Problem:
This document describes how to open files or create new files that are not included in a Project.
It is not necessary to have a project open in order to use the Data Tools. You can open or create new files using the File menu from the Main tool bar in NetExpress.
For more help using the Data Tools to convert, browse, edit and create data files, refer to the Getting Start Online Book chapter called Maintaining and Creating Data Files. It contains an excellent sample on performing these tasks.
Resolution:
Creating New Files using the Data File Editor
1.
From the File menu, select New.
2.
From the New dialog box, select Data File.
3.
Enter the appropriate characteristics for your data file, and select the Create button.
Opening Files using the Data File Editor
1.
From the File menu, select Open.
2.
At the "Files of Type" option, select Data files (*.dat) or All files (*.*)
3.
At the "Open As" option, select Data.
4.
Enter the name of you data file, or select it by using the Browse button.
Note: Any files opened using the Data "OpenAs" option, will be opened using the Data File Editor.
Opening Files using the Record Layout Editor
Note: a *.str file must exist before using this option)
1.
From the File menu, select Open.
2.
Select File Type as Record Layout File (*.str).
Creating a Record Layout File
1.
Compile a COBOL program that contains the record layout. (The Record Layout Editor requires an IDY file to create the record layout).
2.
From the File menu, select New
3.
From the New dialog box, select Record Layout.
4.
Use the dialog box displayed to select your IDY file (remember it will be in the DEBUG directory if you compiled from within a project).
5.
From here, use the Record Layout Editor to create the Record Layout file
Note: To find out how to use the Record Layout Editor, see the help provided in the NetExpress online help file. (Click on the Help Topics button, ensure that the Contents tab is at the front and then select Development Environment, Data Tools, Record Layout
