Method 1. Converting segments or a database

Method 1 for converting segments or a database to use variable length segments involves creating a new DBD and writing your own application program to retrieve each segment, add the 2-byte size field, and then insert the segment back into the database.

To convert selected segments or the entire database this way, you must:

Procedure

  1. Determine whether the change you are making affects the code in any application programs. If the code is affected, make sure it gets changed.
  2. Code and generate a new DBD that identifies the segment types that will be variable length, and their size.
  3. If the change you are making affected the code in application programs, make any necessary changes to the PSBs for those application programs. If you have the DB/DC Data Dictionary, it can help you determine which application programs and PCBs are affected by the DBD changes you have made.
  4. Rebuild the ACB if you have ACBs prebuilt rather than built dynamically.
  5. Write a program that sequentially retrieves from the database all segments that are to be variable length. Your program must add the 2-byte size field to each segment retrieved and then insert the segment back into the database.