Connection Wizard Flat File Record Parser

Use the Flat File Record Parser window to manually define the layout of the flat file. The options on this dialog box define only the format of the data; the data itself is not changed.

To manually define the layout of the flat file

1. From the Record Layout Selection window when Parse Flat File is selected, click Next. The Flat File Record Parser dialog box appears.
2. In the Record Layout Name field, type a name for this layout.
3. Select either the Length or Separator button:
   • Length: Specifies that each record in the file is the same length. Enter in the field the length for each record.
   • Separator: Specifies that each record in the file is separated by a specific character or character set. Select from the list the correct record separator.

4. In the Field Name field, type the name for the highlighted field of the record layout.

   Note

   Sample data in this window appears as one field by default. Click anywhere within the data to add additional fields to the record.

5. In the Field Length field, specify the maximum number of characters allowed for this field.

   Note

   Field length can also be defined by clicking and dragging the field headers.

6. From the Field Type list, select the type of data stored in this field. The choices are Decimal, Float, Integer, Packed, and String.
7. Optionally, click Hex Display to display the sample data with the hexadecimal equivalents.
8. If necessary, click Clear Fields to remove any additional fields created and return the record to one field (the default for flat file).
9. Optionally, click Advanced to open the Flat File Advanced Properties dialog box to set the code page and Endian properties.
10. Click Finish to save the changes and exit the Connection Wizard. The ComparePro window Baseline or Test tab appears, depending on which was being defined.