Process an Extract Request

Compare validates the specifications in the Access Definition. If the Access Definition is valid, processing continues. If the Access Definition is invalid, processing proceeds as follows:

• If Schedule is selected, the Stop on Error parameter on the Steps tab of the Job Details dialog determines whether processing continues.
• If Run is selected, Compare displays an appropriate error message, such as “Access Definition does not exist,” or “Invalid Access Definition” and processing stops.

Compare locates the Extract File and if it does not exist, creates it. If the Extract File does exist, processing proceeds as follows:

• If Schedule is selected, processing continues. The file will be overwritten.
• If Run is selected, a confirmation dialog prompts you to specify whether the data in the file is to be overwritten. To disable this feature, refer to the Common Elements Manual .

Compare verifies that variables are defined in the Access Definition and that values are defined for each variable.

• If the values are valid, processing continues.
• If the values are invalid (for example, the data type, size, or resulting SQL syntax are invalid), processing stops and errors are recorded on the Extract Process Report.
• If values are missing or the Always Prompt for Values at Run Time check box is selected on the Variables tab, the Extract File Variable Valuesdialog is displayed. Enter values for variables, as required, to continue processing.

If a Point and Shoot list is specified, Compare verifies that the rows are valid.

• If the rows in the Point and Shoot list are valid, processing continues.
• If a Point and Shoot list file is specified and cannot be found, processing stops.
• If the rows in a Point and Shoot list are invalid, missing, or if primary key values in the file do not exist in the Start Table, processing proceeds as follows:
  • If Schedule is selected, the Stop on Error parameter you specified on the Steps tab of the Job Details dialog determines whether processing continues.
  • If Run is selected, you are prompted to specify how to proceed. You can select to continue Extract processing without using the Point and Shoot list, or select to cancel the Extract Process.

Compare performs the Extract for each table specified in the Access Definition and generates an Extract Process Report.

• If Schedule is selected, the Extract proceeds when scheduled. The Extract Process Report is saved to a file. Open and print the report from the Scheduler after the Extract completes.
• If Run is selected, the Extract Request Progress dialog displays a status message as rows of data are extracted from each table. The Extract Process Report displays automatically when the Extract completes. Review and print the report, as required.