Open Query File Magic!

This time-saving book shows you how to exploit the power of IBM's Open Query File (OPNQRYF) to sort, select, summarize, and join data for input to programs. With OPNQRYF, you can allow end users to see data sorted the way they want it, to see only the data fields they are interested in, to calculate new fields, or see data in summary form--all without having to write high-level language programs.

Just as query programs have allowed users to be much more productive, OPNQRYF can make your programs more productive. Instead of writing two or more programs that do more or less the same thing, you can write one flexible program that will handle all foreseen(and many unforeseen) requests of information. The book covers keywords, special parameters, record selection, assigning values to fields, joining two or more files, and much more.

Upon completion of this book, you will be able to:
   • Use OPNQRYF to select and sequence records
   • Create work variables with OPNQRYF
   • Dynamically join files
   • Create summary reports and recaps more easily
   • Write simpler high-level-language programs
   • Convert S/36 sorts to OPNQRYF
   • Improve the performance of query processing
   • Avoid the errors programmers commonly make when using OPNQRYF



Ted Holt has been working in the information technology industry since 1981, primarily with IBM midrange computers. His industry experience includes the fields of manufacturing, healthcare, education, retail, and wholesale. He holds a master's degree in computer science and has taught in community colleges, universities, and vocational/technical schools.

More About the Author:

Ted Holt