Display Fields in a File

Use the Data Dictionary Inquiry (DFQ) to display file structure details (e.g., fields, variable names, positions).

  1. Enter the name of the file or click the Lookup icon and use the standard lookup options to select the file from a list.

    The program displays file information:

Field Name

Displays

File

The file name you entered followed by the file's description

Format

The format number to read and write records

Description

The descriptive name of the file specified

#FILES name

The file name in the data dictionary

Rec sz

The record size

Prmy ky sz

The size of file's key

XML import?

Y indicates there is a PowerShift app to export the file and subsequently import new and/or changed records. See Overview: File Export-Import Process for more information.

Data type

A one-letter code that indicates the type of data in the file:

W

Work

M

Master

T

Transaction

X

Cross-reference

I

Internal (e.g., a Qantel-maintained file)

S

Sort

D

Data dictionary

R

Record

H

History

A

Shadow (non-standard file used by applications)

Followed by these details for each field in the file:

Field Name

Displays

Key

* indicates the variable is the key or part of the key

Pos

The position of the first character variable in the record. The first possible record position is 0.

Var name

The QICBASIC name for this variable; the last character of string variable names is $

Type

The variable type:
N: numeric
S: string

Length

The length and precision of the variable. If the variable is an array, length is followed by several blanks then x and the number of array elements. For example, 40    x25 indicates the field contains 25 elements each of length 40.

Variable desc 1

The default field label when the variable is displayed

#FILES name

The data dictionary name of the variable

XML element name

The XML name of the variable

Notes?

Y indicates there are notes with additional information about the field

#FILES title

 The field label in the data dictionary; it is the default used in Report Generator and QICLOOK

Variable desc 2

 The secondary label used by programs that display this field

Srt key

 The sort file key

Code file

 The table file that contains valid entries for the field

  1. Choose the appropriate options:

To

Do This

Review your options for this program

Click Prog opts. See Set Options for Reports and Inquiries.

Print the variable listing for this file

Click Print. See Print an Inquiry.

Display notes for a variable

Highlight the line and click Ln notes or double click the line. See Display Notes.

A Y in the Notes? column indicates that there are notes for the field variable.

Display notes for the file

Click Hdr notes. See Display Notes.

Specify a different file

Click OK. See step 1.

Return to the menu

Click Exit.