Chapter 6 SORT-MERGE/XL Commands

This chapter describes the SORT-MERGE/XL commands used to execute the sort or merge operations you want to perform on files. In previous chapters you were exposed to the basic aspects of some commands, such as >INPUT, >OUTPUT, >KEY, and >END.

The SORT-MERGE/XL commands in this chapter are listed in alphabetical order. All SORT-MERGE/XL commands are identical for both subsystems, with the exception of the >INPUT and >OUTPUT commands.

The SORT/XL and MERGE/XL subsystems can be used during an interactive session or in a batch job. In an interactive session, commands are entered at the subsystem chevron (>) prompt. When large amounts of input and output are involved, it may be more convenient to run the program as a batch job by streaming it from a terminal, and scheduling it to run at a time when the system is not being fully utilized.

When the length of a command exceeds one line, enter an ampersand (&) as the last nonblank character on the line to continue the command to a second line or subsequent lines. In an interactive session, both SORT/XL and MERGE/XL prompt you for the rest of the command with the double-chevron (>>) prompt as shown in the following example:

        :SORT   
        HP32214A.01.00  SORT/3000 THU, JUN  4, 1987,  8:00 AM 
        © HEWLETT-PACKARD CO. 1986 
 
        >INPUT SORT1, SORT2, SORT3, SORT4,...SORTn& 
        >> 

The SORT-MERGE/XL commands described in this chapter are listed below:

        >ALTSEQ                   >OUTPUT (MERGE/XL) 
        >DATA                     >OUTPUT (SORT/XL) 
        >END                      >RESET 
        >EXIT                     >SHOW 
        >INPUT (MERGE/XL)         >VERIFY 
        >INPUT (SORT/XL)          >:(MPE Command) 
        >KEY                      >:EOD 
        >LANGUAGE 

For information on possible error messages you may encounter while using SORT-MERGE/XL commands, refer to Appendix A.