SORT-MERGE/XL General User's Guide (32650-90883)
65
6 SORT-MERGE/XL Commands
This chapter describes the SORT-MERGE/XL commands used to execute the sort or merge
operations you want to perform on files. In previous chapters you were exposed to the basic
aspects of some commands, such as >INPUT, >OUTPUT, >KEY, and >END.
The SORT-MERGE/XL commands in this chapter are listed in alphabetical order. All
SORT-MERGE/XL commands are identical for both subsystems, with the exception of the
>INPUT and >OUTPUT commands.
The SORT/XL and MERGE/XL subsystems can be used during an interactive session or in
a batch job. In an interactive session, commands are entered at the subsystem chevron (>)
prompt. When large amounts of input and output are involved, it may be more convenient
to run the program as a batch job by streaming it from a terminal, and scheduling it to run
at a time when the system is not being fully utilized.
When the length of a command exceeds one line, enter an ampersand (&) as the last
nonblank character on the line to continue the command to a second line or subsequent
lines. In an interactive session, both SORT/XL and MERGE/XL prompt you for the rest of
the command with the double-chevron (>>) prompt as shown in the following example:
:SORT
HP32214A.01.00 SORT/3000 THU, JUN 4, 1987, 8:00 AM
© HEWLETT-PACKARD CO. 1986
>INPUT SORT1, SORT2, SORT3, SORT4,...SORTn&
>>
The SORT-MERGE/XL commands described in this chapter are listed below:
>ALTSEQ >OUTPUT (MERGE/XL)
>DATA >OUTPUT (SORT/XL)
>END >RESET
>EXIT >SHOW
>INPUT (MERGE/XL) >VERIFY
>INPUT (SORT/XL) >:(MPE Command)
>KEY >:EOD
>LANGUAGE
For information on possible error messages you may encounter while using
SORT-MERGE/XL commands, refer to Appendix A.