File Translation

The file translation function translates any of the 8-bit codes used for characters into another 8-bit code. The use of file translation indicates one or both of the following:

• A character code used in the input data must be translated into the system code.
• The output data must be translated from the system code into a different code. The translation on input data occurs before any field selection has taken place. The translation on output data occurs after any editing taken place.

Remember the following when specifying file translation:

• File translation can be specified for data in array or table files (T in position 18 of the file description specifications).
• File translation can be used with data in combined, input, or update files that are translated at input and output time according to the file translation table provided. If file translation is used to translate data in an update file, each record must be written before the next record is read.
• For any I/O operation that specifies a search argument in factor 1 (such as CHAIN, READE, READPE, SETGT, or SETLL) for files accessed by keys, the search argument is translated before the file is accessed.
• If file translation is specified for both a record address file and the file being processed (if the file being processed is processed sequentially within limits), the records in the record address file are first translated according to the file translation specified for that file, and then the records in the file being processed are translated according to the file translation specified for that file.
• File translation applies only on a single byte basis.
• Every byte in the input and output record is translated.
• File translation is not supported for local files defined in subprocedures.