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 the DATA 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.

Related tasks  
Identifying files

Related references  
QSAM file system  
FILESYS