Record Identification Entries
- Positions 7-16 (Record Name)
- Positions 17-20 (Reserved)
- Positions 21-22 (Record Identifying Indicator)
- Positions 23-80 (Reserved)
When the description of an externally described file is retrieved by the
compiler, the record definitions are also retrieved. To refer to the record
definitions, specify the record format name in the input, calculation, and
output specifications of the program. Input specifications for an externally
described file are required if:
- Record identifying indicators are to be specified.
- A field within a record is to be renamed for the program.
- Control level or matching field indicators are to be used.
- Field indicators are to be used.
The field description specifications must immediately follow the record identification specification for an externally described file.
A record line for an externally described file defines the beginning of the override specifications for the record. All specifications following the record line are part of the record override until another record format name or file name is found in positions 7 through 16 of the input specifications. All record lines that pertain to an externally described file must appear together; they cannot be mixed with entries for other files.