SORT-MERGE/XL General User's Guide (32650-90883)

18 Chapter2
Getting Started With SORT-MERGE/XL
SORT- MERGE/XL Commands
SORT- MERGE/XL Commands
The SORT-MERGE/XL commands available to execute sort or merge operations on files
are introduced below. Table 2-1 lists each SORT-MERGE/XL command, gives its
abbreviation, and defines its function. With the exception of >INPUT and >OUTPUT, all
commands are identical in format for both SORT/XL and MERGE/XL.
Chapter 6 provides a complete description of all commands and their available options.
Table 2-1. SORT-MERGE/XL Commands
Command Abbreviation Function
>ALTSEQ >A The >ALTSEQ command defines a collating
sequence by modifying the standard ASCII (or
EBCDIC) collating sequence.
>DATA — The >DATA command specifies the type of input
data (ASCII or EBCDIC) and the basic collating
sequence to be used in the sort or merge operation.
>END >E The >END command indicates that all
specifications of SORT/XL or MERGE/XL
commands are concluded and the operation
specified should be performed.
>EXIT >EX The >EXIT command terminates the SORT/XL or
MERGE/XL program. Once issued it prevents any
sort or merge operation from being performed.
>INPUT
(MERGE/XL)
>I In MERGE/XL, the >INPUT command specifies the
sorted input files to be merged.
>INPUT
(SORT/XL)
>I In SORT/XL, the >INPUT command specifies the
input file(s) to be sorted.
>KEY >K The >KEY command specifies the location in the
record of the key data items to be used as the basis
for the sort or merge operation.
>LANGUAGE >L The >LANGUAGE command defines the configured
native language collating sequence to be used.
>OUTPUT
(MERGE/XL)
>O In MERGE/XL, the >OUTPUT command defines
and creates the output file which will contain the
merged records.
>OUTPUT
(SORT/XL)>O
In SORT/XL, the
>OUTPUT command
defines and creates the
output file which will
contain the sorted
records.