Problem:

We are loading an IMS database and are seeing this error:

** ERROR (518) ** Duplicate secondary index key detected on input file.

**             ** Review list file for additional information.

What does this mean?

Resolution:

This database is defined with Secondary Index Sparse routines that must be present when loading the database. These Secondary Sparse Index routines are defined in the database

DBD in the EXTRTN statement. The purpose of an index sparse routine is to suppress secondary index generation depending on segment data content. This is typically when index source fields contain nulls or spaces. Without these routines active in the MFE project, secondary index records will be generated and duplicate entries will be made (as we saw).

The Help reference for this is:

Online Help>Contents tab>Using Mainframe Express>IMS Option>

IMS Technical Guide>Chapter 6: Advanced Database Administration

Topics>External Secondary Sparse Routines

To activate the sparse routine do this:

Go to the IMS tab in the Project View, select IMS System, Right-Click,

select Properties, select the DB tab, select 'Enable Secondary Index

Sparse and Data Capture Exits', select the language in use (Cobol or Assembler)