Problem:

For line sequential file processing, how can spaces be alternately permitted or suppressed?

Resolution:

set "STRIPSPACE" variable to either "ON" or "OFF" in extfh.cfg file.

Example of extfh.cfg file as follows:

[XFH-DEFAULT]       

STRIPSPACE=OFF  (for all files)

BASENAME=ON     (enables file handler -

                                 anything following

                                 pertains to particular files

                                 for strip space OFF.

                                 Spaces are permitted.)

[MYFILE.DAT]       - <sample file name>

STRIPSPACE=ON   (re-enables strip space,

                                  for other files.

                                  Spaces are suppressed.)

To enable the usage of the file handler parameters configuration file you should set the environment variable EXTFH to point to the location and configuration file name.  For example;

SET EXTFH=drive:\\directory\\configuration file name.cfg