PDP-11 SORT Reference Manual

This document is the PDP-11 SORT Reference Manual (Order No. AA-3341C-TC, May 1977), providing comprehensive information on the PDP-11 SORT utility program (SORT-11 V02).

It details the features and usage of the SORT utility, which is designed to reorder records from input files and write them to output files, primarily for use with RMS-11-formatted files on RSX-11M, RSTS/E, and IAS operating systems.

The manual explains how SORT operates, including its various processing options (Record Sort, Tag Sort, Address Routing Sort, and Index Sort), and guides users on controlling the sorting process via command strings and detailed specification files. These controls cover file parameters, sort options (e.g., allocation, device, record format, key fields), and record selection.

Additionally, it provides troubleshooting information (error conditions), outlines internal operational details relevant for advanced users and programmers who wish to link with the SORT subroutines, and includes installation procedures for the supported operating systems. Supporting appendices cover character sets, printable characters, program examples, and RMS I/O status codes.