Using QSAM files
QSAM (queued sequential access method) files are unkeyed files in which the records are placed one after another, according to entry order.
About this task
Your program can process these files only sequentially,
retrieving records using the READ
statement in the
same order as they are in the file. Each record is placed after the
preceding record. To process QSAM files in your program, use COBOL
language statements that:
- Identify and describe the QSAM files in the
ENVIRONMENT DIVISION
and theDATA DIVISION
. - Process the records in these files in the
PROCEDURE DIVISION
.
After you create a record, you cannot change its length or its position in the file, and you cannot delete it.