User`s guide

222 VEE User’s Guide
5 Storing and Retrieving Test Results Chapter
Using Records to Store Mixed Data Types
The Record data type can store different data types in a single
data container. Record can include any VEE data type. The data
can be in the shape of a Scalar or an Array. You can store a test
name, a time stamp, and a real array in a single data structure.
The individual elements in a Record are stored as fields and are
accessed using a dot notation. For example, Rec.Name accesses
the field called Name within a Record called Rec. In an array of
records, Rec[2].Name signifies the Name field in the third
record in the array. All arrays start indexing at zero.
There are several benefits to structuring test data using the
Record data type:
• You can create logical groupings of mixed data types in a
single container, which makes a program easier to develop
and maintain. For example, you might use the following
fields for a record storing test data: test name, value
returned, pass or fail indicator, time stamp, nominal value
expected, upper pass limit, lower pass limit, and a
description of the test.
• You can manipulate a single data container rather than eight
separate data containers. This makes the program simpler
and more readable.
• You can store and retrieve Records from DataSets in VEE. A
DataSet is a special file created to store records. When you
retrieve records from a DataSet, you do not have to know the
data types. VEE provides objects to retrieve, sort, and search
the information stored in DataSets.