6 replies to this topic

[Rob Fantini]

Hello,
I'm using SCO 5.0.5, pro4 ver 4.5.32

I've got to add some fields to a C-ISAM file. [THe file has Alternate Indexes].

In the past I've
1-made a new file def. using @CFIL.
2-insert the new fields.
3-rename the indexes for new def.
4-create the new c-isam file
5-then copy the data from the old file to the new.

Is that the only way to add fields to a c-isam file?

Rob

[Rob Donovan]

Hi,

Yep, I'm afraid so!!!!

Rob

[Rob Fantini]

That was fast!!

[Mike Schoen]

The other option, which we have used, is to leave some spare
fields, ie a few numeric spares and some alpha spares.
Then you can still add some new numerics, and chop up
the alpha spare into pieces.

You do have to watch the record size to make sure you don't
change it, and it does use up space in the file.
(It would be nice if varialble length c-isam was available for
us, but Pro-IV never replies to my requests about how
it works)

Mike

[Rob Donovan]

Mike,

To use variable length CISAM records you have to buy
a new licence from PRO-IV ltd.

Rob

[Mike Schoen]

Thanks Rob.

Believe it or not, but that's more than I've gotten
from Pro-IV Support.

Mike

[Rob Fantini]

Check 'iscr'. Since sometime around 4.520 there was an '-l' flag added:
iscr -------- PRO-IV ® Create/Clear selected database file(s).
Copyright © 1994, MDIS McDonnell Information Systems.
All rights reserved. Unauthorised use strictly prohibited.
PRO-IV Version : 4.0000 Revision: 5.3.2

usage; iscr [-n] [-k] [-r] [-e] [-f] [-l] file(s)

-l;
Create variable length file(s) if filetype is C-ISAM.

I've been able to create variable len c-isam files. But I've not been able to figure out how to do so and have alternate indexes.

Some of the other 'is' utilities have variable legnth c-isam flags..

I've ask pro4 tech support about their use but have not gotten an answer despite asking many times and ways.