Copyright © TIBCO Software Inc. All Rights Reserved
Copyright © TIBCO Software Inc. All Rights Reserved


Chapter 9 Defining VSAM Tables for Files with Multiple Record Formats : VSAM Tables for Files with Multiple Records

VSAM Tables for Files with Multiple Records
What is a Multiple Record Format?
A VSAM table can reference or access a file of records that have different formats. For example, a personnel file has records that record employee benefits, payroll information, and training. To access this type of file with TIBCO Object Service Broker, you need to define multiple, related tables for each record format.
Usually the first table defines the base portion of the record that identifies subsequent record formats by a flag or record type indicator. To process the record, you GET the first base table then determine the subsequent record format by examining the flag byte. The corresponding related table is then accessed for the particular record format following the base portion of the record.
What is a Repeating Group?
A repeating group is a collection of data that occurs multiple times in a record. For example, a time collection system could have 52 repeating groups to record hours worked for each week of the year. You define VSAM tables for a file containing repeating groups using the same technique as with a file containing multiple record formats. That is, you define separate VSAM tables for the base portion of the record and the repeating group.
Sample File
The following example illustrates a sample file that has multiple record types. Each record contains sections of different formats (A and B), including a repeating group (B).

Copyright © TIBCO Software Inc. All Rights Reserved
Copyright © TIBCO Software Inc. All Rights Reserved