SECONDARY_TABLE XFD directive

Restriction: This topic applies only when a Database Connectors license has been installed via the Micro Focus License Management System.

Some Database Connectors interfaces (including MSSQL Server) permit subordinate tables. When this is the case, you can use the SECONDARY_TABLE XFD directive to indicate that the next data item may be placed into a subordinate table if more than one table is necessary to accommodate the data.

Up to 26 subordinate tables can be created from a single record description. Each table name is based on the original table name, with a letter from A to Z appended. For example, if the original table were named "my-table", subsequent subordinate tables would be given these names:

When the run time system accesses the XFD, it makes an initial pass through the data, taking all eligible data items for which the SECONDARY_TABLE XFD directive is not specified.

SECONDARY_TABLE is ignored for certain data items. These include:

If the table size is not exceeded in the first pass, then, in a second pass, the run time system appends to the original table all items marked SECONDARY_TABLE that can be accommodated.

When the first table reaches a limit (either in total number of columns or total number of characters), that table is created, and a new table is begun. Items that did not fit into the previous table are placed into a subordinate table, in the order in which they are encountered.

The process repeats until all items have been accommodated.

It is permissible to place the SECONDARY_TABLE XFD directive just before a level 01 record definition. In this case, it applies to all fields underneath the level 01.

Syntax

$XFD SECONDARY_TABLE

Example

 $xfd secondary_table
  01  description      pic x(80).