Editing large data sets

The Data Editor can open and step through large data sets whose contents cannot easily be transferred and stored in local memory. To allow for editing of these data sets, the Data Editor opens a subset of records from the selected data set.

If a particular record is not displayed in the initial subset, you can traverse through the remaining records in the data set by stepping ahead or back a predetermined number of records. Performing a step refreshes the current view to show the next series of records in a targeted data set while removing a portion of the displayed records from the screen.

For example, suppose that the editor is configured to display 200 records at a time and has a step size of 50 records. If a data set is opened that contains 1,000 records, records 1 - 200 are displayed first. When a step down is performed to view the remaining records in the data set, the editor refreshes to view records 50 - 250.

This process allows for large data sets to be opened and manipulated without affecting performance. The number of records that are initially opened and displayed and the record step size in the editor can be configured with the Editor data set step size (Records) and Editor data set window size (Records) preferences.

When you modify records at varying points in a large data set, it is not necessary to save the data set before you step through it. When modifications are made to records such as editing data, deleting, or adding new records, the Data Editor maintains these modifications as you traverse through the data set, placing the records in question potentially out of the editor view. Although not necessary, saving the data set before you step up or down can help reduce the number of changes that are sent to the remote system and reduce the number of records that must be maintained locally.

The Jump to feature can be used to quickly go to a specific record in a file. If you know the exact record that you want to edit, you can go directly by typing the record number in the Jump to field. You can also select to go to first or last record in the file. The Jump to field is in the editor taskbar.