to meet unique requirements. The Hexcess/2 function provides the capability of viewing, finding or patching the contents of a file in hexadecimal.

Check out   The COBOL Connection   for more examples of mainframe COBOL coding techniques and sample code.

Check out   The SimoTime Library   for a wide range of topics for Programmers, Project Managers and Software Developers.

To review all the information available on this site start at   The SimoTime Home Page  .

Comments or Suggestions
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If you have any questions, suggestions or comments please call or send an e-mail to: helpdesk@simotime.com

About SimoTime Enterprises
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Founded in 1987, SimoTime Enterprises is a privately owned company. We specialize in the creation and deployment of business applications using new or existing technologies and services. We have a team of individuals that understand the broad range of technologies being used in today's environments. This includes the smallest thin client using the Internet and the very large mainframe systems. There is more to making the Internet work for your company's business than just having a nice looking WEB site. It is about combining the latest technologies and existing technologies with practical business experience. It's about the business of doing business and looking good in the process. Quite often, to reach larger markets or provide a higher level of service to existing customers it requires the newer Internet technologies to work in a complementary manner with existing corporate mainframe systems. Whether you want to use the Internet to expand into new market segments or as a delivery vehicle for existing business functions simply give us a call or check the web site at http://www.simotime.com