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Edit a Mainframe file in the RecordEditor without a copybook

How do you Edit a (binary EBCDIC) Mainframe file in the RecordEditor with out a Cobol Copybook.

How do you generate Java code to read the file using the RecordEditor.

Note: This is an attempt to split a question that is far to broad to give meaningful answer to into a series of simpler Question and Answer's.

Solution

  • Try and avoid editing a binary file with a Cobol Copybook if at all possible. This should only be attempted as a last resort !!!.

    Try and get that Cobol copybook (or some field layout document) for the file !!!

    Some general advise:

    • It is feasible when dealing with 10 / 20 fields in a record but not if there a thousands of fields in a Record.
    • Take your time do not rush the process. Try and get each step correct before moving on
    • Finally upgrade to the latest version of the RecordEditor (currently 0.98.4)
    • This process will also work for normal Text file as well

    RecordEditor Layout Wizard

    To start the wizard select option Record Layouts >>> Layout Wizard.

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    File Structure screen

    The file structure screen has 3 purposes:

    • Get the File structure - It could be Fixed Width, VB, Windows/Unix Text file
    • Get the Record-Length (if it is a fixed width file).
    • Get the font (character-set / encoding)

    The RecordEditor will try and work this out for you

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    Field Selection Screen

    The RecordEditor will try and work out where fields start and end but it is not perfect. You need to carefully check and correct its choices

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    On this screen, the fields are displayed in alternating colors

    • you create/delete a field by clicking on
    • use the Clear Fields button clear all the fields
    • you can change what field-types to search for using the various check box's (e.g. Mainframe Zones Decimal)
    • The Add Fields will do another field search

    Field Definition screen

    On this screen you define the field names and Types. You may need to go back to the **Field Selection Screen* to adjust the fields

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    Editing the file

    Once the Record Layout has been defined, it can be used on the open file screen

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    Generating Java code

    When editing your file, you can generate java~JRecord code to read the file by selecting Generate >>> Java >>> ....

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    You can the enter a package-id + generate options:

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    and finally your sample java code is generated to read / write the file.

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