HP 3000 Manual page 3

1 PREFACE
EXTRA FUNCTION SORT FOR RPG (XSORT)
This manual is intended for the use of inexperienced as well as seasoned programmers. To answer the
needs of programmers with varied backgrounds, the manual presents information of varying complexity,
especially in explaining the XSORT specifications. Most of this manual will be devoted to the five-part
specifications. The information will be presented under the following headings:
Overview of XSORT Specifications
shows you which columns of the specifications you must consider when you are preparing a sort.
Overviews serve as a quick reminder to those who are familiar with the program
Overview of Column Entries
lists all possible entries for each column in the specifications. These are brief descriptions and
explanations of the entries and their purposes. Column Entries
provide detailed discussions of the meanings of all possible entries, their relationships to other entries
within the specifications type and other entries in other specification types. They are intended for new
users of XSORT.
Using XSORT Commands
gives you the various MPE commands necessary to use XSORT in job stream and interactive session, with
different arrangements of input and output files.
XSORT Applications
demonstrate how specifications are adapted to the requirements of particular jobs.
The more extensive the user's experience, the more readily will XSORT's versatility and efficiency become
apparent. The manual takes into consideration that some users will be employing the program for the first
time. Information and instruction are provided for several levels of experience so that the new user should
be able to put XSORT to work after reading the manual.
In using XSORT, you may have programs and systems that interface with the Keyed Sequential Access
Method (KSAM/3000), the IMAGE Data Base Management System (IMAGE/3000), and the Data Entry
and Forms Management System (V/3000). For information about these systems, please read:
Manual Title
IMAGE/3000 Data Base Management Reference System
KSAM/3000 Reference Manual
VPLUS/3000 Reference Manual
HP RPG/XL Utilities-Part 1 XSORT
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