Reformat (9)

The Reformat function extends the capability of the File-AID Copy utility by permitting the input file to be reformatted as it is being copied. The Reformat function uses COBOL or PL/I record layouts to define the input and output files. You can select input file records for processing by specifying source field level selection criteria. Since you can use the same record layout for the input and output files, you can use the Reformat function to perform repetitive selective file copying as well as file reformatting tasks.

Once a reformat definition is created, you can execute the Reformat function in the foreground or submit it to batch. When executing the Reformat function in the foreground, you can choose to automatically transfer control to File-AID Browse or Edit to view the results of the reformat.

This section discusses Reformat function options and screens, including:

The File-AID Reformat function is a copy process with enhanced features over a copy utility such as IEBCOPY. File-AID Reformat function enables you to:

• Copy records that meet conditions that you specify in a reformat definition. File-AID can check fields for data types or values to qualify a record for copying.
• Add a new field to the target file and initialize it during the copy process.
• Reorganize fields in a file by defining a new structure for the target file in the reformat definition.
• Validate fields from the source file. When the source data is copied, records may be included or excluded from the target file based on whether the data contents of one or more fields is valid or invalid.

A reformat definition consists of record selection criteria and field references. File-AID uses the record selection criteria to reformat only those records that meet specific conditions, such as a certain string in a specific field. The field references indicate where the field data from the source record will be copied to the target record. When the reformat definition is executed, the fields in the target record are initialized.

A reformat definition is created using the Reformat Record Layouts screen and the Reformat Definition Editor screen (the reformat editor). The reformat editor is a tool to assist in the creation and maintenance of reformat definitions.