Setting Up a Fixed Length Flat File Schema

Setting Up a Fixed Length Flat File Schema

As a follow-up to a previous posts about EXTOL Flat File Schemas, we are revieing how we can set-up a fixed length flat file schema using EXTOL's Record Layout Designer.
Previous Flat File Schema Posts:

Updating File Properties for Fixed Length


EXTOL EBI Flat File Schema properties Fixed Length screenshot

When we create the flat file schema we are defining the file as fixed length, such as the example above.

Creating Fixed Length Record Fields


EXTOL EBI Fixed Length Flat File Schema fields screenshot

In the example above, we are creating a fixed length flat file schema with a single record and multiple fields. To set-up each field length we will "RIGHT CLICK" on "Record: FreightPayment" and choose: "Record Layout".

Defining Fields Lengths in Fixed Length Flat File Schema


EXTOL EBI Schema Define Field Lengths with Record Layout Designer screenshot

To define the lengths of the fields, we will use the Record Layout Designer. Here we can define the length of each field. Once each field defined the recrod length will be transposed to the record level to represent the total length of the record.

Define Record Properties in Fixed Length Flat File Schema


EXTOL EBI Schema Fixed Length Record properties screenshot

Once the field lengths are defined we can review the record properties.

In the example above, we will define the following properties:
  • Record ID Length
  • Record ID Start
  • Record ID Type
  • Record ID Value

Note: The Record Length will be automaically populated after the fields legnths are defined with Record Layout Designer.


Define Record Constraints in Fixed Length Flat File Schema


EXTOL EBI Schema Fixed Length Record constraints screenshot

If the record is going to repeat, such as the case in our example, we want th click on the 'Constraint' tab and then the "Unbounded" box.





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