Data Retrieval Using TABLEF

TABLEF is a variation of the TABLE command that provides a fast method of retrieving data that is already stored in the order required for printing and requires no additional sorting.

Using TABLEF, records are retrieved in the logical sequence from the data source. The standard report request syntax applies, subject to the following rules:

  • Any BY phrases must be compatible with the logical sequence of the data source. BY phrases are used only to establish control breaks, not to change the order of the records.
  • ACROSS phrases are not permitted.
  • Multiple display commands are not permitted. Only one display command may be used.
  • After the report is executed, RETYPE, HOLD, and SAVE are not available. However, you can produce an extract file if you include ON TABLE HOLD or ON TABLE SAVE as part of the request.
  • NOSPLIT is not compatible with the TABLEF command, and produces a FOC037 error message.
  • TABLEF can be used with HOLD files and other non-FOCUS data sources when the natural sort sequence of both the request and the data are the same.
  • The DST. prefix operator is not permitted.
  • BORDER styling is not supported with TABLEF.
  • TABLEF is not supported with SQUEEZE.

Printing Using Fast Table Retrieval

If you previously created a HOLD file from the EMPLOYEE data source, sorted by the CURR_SAL, LAST_NAME, and FIRST_NAME fields, you can issue the following TABLEF request: 

TABLEF FILE HOLD
PRINT CURR_SAL AND LAST_NAME AND FIRST_NAME
END