C-ISAM Files

This chapter describes how you can handle C-ISAM files.

In this Chapter

Introduction

The Micro Focus File Handler enables you to access C-ISAM files from COBOL programs that either use the standard COBOL file handling syntax, or that use the Callable File Handler interface. The Micro Focus File Handler creates standard C-ISAM format files.

If you have access to your own C-ISAM file handler, you can use that in place of the C-ISAM file handling routines provided as part of the Micro Focus File Handler.

Specifying a C-ISAM File Handler at Link Time

To link your own C-ISAM file handler with a COBOL program, you must specify the following flags on the cob command line:

Examples

cob -x prog1.cbl prog2.cbl prog3.cbl

compiles and links prog1.cbl, prog2.cbl and prog3.cbl. These programs will use the C-ISAM file handling routines supplied with the Micro Focus File Handler .

cob -x prog1.cbl prog2.cbl prog3.cbl -m ixfile=cixfile +l isam

compiles and links prog1.cbl, prog2.cbl and prog3.cbl with your C-ISAM file handling routines.

cob -xo rts32 -e "" -m ixfile=cixfile +l isam

produces a run-time system that you can use to run intermediate and unlinked native code files with your C-ISAM routine library. For example, to run the intermediate code file prog1.int using your C-ISAM library, enter:

rts32 prog1.int

Differences in Behavior

If you use your own C-ISAM file handling routines, you should be aware of the following possible differences in behavior:

Additionally, the Micro Focus File Handler supports the following functionality which your C-ISAM file handling routines may not: