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FLEXX.MAN
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1994-01-23
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FLEXX Data File Comparison
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
and
OPERATING CONSIDERATIONS
Version 1.0
Copyright (c) 1993
F$OFT
Financial Software Engineering
14015 NE 87th Street
Redmond, WA 98052-1952
(206) 881-1968
Page 1
FILES:
FLEXX.EXE - The executable program for performing data file
comparisons.
FLEXX.MAN - This document.
ORDER.DOC - Document explaining the hardware and operating
environment requirements for FLEXX and contains
registration form for the program.
Page 2
FLEXX Overview
FLEXX is designed for a maximum of capabilities and a minimum of
operational involvement. FLEXX provides a quick and flexible method
of performing data file comparisons necessary during software
conversions. The process consists of having the original data file
and the converted data file resident on the PC hard drive. This is
accomplished by either downloading the files from a mainframe
computer or loading the files from floppy disks. Any technique that
will place both files on the PC to be used for the comparison is
acceptable.
FLEXX will compare data in individual fields (record segments),
report on differences within each field and, if a synchronized
compare is requested, identify the addition or deletion of records
contained in the two files.
Maximum record size currently allocated by FLEXX is 400 bytes. Any
file containing records that are 400 bytes or shorter may be compared
using FLEXX. If you have the need to compare files with record sizes
greater than 400 bytes, the size may be increased for registered users
of FLEXX by contacting F$OFT at the address or telephone number shown
on the cover page. A $10.00 fee will be assessed which includes
modification, media, shipping and handling.
Page 3
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:
Assumption:
1. You wish to identify differences that may exist in two comparable
data files.
2. The FLEXX program, the original file and the converted file are
all in located in the same directory.
Action:
1. FLEXX is activated by typing:
FLEXX and pressing the (ENTER/RETURN key)
2. A registration reminder screen will be displayed. Pressing the
ENTER key will allow the program to continue.
3. The next screen will be the FILE INPUT screen shown below.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* *
* Enter the name of the ORIGINAL File [ ] *
* *
* Enter the name of the NEW File [ ] *
* *
* Enter the name of the REPORT File [ ] *
* *
* *
* [ ] When all names are correct, enter a Y *
* and press ENTER. *
* *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Enter the names of the files to be compared and the name of the
report file to be created during the execution of the FLEXX program.
Each file name may contain a total of 12 characters, this includes
the period when using a file extension. Fewer than 12 characters
is permissible. Move from one entry to the next by pressing the
TAB key, do not use the ENTER key until all entries are complete.
Page 4
Example:
ORIGNIAL.DAT
When all file names and report name is entered, continue to the next
step by entering a Y in the lower left hand box and press the
ENTER/RETURN key.
4. The FLEXX program will check the current directory to validate the
presence of each of the input files entered on the previous screen.
If either of the files is not found, the following screen is
displayed.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* *
* Requested File *
* *
* ORIGINAL.DAT *
* *
* Does not exist. *
* *
* Press ENTER to continue. *
* *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NOTE: The REPORT file is not validated, a duplicate name will
cause an existing file to be overwritten.
If you are notified of a missing file, press the ENTER/RETURN key.
You will be returned to the FILE INPUT screen where you will be
allowed to correct the mistake and continue by pressing the
ENTER/RETURN key.
Should you need to discontinue the FLEXX program and return to
the DOS prompt, hold down the CTRL key and press the letter C.
Page 5
5. The OPTIONS Screen will display next.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* *
* OPTIONS - Select the desired options, press the Home key *
* [ ] enter a Y and *
* press the ENTER key to continue. *
* *
* *
* [ ] Synchronized Compare? *
* *
* Start the File compare with record number [ ] *
* *
* Terminate the File compare with record number [ ] *
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A. Synchronized Compare?
If you wish to confirm the addition or deletion of records
between the two files, enter a Y in this box. FLEXX will then
report any differences of records. If the difference is found
in the ORIGINAL File, the record will be reported as "MISSING".
If the difference is found in the NEW file, the record is
reported as "ADDED".
A synchronized compare can only be performed on files that are
sorted in ascending order on a defined control field. The
control field is always F1 on the INPUT DATA Screen.
If synchronized compare is not desired, press the HOME key,
enter the letter Y in the OPTIONS area and press the
ENTER/RETURN key.
B. Start the File compare with record number:
It is not necessary to compare entire files if areas of concern
have been previously isolated to a range of records. Place the
record number of the first record to be compared in this field,
FLEXX will begin the compare process at the selected record.
A value of 000000 in this field will cause FLEXX to begin the
file comparison with record number 1.
Page 6
C. Terminate the File compare with record number:
Place the record number of the last record to be included in
the compare process. A value of 000000 will cause FLEXX to
compare all records until an END OF FILE condition is
encountered.
NOTE: Beginning and Ending record entries are valid for all file
comparisons.
The placement of the letter Y in the OPTIONS area of this
screen without entering any data in the boxes below will
allow FLEXX to compare the entire file contents.
When you are satisfied with the options selected and entered on
the OPTIONS screen, press the HOME key, enter the letter Y and
press the ENTER/RETURN key to continue.
Page 7
6. The INPUT DATA screen will display:
[ ] When input data is complete, Press the HOME key,
enter a Y and press ENTER.
Define the fields to be compared.
Maximum single field length is 35 positions.
OLD FILE DATA: NEW FILE DATA:
F1 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ] F1 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ]
F2 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ] F2 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ]
F3 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ] F3 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ]
F4 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ] F4 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ]
F5 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ] F5 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ]
F6 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ] F6 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ]
F7 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ] F7 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ]
F8 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ] F8 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ]
F9 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ] F9 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ]
F10 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ] F10 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ]
F11 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ] F11 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ]
F12 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ] F12 START POS. [ ] LENGTH [ ]
A field length of 35 positions is necessary due to the fact that
the report is designed to be printed on 80 column paper width.
F1 is the control field identifier when performing a synchronized
compare. Each field thereafter may be entered in random order.
FLEXX will automatically adjust to field length differences in
the two files therefore it is not necessary to assure that the
field sizes are equal.
Non synchronized compares do not require a control field
identifier, entries may be in any order that makes the analysis
process easier for you the user.
Page 8
Assumptions:
1. You are familiar with the field positions of both files to be
compared by FLEXX.
2. You know the length of each field to be compared.
Action:
1. Enter the starting position of the first field on the F1 line.
A start position in the ORIGINAL FILE of 1 will be entered
as 001.
2. Enter the length of this field.
A length of 4 in the ORIGINAL FILE will be entered as 04.
3. Enter the starting position of the compare field on the F1 line.
A start position in the NEW FILE of 52 will be entered as 052.
4. Enter the length of this field.
A length of 10 in the NEW FILE will be entered as 10.
5. Continue this process until you have identified all of the
fields to be compared or you have exhausted all 12 compare keys.
6. To begin the compare process, press the HOME key, enter the
letter Y in the [ ] box and press the ENTER/RETURN key.
Page 9
7. Report printing.
The compare report will be found in the current directory
by the name you assigned on the FILES SCREEN. To print this
report:
Type PRINT <report name>
or
TYPE <report name> > LPT1
where <report name> is the assigned report name such as -
COMPARE.REP. The < and > are not part of the DOS command.
The DOS command will appear as:
TYPE COMPARE.REP > LPT1