Digital PDFs

AA-X025A-TK

September 1983

124 pages

Original

3.7MB

Document:	Introduction to DATATREIVE-11 Sep83
Order Number:	AA-X025A-TK
Revision:	0
Pages:	124
Original Filename:	AA-X025A-TK_Introduction_to_DATATREIVE-11_Sep83.pdf

OCR Text

Introduction to
DATATRIEVE-11
Order No. AA-X025A-TK

September 1983
This document introduces you to basic DATATRIEVE-ll commands

OPERATING SYSTEM AND VERSION:

RSX-IIM
RSX-IIM-PLUS
RSTS/E

SOFTWARE VERSION:

DATATRIEVE-ll

digital equipment corporation, maynard, massachusetts

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and
should not be construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation.
Digital Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that
may appear in this document.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license and may
be used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license.
No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of software on equipment that is not supplied by DIGITAL or its affiliated companies.

The postage-paid READER'S COMMENTS form on the last page of this document requests your critical evaluation to assist us in preparing future
documentation.

The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:

~DmDDmD ™
MASSBUS
PDP
P/OS
Professional
DEC

DECwriter
DIBOL
UNIBUS
VAX
VMS
VT
Rainbow

RSTS
RSX
DECmate
DECsystem-10
DECSYSTEM-20
DECUS
Work Processor

DATATRIEVE-11 DOCUMENTATION MAP

Getting
Started

Learning
the Basics

Intermediate
Applications

Advanced
Applications

r------ Pocket
Guide

Summary
Description

Installation
Guide I
Release Notes

t__---- Introduction 1 - - - , . - - - - -

Guide to
Writing
Reports

Call Interface
Manual

iii

DATATRIEVE-11 DOCUMENTATION DESCRIPTION
GETTING STARTED
Summary Description

Installation Guide / Release Notes

Provides an overview of DATATRIEVE.
Describes the installation procedure and
Contains a documentation directory, a t--~---t the installation verification procedure.
Release Notes contain the latest informaglossary, and the master index.
tion about new features, restrictions, and
performance guidelines.

LEARNING THE BASICS
Introduction to
DATATRIEVE-11
Interactively guides users through the
basic tasks of managing information with
DATATRIEVE.

INTERMEDIATE APPLICATIONS - - - - -........1
User's Guide

Guide to Writing Reports

Explains how to define, store, retrieve,
modify, and restructure data using f DATATRIEVE. Elaborates on material
covered in the Introduction.

I
Pocket Guide

ADVANCED APPLICATIONS

I
Reference Manual

Provides a quick reference guide for expe- ~ Provides full descriptions of the commands, statements. clauses. and other
rienced users to the syntax and elements
syntax elements that comprise the
of DATATRIEVE.
DATATRIEVE data management language.

Explains how to produce reports based
data managed by DATATRIEVE. C
scribes the instructions that specify t
format and content of a report.

Call Interface Manual

Explains how to call DATATRIEVE fn
programs in languages such
FORTRAN, COBOL, and BASI
Describes how to use DATATRIE
interactively on another node.

Contents
Page

How to Use This Manual

Introduction
1.1
1.2
1.3

DATATRIEVE Terminology.
Using DATATRIEVE-11.
The Sample Domains . . . .

Starting DATATRIEVE. . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displaying Information About Your DATATRIEVE Environment
Accessing Domains . . . . . . .
Ending a DATATRIEVE Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Planning a DATATRIEVE Domain
Using ADT . . . . . . . . . . .

3.3

· 3-2

· 3-4

Invoking the .CMD File.

· 3-8

Defining Domains Outside ADT .

· 3-9

3.2.1

HELP and GUIDE Mode: Quick-Reference Section
4.1

4.2

· 2-1

· 2-4
· 2-4
· 2-5

Defining Data with ADT
3.1
3.2

· 1-2
· 1-2
· 1-2

Starting and Stopping a DATATRIEVESession
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4

Using DATATRIEVE HELP.
Using GUIDE Mode.

· 4-1

· 4-3

Storing Data
5.1

5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5
5.6

Preparing a Domain for Storing Data . . . . . . . .
Using the STORE Statement . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preventing a STORE Statement from Taking Effect.
Creating a New Record Without Complete Information
Storing Two or More Records At a Time. . . . .
Storing the Correct Type of Data in New Records . . .

· 5-1

· 5-2
· 5-3
· 5-3
· 5-3
· 5-4

Retrieving Data
6.1
6.2

Displaying All Records in a Domain.
Selecting a Group of Records

6.2.1
6.2.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7

Examples of Displaying Data with the PRINT Statement
Sorting Records in Record Streams
Displaying Fields from Record Streams
Stopping the Display of Records .
Using Collections.

6.7.1
6.7.2
6.7.3
6.7.4
6.7.5
6.7.6
6.8

Releasing Collections .
U sing the FINISH Command

6-11
6-11
6-11
6-U
6-1~

6-1~

6-H
6-H
6-1~

6-H
6-H
6-2(
6-21

Using the SELECT Statement with a Collection.
U sing Other Forms of the SELECT Statement.
Using the SHOW Command to Identify the Selected Record.
Modifying a Selected Record in a Collection .
Modifying Fields in Indexed Data Files
Modifying All Records in a Collection .
Modifying Records in a Record Stream.
Modifying Specific Fields in a Record Stream

· 7-:
· 7-:
· 7-,
· 7-,
· 7-1
· 7-:
· 7-~
7-11

Erasing Data
8.1

U sing the ERASE Statement on Indexed Files.

8.1.1
8.1.2
8.1.3
8.2

Showing the Names of Existing Collections
Naming an Unnamed Collection.
Changing the Content of a Named Collection

6-1~

Modifying Data
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8

Forming Collections.
Displaying the CURRENT Collection
Displaying Sorted Records in the CURRENT Collection .
Displaying Information About the CURRENT Collection.
Making a New CURRENT Collection from an Old One
U sing the CURRENT Collection in RSEs

Naming a Collection.

6.8.1
6.8.2
6.8.3
6.9
6.10

Specifying the Number of Records in a Record Stream .
Limiting Record Streams by Specifying Values

· 6-1
· 6-2
· 6-2
· 6-3
· 6-5
· 6-?
· 6-9

Erasing a Selected Record .
Erasing a Collection of Records
Erasing a Record Stream

Using the MODIFY Statement on Sequential Files

· 8· 8· 8· 8· 8-

Writing Simple Reports
9.1
9.2

The General Features of a Report .
The Report Specification.
9.2.1
9.2.2
9.2.3

9.3

Multiple-Line Report Names.
The Columnsjlage Option
Print List Options.

· 9-3
· 9-3
· 9-5

Output of Reports .

· 9-5

9.3.1
9.3.2

· 9-5
· 9-5

Output to a Line Printer
Output to a Disk File

Saving Report Specifications.
Summary.

9.4
9.5

· 9-1
· 9-2

· 9-6
· 9-6

Glossary
Index
Figures
1-1
4-1
4-2

The DATATRIEVE Domain.
The HELP Screen. . . .
The HELP SHOW screen . .

· 1-3
· 4-1
· 4-2

Tables
6-1

Relational Operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

vii

How to Use This Manual

This book introduces you to DATATRIEVE-l1. It begins with a brief explanation of information management and the use ofDATATRIEVE. It then guides
you through the basic tasks you can perform with DATATRIEVE.

Intended Audienc~
The Introduction toDATATRIEVE-ll assumes you can use your terminal to log
in to your local computer system and display the contents of your file directory. If
you need to review how to do that, consult the user's guide for your operating
system.
This book addresses people who are unfamiliar with DATATRIEVE-l1.

Structure
There are nine chapters in this introduction:
Chapter 1

Briefly describes information management and lists some basic
DATATRIEVE functions

Chapter 2

Supplies information about what you have to do to begin using
DATATRIEVE, describes some of the basic commands and statements that tell DATATRIEVE what to do, and tells you how to
leave DATATRIEVE

Chapter 3

Explains how to define information for DATATRIEVE using ADT

Chapter 4

Describes the use of Help and Guide Mode to give you online assistance while using DATATRIEVE

Chapter 5

Explains how to store information with DATATRIEVE

Chapter 6

Describes a variety of ways you can retrieve data

Chapter 7

Contains information about modifying information you have stored
previously

Chapter 8

Explains how to erase data

Chapter 9

Describes some of the basic features of the DATATRIEVE Report
Writer

Conventions
The following list explains the special symbols used in this book:
(Bill

This symbol tells you to press the RETURN key on the keyboard of
your terminal.

This symbol tells you to press the TAB key on the keyboard of your
terminal.

This symbol tells you to press the CTRL (control) key and a letter
key (usually Z or C) at the same time.

>
The symbol> on a line by itself represents the system prompt.
color
Text printed in red shows the lines you type while doing the examples.

Related Manuals
DATATRIEVE-ll Guide to Writing Reports
DATATRIEVE-ll User's Guide

Introduction

DATATRIEVE-ll is a tool for managing information. Its commands and statements, the words and phrases that make it run, are common English words. This
book explains enough of the rules ofDATATRIEVE for you to begin to use it.
Information management is a shorthand term for a process that consists of the
following tasks:
• Setting up some related information (the data you are managing)
• Entering information
• Retrieving information
• Adding new information
• Deleting information
• Changing information
Some of the terminology may be strange to you, but the process itself should be
familiar. If you have an address book, for instance, you manage information by:
• Picking the style of address book that best meets your needs
• Writing the original names and addresses in the book
• Finding the address ofa restaurant to try
• Adding your new dentist's name and address
• Deleting the entry for your previous dentist
• Changing a friend's address when the family moves to another city
DATATRIEVE allows you to manage large amounts of information in complex
ways, but the process of data management remains the same as for your address
book.

1-1

1.1

DATATRIEVE Terminology
DATATRIEVE uses a vocabulary that may, in part, be unfamiliar to you. Terms
you might find unfamiliar are explained when they first appear. With practice
and experience, you will become familiar with these terms.
To help you, there is a short glossary at the end of this book. In addition, there is
a more extensive glossary in the DATATRIEVE-ll Summary Description.

1.2 Using DATATRIEVE-11
This book is designed to help you use the basic commands and statements of
DATATRIEVE. This introduction will teach you how to:
• Use the Application Design Tool (ADT) to define your own items of information
• Ready your data to gain access to it
• Print your data
• Select items of data that are related in a particular way
• Sort your data in various ways
• Edit errors in commands and statements
• Store new data
• Modify existing data
• Erase unneeded data
• Report your data

1.3

The Sample Domains
A record definition defines the organization of information contained in a data
file, which is a collection of related records. The domain associates a data file with
a record definition. The domain contains no data itself. When you use the domain
name, you tell DATATRIEVE to use a particular record definition to interpret
the data stored in a specific file. Figure 1-1 illustrates the relationships of the
parts of a domain.

1-2

Introduction

RECORD DEFINITION - describes data in a data file:
01 CUSTOMER_REC

03 CUSTOMER_NUMBER - contains 5 digits

03 CUSTOMER_NUMBER - contains up to 15 characters

What you see when you display the data:

~
~

CUSTOMER
NUMBER

CUSTOMER
NAME

101
987
4035
65220
86779
99099

MORRIS
SWAYZE
FOSTER
KELLERMAN
JONES
??NAME UNKNOWN

CJ)

cr
w

CJ)

;:)

()

DATA FILE - contains raw data:

. ..J

65220KELLERMAN
00101 MORRIS
00987SWAYZE
99099??NAME UNKNOWN
86779JONES
04035FOSTER

'---

MK-Q1145--{)O

Figure 1-1: The DATATRIEVE Domain

When you practice using DATATRIEVE, you can use the four sample domains
installed with DATATRIEVE:
• FAMILIES
• OWNERS
• PERSONNEL
• YACHTS
This book uses the PERSONNEL domain to show how to manage information
with DATATRIEVE. You may use any of the domains supplied, or create your
own domain so that you have a chance to work with data that is familiar to you.
You may find it to be most helpful to practice with a domain you defined for yourself, using the examples in this book as guidelines.
If you use the PERSONNEL domain and do all the examples shown in this book,
the database will change because you are making real changes when you follow
the examples. If you do some but not all of the examples, some of your later
results may differ from those printed in the book.

Introduction

1-3

Starting and Stopping a DATATRIEVE Session

This chapter shows you how to:
• StartDATATRIEVE
• Show what data is available to you
• Get ready to display your data
• Stop DATATRIEVE

2.1

Starting OATATRIEVE
To start DATATRIEVE, type:
DTROOJ

DATATRIEVE displays a message resembling the following:
DATATRIEVE-ll, DEC query and Report SYsteM
Version: V3.00, 10-0CT-83
Type HELP for help
DTR>

If you do not get this startup banner, type either RUN $DTR or the symbol defined by your system manager to invoke DATATRIEVE.
The examples in this book use the sample domains YACHTS, PERSONNEL,
OWNERS, and FAMILIES. The first time you use DATATRIEVE you should use
the following command to create your own DATATRIEVE dictionary and copy
the data files for YACHTS, PERSONNEL, OWNERS, and FAMILIES into your
default directory. This ensures that your display of the examples will match the
results printed in the book.

2-1

For RSTS/E systems type:
DTR> @LB:SETUP.OTROOl

For RSX systems type:

oT-R > @LB : [ 1 ,Z J SET UP. 0 TROO
This command creates a dictionary for you called SAMPLE.DIC, enters the
domain and record definitions into your dictionary, and copies the data files into
your directory. The command displays the following information:

********************************************************************
Oatatrieve is now setting UP its saMPle definitions and data in
your private dictionary SAMPLE.OIC.
The data files will be stored
in your default directorY.
There will be a data files created:
YACHT, OWNER, FAMILY and PERSON.

********************************************************************
The commands and definitions scroll on your screen, and the display concludes
with the message:

********************************************************************
The Datatrieve saMPle definitions and data have been installed.

********************************************************************
OTR>

If you do not know whether you are using a RSTS/E or a RSX system, ask your
system manager.
In response to the @SETUP.DTRcommand, DATATRIEVE may display a message that SAMPLE.DIC already exists. You can ignore this message.
To display the name of your dictionary, type:
DTR> SHOW OICTIONARYOOl

For RSTS/E systems DAT ATRIEVE responds with a message resembling the
following:
The current dictionary is SY:[l ,170JSAMPLE.OIC
OTR>

The message for RSX systems resembles the following:
The current dictionary is OBO:[l ,ZJSAMPLE.OIC
OTR>

2-2

Starting and Stopping a DATATRIEVE Session

You can easily access and display information about your dictionary and its contents whenever you enter DATATRIEVE by executing a command file containing DATATRIEVE statements to make SAMPLE.DIC your default dictionary
and display its contents. Follow these steps:
1. Exit from DATATRIEVE by typing:
DTR> E}-( I TOO)

2. Create a command file called SAMPLE.CMD and enter the two statements:
SET DICTIONARY SAMPLE.DIC
SHOW ALL

N ow start DATATRIEVE by typing DTR at the system prompt just as you did at
the beginning of this chapter. When you see the DTR> prompt again, execute
the command file by typing @SAMPLE.CMD. On your terminal DATATRIEVE
displays information resembling the following:
DTR> @SAMPLE.CMDOO)
SET DICTIONARY SAMPLE.DIC
SHOW ALL
DOfrleli n s:
FAMILIES
KETCHES
OLD_FAMILIES
OWNERS
OWNERS_SEQUENTIAL
PERSONNEL
PERSONNEL_SEQ
SAILBOATS
YACHTS
YACHTS_SEQUENTIAL
Reco rds:
FAMILY_REC
OWNER_RECORD
PERSONNEL_REC
YACHT
Procedures:
Tables:
RIG_TABLE
The current dictionary is DBO:[lOOt170]SAMPLE.DIC
No established collections
No read}' dOfrlains
DTR}

._0 ... 000··

f\ 1t.:r~~ SWIt'(2.E \

MK--Qll08-00

Starting and Stopping a DATATRIEVE Session

2-3

2.2

Displaying Information About Your DATATRIEVE Environment
To display information about your DATATRIEVE environment, you use variations of the SHOW command. For example, in the command file youjust created, the SHOW ALL command displays the entire contents of your dictionary.
You can also display parts of your dictionary contents by using other forms of the
SHOW command. To display just the domains you have available, for example,
enter:
DTR> SHOW DOMAINS(@)
DOITlains:

FAMILIES
KETCHES
OWNERS_SEQUENTIAL
SAILBOATS
YACHTS

OLD_FAMILIES
OWNERS
PERSONNEL
PERSONNEL_SEQ
YACHTS_SEQUENTIAL

DTR>

You can also use the SHOW RECORDS command to produce a display of records
available to you. The domains, records, and other categories of information about
your DATATRIEVE environment that you can display with the SHOW command
are called objects. Other forms of the SHOW command are discussed later in this
book.

2.3

Accessing Domains
To begin working with DATATRIEVE, you must first have access to the domain
that you want to use. Preparing the domain for access is known as readying the
domain.
To ready a domain, type READY followed by the name of the domain. For
instance, to ready the PERSONNEL domain, type:
DTR> READY PERSONNEL (@)
DTR>

The DTR> prompt tells you that the PERSONNEL domain is now available to
you and that DATATRIEVE is waiting for your next command.
You can ready two or more domains at anyone time:
DTR> READY YACHTS(@)
DTR> READY FAMILIES(@)
DTR>

To see what domains you have readied, use the SHOW READY command:
DTR> SHOW READY(@)
Read>'

dOlTlains:

FAMILIES: RMS SEQUENTIAL. PROTECTED READ
YACHTS: RMS INDEXED. PROTECTED READ
PERSONNEL: RMS INDEXED. PROTECTED READ
DTR>

2-4

Starting and Stopping a DATATRIEVE Session

Do not be concerned at present with the phrase ((RMS INDEXED" and
~~PROTECTED READ". Chapter 3 explains indexed files, and the
DATATRIEVE-ll Reference Manual discusses ((PROTECTED READ" and
other access modes.
If you try to ready a domain that is not defined in your dictionary, DATATRIEVE
sends you an error message. For example, type:
OTR> READY INt.JENTORYillD)
"INVENTORY" has not been defined in the dictionan'
Execution failed
OTR>

In the next chapter you will learn more about defining domains.

2.4

Ending a DATATRIEVE Session
When you see the DTR> prompt, you can exit from DATATRIEVE in two ways:
• Type EXIT and press RETURN
OTR> E)O TillD)
:>

• Press the CTRL and Z keys at the same time. You can use CTRL/Z at any place
in the line before you press RETURN. Displays of two examples follow:
OTR>

>
OTR> SHOW REA .'. Z
)-

Starting and Stopping a DATATRIEVE Session

2-5

Defining Data With ADT

This book uses examples from the PERSONNEL domain to teach you some of the
uses ofDATATRIEVE. The PERSONNEL domain already exists. However,
when you use DATATRIEVE in your work, you create your own domains.
The Application Design Tool (ADT) provides a fast way to define a domain and
the record definition and data file that go with the domain. ADT prompts you for
all necessary information and sends you messages explaining your choices.
During a session, ADT prompts for:
• The domain name
• The data file name
• The name of each field
• The kind of information in each field, for example characters, numbers, dates,
or money
• The format of fields containing dates, numbers, or money
• The length of fields containing characters or numbers
At the end of the ADT session, you can begin to store your data. The Application
Design Tool is especially helpful when you are beginning to use DATATRIEVE
and want to define your own domains. As you are gaining experience, ADT can
help you create the basic definitions. You can later edit these basic definitions to
include other features.

3-1

3.1

Planning a DATATRIEVE Domain
Before invoking the Application Design Tool, decide what information you want
to store. For example, if you are interested in doing some comparison shopping
before you buy a new car, you might want to store the following information
about each car:
• The manufacturer
• The model of the car
• The model year
• The date you visited the show room
• The price
• The options available
You can consider each piece of information as a field in a record. The order in
which you enter the fields determines the order DATATRIEVE normally displays the fields on your terminal or prints them in a report.
Next, decide the characteristics of each field:
• Name
You can choose any name you want for each field as long as the name begins
with a letter and does' not exceed 31 characters. Possible field names are
MAKER, MODEL, YEAR, VISIT_DATE, PRICE and OPTIONS.
• QueryName
In DATATRIEVE you can use query names as short and easy substitutes for
long field names. A query name can replace the complete field name in any
DATATRIEVE statement. ADT asks you to supply a query name for any field
longer than seven characters. For example, ADT asks you for a query name for
the field name VISIT _DATE because VISIT _DATE is longer than seven characters. You could supply the query name VISIT for this field. If you do not wan'
to use a query name, press RETURN and continue using ADT.
• Data Type
Decide what kind of information each field contains:
- Character: as many letters, numbers, and other characters as you specify
- Date: a choice of four formats
- Number: as many digits as you specify, with or without a decimal point
- Money: a number preceded by a dollar sign ($) and followed by a decimal
point and two digits
- Percentage: a number with a percent sign (%)

3-2

Defining Data With ADT

The MAKER, MODEL, and OPTIONS fields contain character data. The
YEAR field conta,ins a number. The VISIT _DATE field holds date data, and
the PRICE field consists of money .
• Size
The number of letters, numbers, or other characters you need for each field
determines the size of the field. For example, the field for options might need 29
characters while the model year only needs two. The number of digits to the
left of the decimal determines the size of a field containing money data. Make
each field large enough to store the information you want, but not so large that
the field wastes memory space.
At the beginning of an ADT session, ADT prompts you for the domain name.
Choose a name that describes the information you are storing so that the name is
meaningful and easy to remember. Since your data is stored on a file, ADT asks
you for the name of the file. Again, choose a name that reflects the information
you are storing. For example, in the ADT session for comparing cars, you could
name the domain AUTOMOBILES and the file AUTO.DAT.
At the end of the ADT session, you choose:
• The type of data file (sequential or indexed)
• The name and attributes of each index key for an indexed file
• The name of a command file to contain the definitions
A comparison of sequential and indexed files follows:
Sequential Files

Indexed Files

Records are stored in the order you
enter them.

Records are stored according to the
order of the primary field (alphabetically for a field containing characters
and numerically for a field containing
numbers).

Access to information is slow.

Access to information is fast.

You can change data in any field.

You can change data in any field
except the primary key field.

You cannot erase records from the
file.

You can erase records from the file.

Generally, it is useful to specify an indexed file.
If you want an indexed file, ADT asks you for the name of the primary key - the
field that determines the order for storing the records in the file. If you want your
automobile record in alphabetical order by maker, for example, you should
specify the MAKER field as the primary key.
Once you have named the primary key, ADTasks you to decide whether you
want to allow duplicate values for that field. If MAKER is your primary key, you

Defining Data With ADT

3-3

need to allow duplicate values, since one maker (Chevrolet, for instance) has
many models of cars.
You cannot change the information in a primary key.
After you store data for MAKER, you cannot change it unless you erase the
whole record and store a new one in its place. In other words, you can have as
many Chevrolets as you like listed as makers, but you can never change a
Chevrolet to a Ford.
ADT also allows you to name alternate index keys. If you plan to perform queries
frequently that involve another field, you can name that field as an alternate
index key when ADT prompts you for an alternate index key.

3.2

Using ADT
The next two sections of this chapter illustrate an ADT session that stores information about cars. A summary of the session follows:
• The domain-name: AUTOMOBILES
• The file name for the data: AUTO.DAT
• The car record fields:
Field Name

. Query Name

Data Type

Field Size

MAKER
MODEL
YEAR
VISIT_DATE
PRICE
OPTIONS

None
None
None
VISIT
None
None

Character
Character
Number
Date
Money
Character

10
10

• File type:

5
29

Indexed

• Field name of the primary key: MAKER
• Duplicates for the primary field key: Yes
• Alternate index keys: No
• The file name for the domain and record definitions: AUTOS
You can create this domain yourself by following the example. The most helpful
thing you could do for your understanding of the process, however, is to create a
domain of your own. Use some type of data familiar to you, and think of the types
of reports and queries you want to create using this data.

3-4

Defining Data With ADT

)

Design, on paper, a domain that provides the information you need. You can use
the following outline as a model:
• The domain-name:
• The file name for the data:
• The record fields:
Field Name

Query Name

Data Type

Field Size

• File type:
• Field name of the primary key:
• Duplicates for the primary field key:
• Alternate index keys:
• The file name for the domain and record definitions:

Plunge right in. Do not be afraid of making mistakes, because mistakes are erasable, either just after you make them or later, when the process is complete.
During ADT sessions, you can type a question mark (?) at any point where ADT
is waiting for a response from you. The message ADT provides is usually adequate to guide you in making the response that is most suitable for what you are
trying to do. When you first use ADT, use the question mark frequently. The
messages you receive in response to your requests are helpful.
You can see as much of the record definition as you have created whenever you
want by typing an exclamation point (!).
You can exit from ADT at any time by typing CTRL/Z. If you exit before completing the session, everything you have entered simply disappears.

Defining Data With ADT

3-5

To start an ADT session, type:
DTR> ADT(@)

The following session shows the questions that appear on your screen with sample answers. Responses to the first entries are question marks to show you the
kind of information that ADT provides when you ask for help. Use the question
mark yourself as often as you need:
DTR> ADT(@)
Do YOU !,.Iant help? (YES or NO) : y~
ADT will help YOU create your DATATRIEVE dOMain and record
definitions. The DTR stateMents will be written to the file
YOU specify.
All answers Must be terMinated by a

carria~e

return.

If YOU need help for any question, type? followed by a
return.

carria~e

If YOU would liKe to see what YOU have defined,
enter! followed by a carria~e return.
Do }'OU 1"lant detailed questions? (YES or NO) : ?~
Detailed questions are available if YOU are not faMiliar
!"d th ADT.
Abbreviated questions aSSUMe that YOU already Know
ADT concepts and terMinolo~y.
Help is available for both types of questions.
Do YOU I",ant detailed questions? (YES or NO) : YES~
What do YOU wan t ton alrl e t his dOlT! a in? : ?~
A dOMain is a lo~ically related collection of data which
is treated as a unit by DATATRIEVE. You can also thinK of
a dOMain as a file.
What do }'OU !,.Iant to nalrle this dOMain? : AUTOMOBILES~
What do YOU want to naMe the file where the data
for AUTOMOBILES IAlill be? : AUTO.DAT~
What do YOU want to naMe the first field in AUTOMOBILES?
What's in MAKER -a DATE
a PERCENT
MONEY
NUMBERS used in arithMetic
or ANYTHING ELSE (CHARACTERS)?

MAKER~

Enter one of the above : CHARACTERS~
How Irlany characters lon~ is MAKER? : 10~
Are there any Irlore fields in AUTOMOBILES? (YES or NO) : YES~
What do YOU !,.Iant to nalrle the next field in AUTOMOBILES? : MODEL~
What's in MODEL -a DATE
a PERCENT
MONEY
NUMBERS used in arithMetic
or ANYTHING ELSE (CHARACTERS)?

3-6

Defining Data With ADT

You can specify a field's data type quickly and easily. Simply enter the first letter
of the data type you choose.
Similarly, you can type either a Y or N in response to questions requiring a yes or
no answer.
En t era n e o f t h e a b a I) e : COO
How ITlany characters long is MODEL? : 1000
Are there an}' ITlore fields in AUTOMOBILES? (YES or NO) : '1'00
What do }'OU !,.Iant to nalTle the next field in AUTOMOBILES? : YEARoo
What's in YEAR -a DATE
a PERCENT
MONEY
NUMBERS used in arithMetic
or ANYTHING ELSE (CHARACTERS)?
Enter one of the above
NUMBERSoo
How ITI any dig its t o t h e 1 eft 0 f the dec i Mal poi n t? : 200
How ITI an}' dig its t o t her i g h t o f t h e dec i ITI alp 0 in t? : O(@)
Day a 1.1 !,.I ant z e r 0 s t o t h e 1 eft top r i n t ass pac e s? : ?oo
If YOU do not suppress zeros to the left of the nl.lMbert they
will be printed (ex. zip code = 00274 instead of 274).
Do }'Ol.l !,.Iant zeros to the left to print as spaces? Y(@)
Are the rea n}' ITIO ref i e 1 d sin AUT 0 MOB I L E S ? (Y E S a r NO) : YES(@)
What do }'OU !,.Iant to nalTle the next field in AUTOMOBILES? : !.JISIT_DATEoo
What is the ~l.Ien' abbreviation for t.JISIT_DATE? : !,JISIToo
What's in VISIT_DATE
a DATE
a PERCENT
MONEY
NUMBERS used in arithMetic
or ANYTHING ELSE (CHARACTERS)?
En t era n e o f t h e a b a I) e : DATE(@)

ADT prompts you for one of four date formats. You can choose whichever format
you prefer.
Four date forMats are available:
1
MM/DD/YY
8128/78
2
DD-MMM-YY
28-JUN-78
3
DD-MMM-YYYY
28-JUN-1878
4
DD.MM.YY
28.08.78
En t e r for ITI a t IHtlTI b e r 1 t 2 t 3 tor 4 : 3(8IT)
Are there an}' ITlore fields in AUTOMOBILES? (YES or NO) : YES(@)
What do}' a 1.1 wan t ton a ITI e the n ext fie 1 din AUT 0 MOB I L E S? : P RIC Eoo
What's in PRICE -a DATE
a PERCENT
MONEY
NUMBERS used in arithMetic
or ANYTHING ELSE (CHARACTERS)?
Enter one of the abol)e
MONEYoo
H O!,.I ITI any dig its t o t h e 1 eft 0 f the dec i ITI alp a in t?

500

Defining Data With ADT

3-7

ADT formats a money field in this way:
• A $ sign before the amount
• A decimal point
• Either two Os after the decimal point if you type only a dollar amount (for
example, 6755) or the cents if you type a dollar and cents amount (for example,
6755.98)
Are there an}' ITlore fields in AUTOMOBILES? (YES or NO) : YES(@)
What do}' 0 U 1,.,1 ant ton a tTl e the n ext fie 1 din AUT 0 MOB I LES? : 0 P T ION S(@)
What's in OPTIONS
a DATE
a PERCENT
MONEY
NUMBERS used in arithMetic
or ANYTHING ELSE (CHARACTERS)?
Enter one of the above: CHARACTERS(@)
How irIan}' characters 10n9' is OPTIONS? : 28(@)
Are there any ITlore fields in AUTOMOBILES? (YES or NO) : NOm
An indexed file can handle certain queries based on a Key
field very quicKly. A sequential file is not as fast and
does not allow records to be ERASEd.
BUTt an indexed file
does not allow you to chan9'e the priMarY Key field's data.
Do }'OU 1..,1ant }'our data file to be indexed? (YES or NO) : YESm
What i s the fie 1 dna tTl e 0 f the p r i ITI a f}' ~~ e y ? : MAKER(@)
Do YOU want to allow the field which is the priMarY Key
to h a \.1 e d u pI i cat e s? (Y ES 0 r NO) : YES(@)
Do}' 0 U 1...1 ant a 1 t ern ate .~ e }' s ? (Y ES 0 r NO) NO(@)
What is the naMe of the file where the DATATRIEVE
dOITlain and field definitions should 9'0? : AUTOS(@)
The DATATRIEVE definitions for your dOMain are
located in file AUTOS.CMD;
The record len9'th is BB bytes.
Do YOU want to define another dOMain? (YES or NO)
NO(@)
DTR>

3.2.1

Invoking the .CMD File

If you completed the above steps, a new file, AUTOS.CMD is placed in your directory. This file contains the definitions of the domain, record, and data file you created during your ADT session.

3-8

Defining Data With ADT

You must enter these definitions into your dictionary so you can use them in a
DATATRIEVE session. To insert the definitions into your dictionary type
@AUTOS. The definitions in AUTOS.CMD scroll on the screen:
DTR>@AUTOSOO
DEFINE DOMAIN AUTOMOBILES USING AUTOMOBILES-REC
ON AUTO.DAT;
DEFINE RECORD AUTOMOBILES-REC USING
01 AUTOMOBILES-REC.
15 MAKER
PIC IS X(10).
15 MODEL
PIC IS X(10).
15 YEAR
PIC IS S9(2)
EDIT-STRING IS -Z(2).
15 VISIT_DATE
USAGE IS DATE
EDIT_STRING IS DD-MMM-YYYY
QUERY_NAME IS VISIT.
15 PRICE
PIC IS S9(5)V99
EDIT_STRING IS $$$t$$$.$$.
15 OPTIONS
PIC IS X(29).
[Record AUTOMOBILES_REC is BB bytes lon~]
DEFINE FILE FOR AUTOMOBILES
KEY=MAKER (DUP);
DTR>

DATATRIEVE inserts the definitions into your current dictionary and creates a
data file, AUTO.DAT, in your default directory.
When you define your own domains, records, and files, you can place the definitions in separate dictionaries. To create a new dictionary, type:
DEFINE DICTIONARY dictionary-name

To place the definitions in this dictionary:
1. Type SET DICTIONARY dictionary-name

2. Invoke the command file containing the record definitions

3.3

Defining Domains Outside ADT
In this chapter you defined the domain AUTOMOBILES, the record
AUTOMOBILES_REC, and the file AUTO.DAT using ADT. You provided the
information, and ADT created the definitions for you. You can define domains,
records, and files on your own using these commands:
• DEFINE DOMAIN
• DEFINE RECORD
• DEFINE FILE

Defining Data With ADT

3-9

These commands give you a number of options not available in ADT. The record
for the PERSONNEL domain, used throughout this book, contains some of these
additional features. The record definition PERSONNEL_REC is shown below:
DTR> SHOW PERSONNEL_REC ru
RECORD PERSONNEL_REC
USING
01
PERSON.
PIC IS 9(5).
05 ID
PIC IS }-{(11)
05 EMPLOYEE_STATUS
QUERY_NAME IS STATUS
QUERY_HEADER IS "STATUS"
1.IALID IF STATUS EQ "TRAINEE" ,IEXPERIENCED"4
QUERY_NAME IS NAME.
05 EMPLOYEE_NAME
PIC IS }-{(10)
10 FIRST_NAME
QUERY_NAME IS F_NAME.
PIC IS }-{(10)
10 LAST_NAME
QUERY_NAME IS L_NAME.
05 DEPT
PIC IS >no{.
05 START_DATE
USAGE IS DATE.
PIC IS 9(5)
05 SALARY
EDIT_STRING IS $$$,$$$.
PIC IS 9(5).
05 SUP_ID

As you use this book, you will learn more about this record definition.
This book assumes you will use the sample domains or create your own domains
with ADT. If at this point you want to use the DEFINE command to create your
own domains, you can find further information in theDATATRIEVE-ll User's
Guide. You should also know about one or more of the techniques that can help
you avoid retyping a long series ofDATATRIEVE statements, either because you
made an error or because you want to use the statements again. These techniques are command procedures, DATATRIEVE procedures, the DATATRIEVE
editor, and EXTRACT. These are also explained in the DATATRIEVE-ll User's
Guide.

3-10

Defining Data With ADT

HELP and GUIDE Mode: Quick-Reference Section

4.1

Using DATATRIEVE HELP
A HELP program is available that can answer many questions you may have as
you are using DATATRIEVE. You can call it by typing HELP and pressing
RETURN whenever you are at the DTR> prompt.
When you request HELP, your screen appears as shown in Figure 4-1.
DTR> HELP(@,)
Two levels of assistance are available, basic and advanced.
To
~et
help for the eleMentary DATATRIEVE stateMents, type
HELP followed by the naMes of the stateMents for which help
is
required.
To ~et a list of the topics for which help is
available, t}'pe
HELP HELP
To

~et

assistance with advanced DATATRIEVE stateMents, type
HELP ADVANCED

followed by the naMes of the stateMents for which help is
required.
To
~et
a list of the topics for which advanced
help is available, type
HELP ADVANCED HELP
Paired square brackets indicate that the enclosed clause
is
optional.
Capital
letters
indicate DATATRIEVE Keywords.
Words in lower case indicate that a user supplied naMe or
value is required.
DTR>

Figure 4-1: The HELP Screen

4-1

After you become familiar with the HELP program, just type HELP and the
name of the topic you are interested in, and the appropriate text appears on the
screen. Probably the best way to become familiar with HELP is to type HELP
and then simply browse around among the subjects available. In the process, you
can also learn about the DATATRIEVE topics you read.
Figure 4-2 shows HELP for a sample subject.
DTR> HELP SHOWm
The SHOW statement is used to display the definitions of
domainst recordst procedurest and tables stored in the data
dictionary t and information concerning the state of various
objects within Datatrieve.
The form of the statement is:
SHOW obJect-l t obJect-2t obJect-3 •••
1"lhere each lIobJectll is one of the follol"ling:
SETS
DOMAINS
RECORDS
PROCEDURES
TABLES
COLLECTIONS
FIELDS
READY
CURRENT
ALL
DICTIONARY
SPACE
dOITlain-nalTle
reco rd-nalTle
procedure-nalTle
table-nalTle
collection-nalTle
DTR>

Figure 4-2: The HELP SHOW Screen

HE.L.R

MK-{)1101-OO

4-2

HELP and GUIDE Mode: Quick Reference Section

4.2

Using GUIDE Mode
DATATRIEVE offers another type of help in GUIDE mode. GUIDE mode is useful when you arejust learning DATATRIEVE, because it prompts you with a
choice of entries that are correct.
GUIDE mode works only on DIGITAL's VT family of terminals. If you have a
hard-copy terminal and enter a request for GUIDE mode, DATATRIEVE displays an error message on your terminal and returns you to DATATRIEVE command level (indicated by the DTR> prompt).
To invoke GUIDE mode, enter:
OTR> SET GUIOEru

To see how GUIDE mode works, you must use it. You can use GUIDE mode to
help y<?u make entries; it completes the typing of keywords if you press the space
bar after it has enough letters to uniquely identify the word you are typing.
If READY is the only possible entry at a certain point, for example, you can type
R and press the space bar. Guide mode completes the word for you. If you type
ttRE," ttREA," and so on, it also completes the word as READY.
Occasionally the second letter of the command duplicates the first letter of your
next word. Suppose you want to ready a domain called EMPLOYEES. If you type
ttR" ttE," GUIDE mode sees the HE" as the second letter in READY. You must
type ttRE" and then the ttE" of EMPLOYEES.
When you enter SET GUIDE and press RETURN, DATATRIEVE clears the terminal screen and prompts you to enter a command or type a question mark (?) for
help. If you request help, DATATRIEVE displays all the possible words you can
currently use.
Throughout, GUIDE mode prompts you for the next part of your entry, including
spaces, quotation marks, and carriage returns. Not all options are acceptable in
GUIDE mode, but you can find out which ones are at any time by typing a question mark (?), and DATATRIEVE displays all the acceptable alternatives.
DATATRIEVE displays an error message if the entry you try is not allowed.
You can stop GUIDE mode by typing LEAVE. DATATRIEVE then displays a
message on your terminal and returns you to DATATRIEVE command level
(indicated by the DTR> prompt):

You're on your own now.

Good lucK!

OTR>

Although GUIDE mode is primarily a training tool, you may also find it useful to
save keystrokes while typing. Experiment with it, and see the results you get.
You can then judge how to use GUIDE mode to your advantage.

HELP and GUIDE Mode: Quick Reference Section

4-3

Storing Data

This chapter shows you how to add new records to a data file using the STORE
statement.

5.1

Preparing a Domain for Storing Data
To store new records in a data file, you must ready the domain for WRITE or
EXTEND access. With the WRITE command you can store, read, erase, and
change records. With the EXTEND command you can only store records. The
examples in this chapter use the PERSONNEL domain readied for WRITE
access:
DTR> READY PERSDNNEL WRITEOO
DTR>

The DTR> prompt indicates that DATATRIEVE has readied the domain. Verify
the type of access by entering:
DTR> SHOW READYOO
Read}'

dorrlains:

PERSONNEL: RMS INDEXED, PROTECTED WRITE
DTR>

The phrase PROTECTED WRITE confirms that you have write access to
PERSONNEL. You can now store records with the STORE statement.

5-1

5.2

Using the STORE Statement
To add new records to a data file, use the STORE statement. DATATRIEVE
immediately prompts you for the value of each elementary field in the new
record. To store a new record in the PERSONNEL domain, type:
DTR> STORE PERSONNELOO
Enter ID: 8742200
Ente r EMPLOYEE_STATUS: E)-<PERIENCEDOO
Enter FIRST_NAME: MARTYOO
Enter LAST_NAME: KELLEYOO
Enter DEPT: T3200
Enter START_DATE: 2G-AUG-188200
En t e r SALARY: 1875000
Enter SUP_ID: 8728800
DTR>

Storing a record gives you an opportunity to observe several DATATRIEVE features you have not encounterd before.
Since in certain circumstances DATATRIEVE is case sensitive, you should make
a habit of using all uppercase letters.
Note that DATATRIEVE displays a date in the format you specify in the record
definition, not in the format you use when you store the date. In the example
above, you entered the date as 26-AUG-1982. You could also have entered it as
082682. In either case, DATATRIEVE displays the date as 26-Aug-1982.
Similarly, the record definition determines the format for the SALARY field. You
enter the salary without a dollar sign. The record definition determines the form
the field takes as output. The PERSONNEL_REC specifies that the dollar sign
be printed.
If you did the preceding example using your own PERSONNEL database, you
actually added this employee to your file.

:::L------~
MK~1105_00

5-2

Storing Data

5.3

Preventing a STORE Statement from Taking Effect
To prevent the STORE statement from creating a new record, type CTRL/Z at
any point before you press RETURN to enter a value in the last field of the
record:
OTR> STORE PERSONNEL([IT)
Enter 10: 07391([IT)
En t e r EM PLOYEE_STATUS: TRA I NEE ([IT)
Enter FIRST_NAME: CHARLEY([IT)
Enter LAST_NAME: ···z
Execution terMinated by operator
OTR>

5.4

Creating a New Record Without Complete Information
You can create a new record, even though all the necessary information is not yet
available to you. In the following example, a person has been hired but her starting date, salary, and assignment are unknown. If you enter a SPACE or TAB
before pressing RETURN, DATATRIEVE sets the field to blank or zero, depending on the field definition. If you press RETURN without making any entry,
DATATRIEVE continues to prompt you until you enter something.
OTR> STORE PERSONNEL([IT)
Enter 10: ([IT)
Enter 10: 123Ll5([IT)
En t e r EMPLOYEE_STATUS: TRA I NEE([IT)
En t e r FIRST _NAME: HENR I ETTA([IT)
En t e r LAST _NAME: M I LLER([IT)
Enter DEPT: (!@([IT)
Enter START_DATE: @ID([IT)
Enter SALARY: (!@([IT)
Enter SUP_IO: (!@([IT)
OTR>

If you did this example, the entry is now included in your PERSONNEL database, with blanks in the DEPT, START _DATE, and SALARY fields, and 00000
in the SUP _ID field. The PERSONNEL_REC record definition sets all these
defaults.

5.5

Storing Two or More Records At a Time
You can store more than one record at a time by using the REPEAT statement.
Type REPEAT, the number of records you want to STORE, and the statement
STORE PERSONNEL. DAT ATRIEVE prompts you for the values of each elementary field in each new record:
OTR> REPEAT 2 STORE PERSONNEL([IT)
Enter 10: 75G39([IT)
Enter EMPLOYEE_STATUS: TRAINEE([IT)
Enter FIRST_NAME: MIKE([IT)
En t e r LAST_NAME: M I LLER([IT)
Enter DEPT: TLlLl([IT)
Enter START_DATE: G-FEB-1981([IT)

(continued on next page)

Storing Data

5-3

En t e r
Enter
Enter
Enter
Enter
Enter
Enter
Enter
En t e r
Enter
DTR>

SALARY: 16750(§]
SUP_ID: 00012(§]
ID: 756ll0(§]
STATUS: TRAINEE(§]
FIRST_NAME: BEN(BTI)
LAST_NAME: PUTNAM(§]
DEPT: Tllll(§]
START_DATE: 6-FEB-1881(§]
SALARY: 16500(§]
SUP_ID: 00012(§]

Again, if you did this example, you have added these two employees to your
PERSONNEL database.
When you are storing more than one record with a STORE command, each
single record is stored as you complete the information for it and press the last
RETURN before continuing with the next record. If you have requested
DATATRIEVE to store a certain number of records and it turns out that you
want to enter fewer than you had planned, you can stop the prompting for more
entries with CTRL/Z.
If you use CTRL/Z to terminate the entry of a record, it affects only that record.

5.6

Storing the Correct Type of Data in New Records
The record definition specifies the type of data that you can store in each field of
the record. When you create a new record, you must put the correct type of data
in each of the fields. For instance, if the record definition requires a number,
DATATRIEVE refuses to accept letters. If you try to enter the wrong type of data
in a field, DATATRIEVE prompts you again for valid data.
Look at the PERSONNEL_REC displayed in section 3.3. To the right of each
field name the record contains information describing that field. The PIC IS
clause tells you the field's data type and its length. XS indicate character data,
and 9s indicate number data. The number in parentheses tells you the length of
the field. For example, in the field SUP _ID, the PIC IS clause tells you that you
can enter up to five numbers for SUP _ID. Sometimes the length of the field is
described as a series of9s or Xs, as in the DEPT field. The three Xs tell you that
DEPT contains three characters.
A summary of the type of data for the PERSONNEL_REC follows:
• EMPLOYEE_STATUS, FIRST _NAME, LAST _NAME, and DEPT accept
only character data.
• START _DATE accepts only a date.
• SALARY and SUP _ID accept only numbers.
Sometimes records contain VALID IF clauses. For example, notice the clause
VALID IF STATUS EQ ~~TRAINEE", ((EXPERIENCED" in the field
EMPLOYEE_STATUS. EQ is an expression meaning equal. The VALID IF
clause specifies the choices that you can use for a particular field. In the
EMPLOYEE_STATUS field the VALID IF clause tells you to enter either

5-4

Storing Data

TRAINEE or EXPERIENCED with capital letters when storing information in
that field. DATATRIEVE does not accept any other entry for the field
EMPLOYEE_STATUS.
The next example shows DATATRIEVE's response to several of these kinds of
entries:
DTR> STORE PERSONNEL@rn
Enter ID: HAROLD@rn
Non-di ~it in strin~ IIHAROLDII, i~norin~ character<s)
Re-enter ID: 53LJ020@rn
Truncation durin~ assi~nMent
Re-enter ID: 3LJ020ru
En t e r EMPLOYEE_STATUS:' BEG I NNERru
Validation error for EMPLOYEE_STATUS
Re-enter EMPLOYEE_STATUS: TYROru
Validation error for EMPLOYEE_STATUS
Re-enter EMPLOYEE_STATUS: TRAINEE@rn
Enter FIRST_NAME: hZ
Execution terMinated by operator
DTR>

The next chapter explains how to use the PRINT statement to retrieve data you
have stored.

Storing Data

5-5

Retrieving Data

After you have readied a domain, you can display the data at your terminal. With
the PRINT statement, you form a stream of records for display. The record
stream you form can be all the records in the domain, or a group of records you
select by specifying certain characteristics.

6.1

Displaying All Records in a Domain
If the domain does not contain a large number of records, you may want to display all the records it contains. You need type only a READY command and a
PRINT statement. The record stream displayed with the following PRINT statement contains all the records in the PERSONNEL domain, including the ones
you stored in the previous chapter. (You can also type PRINT ALL PERSONNEL
to form the same record stream.)
DTR> READY PERSONNELOO)
DTR> PRINT PERSONNELOO)
ID
00012
00881
02843
12345
12643
32432
34456
38462
38465
38485
48475
48573
48001
48843
75638
75640
78823
83764

STATUS
E~<PERIENCED
E~<PERIENCED

E>~PERIENCED

TRAINEE
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
E~< PER I ENCED
E><PERIENCED
E>~ PER I ENCED
E~<PERIENCED

TRAINEE
E~< PER I ENCED
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
E~< PER I ENCED
E~< PER I ENCED

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

CHARLOTTE
FRED
CASS
HENRIETTA
JEFF
THOMAS
HANK
BILL
JOANNE
DEE
GAIL
SY
DAN
BART
MIKE
BEN
LYDIA
JIM

SP I I.JA
HOWL
TERRY
MILLER
TASHKENT
SCHWEIK
MORRISON
SWAY
FREIBURG
TERRICK
CASSIDY
KELLER
ROBERTS
HAMMER
MILLER
PUTNAM
HARRISON
MEADER

DEPT

START
DATE

TOP
F11
D88

12-Sep-72
8-Apr-76
2-Jan-80

C82
F11
T32
T32
E46
D88
E46
T32
C82
D88
T44
T44
F11
T32

4-Apr-81
7-Nol.J-81
1-Mar-82
5-Ma}'-80
20-Feb-80
2-Ma}'-77
2-May-78
2-AU9'-81
7-Jul-78
4-AU9'-81
6-Feb-81
6-Feb-81
18-Jun-78
4-Apr-80

SALARY

SUP
ID .

$75t882 00012
$58t584 00012

$28t808 38485
00000
$32t818 87465
$26t723 00881
$30tOOO 87288
$54tOOO 00012
$23t808 48475
$55t828 00012
$55t407 00012
$31 t546 87288
$41 t385 87465
$26t382 38485
$16t750 00012
$16t500 00012
$40t747 00881
$41 t028 87288

(continued on next page)

6-1

8a375 E}-{PER I ENCED MARY

87288 E}-'PER I ENCED LOUISE
87a22 E}-{PER I ENCED MARTY
87a65 EXPERIENCED ANTHONY
87701 TRAINEE
NATHANIEL
88001 E}-{PER I ENCED DAVID
803a2 E}-'PER I ENCED BRUNO
81023 TRAINEE
STAN
88028 EXPERIENCED RANDY

NALEVO
088
DEPALMA
G20
KELLEY
T32
IACOBONE
C82
CHONTZ
Fll
LITELLA
G20
DONCH I KOt., C82
WITTGEN
G20
PODERESIAN C82

3-Jan-76
28-Feb-78
26-AI.l9'-82
2-Jan-73
28-Jan-82
ll-NoIJ-80
8-AI.l9'-78
23-Dec-81
2a-Ma}'-78

$56,8a7 38al

$57,588 000:
$18,750 8721
$58,a62 000
$2a,502 008!
$3a,833 8721
$35,852 87al
$25,023 8721
$33,738 87al

DTR>

DATATRIEVE displays the records in order according to the employees' ID number, which is the primary key.
The following section explains limited record streams, which print some but not
all of the records.

6.2

Selecting a Group of Records
Most often, you want to retrieve only certain records from the domain.
DATATRIEVE allows you to select records by using a record selection expression
(RSE). The RSE is a phrase that DATATRIEVE uses to form a group of records,
called a record stream. When you typed PRINT PERSONNEL in the previous
example, you used the simplest form of an RSE, an entire domain.
These are also examples ofRSEs:
• PRINT FIRST 3 PERSONNEL
• PRINT PERSONNEL WITH START_DATE = ~~1-MAR-82"
• PRINT PERSONNEL WITH LAST_NAME = ~~HARRISON"
• PRINT PERSONNEL WITH SUP _ID = 87289

6.2.1

Specifying the Number of Records in a Record Stream

You can limit the number of records in a record stream with the FIRST clause.
Suppose you do not want to see all the PERSONNEL records but would like to see
the first three. You can limit the record stream with the restriction clause, specifying that you want to display only the FIRST 3 PERSONNEL:
DTR> READY PERSONNELm
DTR> PRINT FIRST 3 PERSONNELm
10

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

00012 E}-{PER I ENCED CHARLOTTE
00881 EXPERIENCED FRED
028a3 E}-{PER I ENCED CASS
DTR>

6-2

Retrieving Data

LAST
NAME
SPIt.'A
HOWL
TERRY

DEPT

START
DATE

TOP
Fll
088

12-Sep-72
8-Apr-76
2-Jan-80

SALARY

SU
10

$75,882 000
$58,58a 000
$28,808 38a

6.2.2

Limiting Record Streams by Specifying Values

You can also limit a record stream by using a WITH clause. The phrase
PERSONNEL WITH SUP _ID = 87289 is a record selection expression (RSE).
This phrase forms the record stream by defining specific conditions that individual records must meet to be included. In the following example, the record stream
includes only those employees whose supervisor has the ID 87289:
OTR> PRINT PERSONNEL WITH SUP_IO = 8728900
IO
3L1L1S8
L18S73
8378L1
87L122
88001
91023

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

HANK
SY
E~-{PERIENCED JIM
E~-{PERIENCED MARTY
E}-{ PER I ENCED DAt.! ID
TRAINEE
STAN

TRAINEE
TRAINEE

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

SUP
ID

MORRISON
KELLER
MEADER
KELLEY
LITELLA
WITTGEN

T32
T32
T32
T32
G20
G20

1-Mar-82
2-Au!1-81
L1-Apr-80
28-AU!1-82
11-Nol.l-80
23-Dec-81

$30.000
$31.SLl8
$L11.029
$18.7S0
$3L1.933
$2St023

87289
87289
87289
87289
87289
87289

OTR>

The following examples show three different types ofRSE:
• Display the records of the first five trainees in the PERSONNEL domain. The
RSE is FIRST 5 PERSONNEL WITH STATUS = ((TRAINEE". DATATRIEVE
searches through the PERSONNEL file until it has five records that fit the
requirements of the RSE.
OTR> PRINT FIRST S PERSONNEL WITH STATUS = "TRAINEE"OO
ID

STATUS

123L1S TRAINEE
128L13 TRAINEE
32L132 TRAINEE
3L1L1S8 TRAINEE
L18S73 TRAINEE

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

SUP
ID

HENRIETTA
JEFF
THOMAS
HANK
SY

MILLER
TASHKENT
SCHWEIK
MORRISON
KELLER

C82
F11
T32
T32

L1-Apr-81
7-Nol.l-81
1-Mar-82
2-AU9'-81

$32.918
$28t723
$30.000
$31.SLl8

00000
87L18S
00891
87289
87289

DTR>

• Display the records of employees who started work after I-Jan-1982. The RSE
is PERSONNEL WITH START_DATE GREATER_THAN ((1-JAN-1982."
DATATRIEVE compares that date with the value of the START _DATE field
in every record in the PERSONNEL domain. When it finds a record with a date
later than I-Jan-1982, that record becomes part of the record stream.
OTR> PRINT PERSONNEL WITH START_DATE GREATER_THAN "1-JAN-1982"00
ID

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

3L14S8 TRAINEE
HANK
87422 E~-{PER I ENCED MARTY
87701 TRAINEE
NATHANIEL

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

MORRISON
KELLEY
CHONTZ

T32
T32
F11

1-Mar-82
28-AU9'-82
28-Jan-82

SALARY

SUP
ID

$30.000 87289
$18t7S0 87289
$24.S02 00891

DTR>

Retrieving Data

6-3

• Display the records of employees who earn more than $20,000 but less than
$25,000. The RSE is PERSONNEL WITH SALARY BETWEEN 20000 AND
25000. DATATRIEVE again searches through the entire database, selecting
all employees whose salaries fall within that range.
DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL WITH SALARY BETWEEN 20000 AND 25000ffiTI)
ID

FIRST
NAME

STATUS

381185 E}{PER I ENCED JOANNE
NATHANIEL
87701 TRAINEE

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

FREIBURG
CHONTZ

Ell8
Fll

20-Feb-80
28-Jan-82

SALARY

SUP
ID

$23,908 a8ll75
$2a,502 00891

DTR>

In these examples, GREATER_THAN, =, and BETWEEN control the comparison of the value in a field with the value you supply. They are called relational
operators.
DATATRIEVE recognizes several relational operators. Table 6-1 lists the ones
you can use in DATATRIEVE record selection expressions and shows examples
of their use. Notice that you do not need quotation marks around numeric fields
that follow the relational operators, but you do need them around character fields
and date fields.
Table 6-1: Using Relational Operators
Specify
One of:

EQUAL
EQ
=
NOT_EQUAL
NE
GREATER_THAN
GT

To Mean:

For Example:

Equal to

STATUS = ~~TRAINEE"

Not equal to

DEPT NE "T32"

Greater than

SALARY> 32500
DATE GT "1-Jan-1982"

>
GREATER_EQUAL
GE

Greater than
or equal to

LESS_THAN
LT
<

Less than

LESS_EQUAL
LE

Less than or
equal to

BETWEEN x AND y
BETWEENxy
BTxANDy
BTxy
CONTAINING
CONT

6-4

Retrieving Data

ID GE 89999
DATE LT "31-Dee-1981"
SALARY LT 28000
SALARY LE 30000

Between and incl uding the two

SALARY BT 20000 30000

values specified
Containing the
specified value

DEPT CONTAINING "F"
STATUS CONT "T"

After EQUAL, EQ, or =, you can enter a series of values, using a comma to separate each conditional value from the next one in the series:
DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL WITH SUP_ID = 48475 , 3948500
ID

STATUS

02943
38465
49843
84375

EHPERIENCED
E}{ PER I ENCED
TRAINEE
E>{ PER I ENCED

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

SUP
ID

CASS
JOANNE
BART
MARY

TERRY
FREIBURG
HAMMER
NALE1.JO

D98
E46
D98
D98

2-Jan-80
20-Feb-80
4-AI.l9'-81
3-Jan-76

$29,908
$23,908
$26,392
$56,847

39485
48475
39485
39485

DTR>

This shortcut also works if you type NOT before the EQUAL, EQ, =, or
CONTAINING. It does not work, however, for any other specification including
NOT_EQUAL.
You can form mor-e complex RSEs by using the operators AND, OR, NOT, and
BUT. The following example selects only employees who are trainees earning
more than $30,000 annually:
DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL WITH SALARY
ID

STATUS

12643 TRAINEE
48573 TRAINEE

FIRST
NAME
JEFF
SY

:::-

30000 AND STATUS

= "TRAINEE"OO

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

TASHKENT
KELLER

C82
T32

4-Apr-81
2-AI.l9'-81

SALARY

SUP
ID

$32,918 87465
$31 ,546 87289

DTR>

6.3

Examples of Displaying Data with the PRINT Statement
This section shows you the variety of PRINT statements you can use to form
record streams. Try creating RSEs of your own.

Retrieving Data

6-5

DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL WITH DEPT = IT32" AND SALARY BT 30000 AND
10

STATUS

34458 TRAINEE
48573 TRAINEE

FIRST
NAME
HANK
SY

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

MORRISON
KELLER

T32
T32

1-Mar-82
2-Aug-81

40000~

SALARY

SUF
10

$30,000 872E
$31 ,548 872E

DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL WITH STATUS NE "E){PERIENCED"(BIT)
10
12345
12843
32432
34458
48573
49843
75839
75840
87701
91023

STATUS
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
TRAINEE

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

HENRIETTA
JEFF
THOMAS
HANK
SY
BART
MIKE
BEN
NATHANIEL
STAN

MILLER
TASHKENT
SCHWEIK
MORRISON
KELLER
HAMMER
MILLER
PUTNAM
CHONTZ
WITTGEN

C82
F11
T32
T32
098
T44
T44
F11
G20

4-Apr-81
7-Nol.l-81
1-Mar-82
2-Aug-81
4-Aug-81
8-Feb-81
8-Feb-81
28-Jan-82
23-Dec-81

SALARY

SUF
10

oooe
$32,918 874E
$28,723 008E
$30,000 872E
$31 ,548 872E
$28,392 394E
$18,750 0001
$18,500 0001
$24,502 008S
$25,023872E

DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL WITH DEPT CONT "T" BUT DEPT NE "TOP"(BIT)
10

STATUS

34458
38482
48573
75839
75840
83784
87422

TRAINEE
EXPERIENCED
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
EXPERIENCED
EXPERIENCED

FIRST
NAME
HANK
BILL
SY
MIKE
BEN
JIM
MARTY

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

SUF
10

MORRISON
SWAY
KELLER
MILLER
PUTNAM
MEADER
KELLEY

T32
T32
T32
T44
T44
T32
T32

1-Mar-82
5-Ma}'-80
2-Aug-81
8-Feb-81
8-Feb-81
4-Apr-80
28-Aug-82

$30,000
$54,000
$31 ,548
$18,750
$18,500
$41 ,029
$18,750

872E
0001
872E
0001
0001
872E
872E

DTR>

You could have stated these examples in different terms. PERSONNEL WITH
STATUS = ((TRAINEE", for example, forms the same group of records as
PERSONNEL WITH STATUS NE ((EXPERIENCED". You can form a group of
all the records in Department T32 with any of the following:
• DEPT = ((T32"
• DEPT CONT ((T" BUT DEPT NOT EQUAL ((TOP",((T44"
• DEPT NOT EQUAL ((TOP" ,((Fll" ,((D98" ,((C82" ,((E46" ,((G20" ,((T44"
• ID = 34456,38462,48573,83764,87422
• LAST _NAME = ((MORRISON" ,((SWAY", ((KELLER", ((MEADER", ((KELLEY"
Obviously, the first example is the easiest and most straightforward. The important thing to remember is that many options are available to you when you form
record streams. You can specify a record or group of records in many ways, as
long as you use correct DATATRIEVE syntax.

6-6

Retrieving Data

6.4

Sorting Records in Record Streams
By adding a SORTED BY clause to the end of an RSE, you can tell DATATRIEVE
to sort records in the record stream in the order you specify. A field that forms a
basis for sorting is called a sort key.
For example, you can print the five records of the record stream PERSONNEL
WITH DEPT = cCT32" in alphabetical order by LAST _NAME:
DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL WITH DEPT
10

STATUS

48573
87422
83784
34458
38482

TRAINEE
E}{ PER I ENCED
E}{PER I ENCED
TRAINEE
E}{ PER I ENCED

FIRST
NAME
SY
MARTY
JIM
HANK
BILL

= IT32" SORTED BY LAST_NAME@TIJ
LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

SUP
ID

KELLER
KELLEY
MEADER
MORRISON
SWAY

T32
T32
T32
T32
T32

2-AU9'-81
28-AU9'-82
4-Apr-80
1-Mar-82
5-Ma}'-80

$31 ,548
$18,750
$41,028
$30,000
$54,000

87288
87288
87288
87288
00012

DTR>

You can sort records by the values in several fields, separating each sort key from
the next by a comma. DATATRIEVE sorts the records by the order in which you
list the sort keys. Here is a record stream sorted first by DEPT, then by
LAST_NAME:
DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL SORTED BY DEPT, LAST_NAME@TIJ
ID

STATUS

12345 TRAINEE
80342 EXPERIENCED
87485 E}{PER I ENCED
88028 E}{PER I ENCED
48001 E}{ PER I ENCED
12843 TRAINEE
48843 TRAINEE
84375 E}{PER I ENCED
38485 E}{ PER I ENCED
02843 E}{PER I ENCED
48475 E}{PER I ENCED
38485 E}{ PER I ENCED
87701 TRAINEE
78823 EHPERIENCED
00881 E}{ PER I ENCED
32432 TRAINEE
87288 E}{PER I ENCED
88001 E}{PER I ENCED
81023 TRAINEE
48573 TRAINEE
87422 E}{ PER I ENCED
83784 EXPERIENCED
34458 TRAINEE
38482 EXPERIENCED
75838 TRAINEE
75840 TRAINEE
00012 E}{PER I ENCED

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

HENRIETTA
BRUNO
ANTHONY
RANDY
DAN
JEFF
BART
MARY
DEE
CASS
GAIL
JOANNE
NATHANIEL
LYDIA
FRED
THOMAS
LOUISE
DAVID
STAN
SY
MARTY
JIM
HANK
BILL
MIKE
BEN
CHARLOTTE

MILLER
DoNCH I K0 1•1
IACoBoNE
PoDERESIAN
ROBERTS
TASHKENT
HAMMER
NALEI)o
TERRICK
TERRY
CASSIDY
FREIBURG
CHoNTZ
HARRISON
HOWL
SCHWEIK
DEPALMA
LITELLA
WITTGEN
KELLER
KELLEY
MEADER
MORRISON
SWAY
MILLER
PUTNAM
S P !l.IA

C82
C82
C82
C82
C82
D88
D88
D88
D88
E48
E48
F11
F11
F11
F11
G20
G20
G20
T32
T32
T32
T32
T32
T44
T44
TOP

8-AU9'-78
2-Jan-73
24-Ma}'-78
7-Jul-78
4-Apr-81
4-AU9'-81
3-Jan-78
2-May-77
2-Jan-80
2-Ma}'-78
20-Feb-80
28-Jan-82
18-Jl.ln-78
8-Apr-78
7-Nol.J-81
28-Feb-78
11-Nol.J-80
23-Dec-81
2-AU9'-81
28-AI.l9'-82
4-Apr-80
1-Mar-82
5-May-80
8-Feb-81
8-Feb-81
12-Sep-72

SUP
SALARY

00000
$35,852 87485
$58,482 00012
$33,738 87485
$41 ,385 87485
$32,818 87485
$28,382 38485
$58,847 38485
$55,828 00012
$28,808 38485
$55,407 00012
$23,808 48475
$24,502 00881
$40,747 00881
$58,584 00012
$28,723 00881
$57,588 00012
$34,833 87288
$25,023 87288
$31 ,548 87288
$18,750 87288
$41 ,028 87288
$30,000 87288
$54,000 00012
$18,750 00012
$18,500 00012
$75,882 00012

DTR>

Retrieving Data

6-7

In this example DATATRIEVE sorts the records and then lists them in the following order:
• Henrietta Miller, the only employee with no department number
• All the employees in Department C82 before any employees in any other
department
• Within Department C82, in alphabetical order by last name
DAT ATRIEVE then repeats this sequence for Department D98, E46, and so on.
Unless you specify otherwise, DATATRIEVE sorts records by the ascending
value of the sort keys you include in the record selection expression. That is, it
puts the record with the smallest value first and the largest value last. You can
also print records in descending order by typing DESCENDING (or DESC) before
a sort key:
DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL WITH DEPT = "T32" SORTED BY DESC SALARYlBTIJ
ID

STATUS

38llG2
837Gll
ll8573
3llll5G
871122

E}<PERIENCED
E}-{ PER I ENCED
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
E}< PER I ENCED

FIRST
NAME
BILL
JIM
SY
HANK
MARTY

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

SUP
ID

SWAY
MEADER
KELLER
MORRISON
KELLEY

T32
T32
T32
T32
T32

5-Ma}'-80
ll-Apr-80
2-AU9'-81
1-Mar-82
2G-AU9'-82

$5ll,000
$lll,028
$31,5llG
$30,000
$18,750

0001
8728
8728
8728
8728

DTR>

The following rules apply to the sort order of your lists:
• ASCENDING (or ASC) is the default sort order, sorting from smallest to largest. The default sort order is the order that DATATRIEVE uses to sort records
if you do not specify a different order.
• Numbers have lower values than letters, so if you do not specify differently,
DATATRIEVE first orders the data from 0 to 9, then A to Z.
• DESCENDING (or DESC) changes the sort order, sorting from largest to
smallest.
You can change the sort order as often as you like in any list by specifying
ASCENDING or DESCENDING before the name of the field whose order you
want to change. When you change the sort order, DATATRIEVE will sort the following items in the new order until you specifically change the order back.

6-8

Retrieving Data

DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL SORTED BY DESC DEPT t ASCENDING SALARY(@)
ID

STATUS

00012 E)< PER I ENCED
75840 TRAINEE
75839 TRAINEE
87422 E}(PER I ENCED
34458 TRAINEE
48573 TRAINEE
83784 E)< PER I ENCED
38482 E)< PER I ENCED
91023 TRAINEE
88001 E)< PER I ENCED
87289 E)<PERIENCED
87701 TRAINEE
32432 TRAINEE
78923 E)< PER I ENCED
00891 E}( PER I ENCED
38485- E}( PER I ENCED
48475 E)<PER I ENCED
49843 TRAINEE
02943 E)< PER I ENCED
39485 E)-( PER I ENCED
84375 E)-( PER I ENCED
12843 TRAINEE
99029 E)-(PER I ENCED
90342 E)<PER I ENCED
49001 E)<PER I ENCED
87485 E)< PER I ENCED
12345 TRAINEE

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

CHARLOTTE
BEN
MIKE
MARTY
HANK
SY
JIM
BILL
STAN
DA1.JID
LOUISE
NATHANIEL
THOMAS
LYDIA
FRED
JOANNE
GAIL
BART
CASS
DEE
MARY
JEFF
RANDY
BRUNO
DAN
ANTHONY
HENRIETTA

S P II.JA
PUTNAM
MILLER
KELLEY
MORRISON
KELLER
MEADER
SWAY
WITTGEN
LITELLA
DEPALMA
CHONTZ
SCHWEIK
HARRISON
HOWL
FREIBURG
CASSIDY
HAMMER
TERRY
TERRICK
NALEI.JO
TASHKENT
PODERESIAN
DONCH I K0 1.1
ROBERTS
IACOBONE
MILLER

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

TOP
T44
T44
T32
T32
T32
T32
T32
G20
G20
G20
F11
F11
F11
F11
E48
E48
D98
D98
D98
D98
C82
C82
C82
C82
C82

12-Sep-72
8-Feb-81
8-Feb-81
28-Au9'-82
1-Mar-82
2-Au9'-81
4-Apr-80
5-Ma}'-80
23-Dec-81
11-NoIJ-80
28-Feb-79
28-Jan-82
7-NOIJ-81
19-Jun-79
9-Apr-78
20-Feb-80
2-Ma}'-78
4-Au9'-81
2-Jan-80
2-Ma}'-77
3-Jan-78
4-Apr-81
24-Ma}'-79
9-Au9'-78
7-Jul-79
2-Jan-73

$75t892
$18t500
$18t750
$18t750
$30tOOO
$31 t 548
$41 t029
$54tOOO
$25t023
$34t933
$57t588
$24t502
$28t723
$40t747
$59t594
$23t908
$55t407
$28t392
$29t908
$55t829
$58t847
$32t918
$33t738
$35t952
$41 t395
$58t482

SUP
ID
00012
00012
00012
87289
87289
87289
87289
00012
87289
87289
00012
00891
00891
00891
00012
48475
00012
39485
39485
00012
39485
87485
87485
87485
87485
00012
00000

DTR>

6.5

Displaying Fields from Record Streams
You do not have to print all the fields in a record when you form a record stream
with an RSE. To limit the number of fields to be printed, type PRINT followed by
the names of the fields to be printed, the keyword OF, and the RSE.
Separate each field name from the next by a comma. This example shows that
you can specify group fields and mix them with elementary fields. NAME is a
group field containing the elementary fields FIRST _NAME and LAST _NAME.
ID and SUP _ID are elementary fields.
DTR> PRINT I D t NAME t SUP_ID OF PERSONNEL WITH DEPT
ID
34458
38482
48573
83784
87422

FIRST
NAME
HANK
BILL
SY
JIM
MARTY

LAST
NAME

SUP
ID

MORRISON
SWAY
KELLER
MEADER
KELLEY

87289
00012
87289
87289
87289

"T32"ru

DTR>

The next example limits the number of records displayed to five by using a
restriction clause (FIRST 5). It also uses a sort clause (SORTED BY SALARY).

Retrieving Data

6-9

If you specify both a restriction clause and a sort clause in the same RSE,
DATATRIEVE sorts the record stream before imposing the restriction. Here
DATATRIEVE sorts the PERSONNEL database by salary. It bypasses the
employees making less than $25,000 and prints the first five employees making
more than that figure. Notice that when you continue your print statement to a
second line, DATATRIEVE prompts you with CON>, the continuation prompt.
DTR> PRINT NAMEt SALARY OF FIRST 5 PERSONNEL WITH(llij
[LooKinf for Boolean expression]
CON> SALARY GT 25000 SORTED BY SALARY(llij
FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

SALARY

STAN
BART
THOMAS
CASS
HANK

WITTGEN
HAMMER
SCHWEIK
TERRY
MORRISON

$25t023
$26t392
$26t723
$29t908
$30tOOO

DTR>

The phrase H[Looking for Boolean expression]" that appears on the line before the
CON> prompt is referring to the kind of expression shown in Table 6-1. A
Boolean expression is an expression that DATATRIEVE evaluates to either
~~True" or ~~False."

6.6

Stopping the Display of Records
If you do not want to wait for DATATRIEVE to display all the records in a record
stream, you can end the display by typing a CTRL/C:
DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL(llij
LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

123115 TRAINEE
HENRIETTA MILLER
00012 E}< PER I ENCED CHARLOTTE SP!l.IA
00891 E}< PER I ENCED FRED
HOWL
029113 E}< PER I ENCED CASS
TERRY
126113 TRAINEE
JEFF
TASHKENT
321132 TRAINEE
THOMAS
SCHWEIK
3111156 TRAINEE
HANK
MORRISON
381162 E}< PER I ENCED BILL
SWAY
381165 E}< PER I ENCED JOANNE
FREIBURG
391185 E}-{ PER I ENCED DEE
TERRICK
ll8ll75 E}< PER I ENCED GAIL
CASSIDY
ll8573 TRAINEE
SY
KELLER
"'C
Execution te rlTlinated b }' operator

TOP
F11
D98
C82
Fl1
T32
T32
Ell6
D98
Ell6
T32

12-Sep-72
9-Apr-76
2-Jan-80
ll-Apr-81
7-Nol.l-81
1-Mar-82
5-Ma}'-80
20-Feb-80
2-Ma}'-77
2-Ma}'-78
2-Auf-81

$75t892
$59t59ll
$29t908
$32t918
$26t723
$30tOOO
$5lltOOO
$23t908
$55t829
$55tll07
$31 t5ll6

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

DTR>

You can enter the CTRL/C at any point. Your terminal displays it as ~~ AC", as
shown in the example above.

6-10

Retrieving Data

SUI
ID
OOO(
000:
000:
39ll~

87ll(
008~

872~

000:
ll8ll~

000:
000:
872~

6.7

Using Collections
The record streams you have formed so far have all been temporary. You have to
retype the entire PRINT statement to display the same set of records a second
time or to sort the record stream in a different way.
The FIND statement forms a special type of record stream called a collection.
Like a record stream, a collection is a group of records you select from the data
available in a domain, such as a collection of all personnel with salaries greater
than $40,000. Unlike a record stream, a collection remains available until you
release it.
Collections differ from record streams in three important ways:
• A collection is available to you until you:
- Form another collection with the same name with another FIND command
- Release the collection with a RELEASE command (See Section 6.9.)
- Release the domain from which you formed the collection with a FINISH
command (See Section 6.10.)
- Exit from DATATRIEVE
• You need not retype the RSE if you want to change the sort order of the records
or display a subset of the records or fields in the collection.
• You can name a collection to keep it from disappearing when you form other
collections.

6.7.1

Forming Collections

To form a collection, type FIND and a record selection expression (RSE), and
press RETURN:
OTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH DEPT = IT32"ru
[5 records found]
OTR>

When you enter the FIND statement, DATATRIEVE looks for records that meet
the conditions specified in the RSE. When that search is complete,
DATATRIEVE shows how many records it has found but does not display them.

6.7.2

Displaying the CURRENT Collection

DATATRIEVE gives the name CURRENT to a collection when you form it.
When you form a new collection with another FIND command, the new collection
replaces the old one as the CURRENT collection.

Retrieving Data

6-11

If you want to see the records in the CURRENT collection, you must use a PRINT
statement. Four different PRINT statements display the same records if you
have not chosen a particular record in any collection:
• PRINT ALL CURRENT
• PRINT CURRENT
• PRINT ALL
• PRINT
To see how the first three PRINT statements have identical effects, you can try
them all to display the five records in the CURRENT collection you just formed of
PERSONNEL from Department T32. The example here shows the output you
get:
DTR> PRINT ALL CURRENTOO
ID

STATUS

34458
38482
48573
83784
87422

TRAINEE
E)-{ PER I ENCED
TRAINEE
E)-{PER I ENCED
E}-{ PER I ENCED

FIRST
NAME
HANK
BILL
SY
JIM
MARTY

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

SUF
ID

MORRISON
SWAY
KELLER
MEADER
KELLEY

T32
T32
T32
T32
T32

1-Mar-82
5-Ma}'-80
2-Aug-81
4-Apr-80
28-Aug-82

$30,000
$54,000
$31 ,548
$41 ,029
$18,750

872E
0001
872E
872E
872E

DTR>

When you enter PRINT ALL, DAT ATRIEVE assumes you are referring to the
CURRENT collection. If you have no CURRENT collection and enter PRINT
ALL, DATATRIEVE displays this message on your terminal:
A current collection has not been established.

When you type PRINT by itself, DATATRIEVE first looks to see if you have
chosen one particular record with the SELECT statement. If you have,
DATATRIEVE prints it. If you have not, DATATRIEVE first displays a message
on your terminal and then displays all the records in the CURRENT collection:
DTR> PRINTOO
No record selected, printing whole collection
ID

STATUS

34458
38482
48573
83784
87422

TRAINEE
E)-{ PER I ENCED
TRAINEE
E}-{ PER I ENCED
E)-{ PER I ENCED

FIRST
NAME
HANK
BILL
SY
JIM
MARTY

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

SUP
ID

MORRISON
SWAY
KELLER
MEADER
KELLEY

T32
T32
T32
T32
T32

1-Mar-82
5-Ma}'-80
2-Aug-81
4-Apr-80
28-Aug-82

$30,000
$54,000
$31 ,548
$41 ,029
$18,750

8728
0001
8728
8728
8728

DTR>

See Section 7.1 for information on the SELECT statement.

6-12

Retrieving Data

6.7.3

Displaying Sorted Records in the CURRENT Collection

The sort order specified in the PRINT statement affects only the record stream
formed by the PRINT statement. It has no effect on the CURRENT collection,
which always remains the same.
To see that the original order of the CURRENT collection does not change, use
the following FIND statement to form a collection of employees reporting to the
supervisor with ID Number 00012.
DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH SUP_ID
[8 reeo rds found]
DTR> PRINT CURRENTru
ID

STATUS

00012
00881
38482
38485
48475
75838
75840
87288
87485

E}-{ PER I ENCED
E}-( PER I ENCED
E~<PER I ENCED
E~<PER I ENCED

FIRST
NAME

CHARLOTTE
FRED
BILL
DEE
E~<PERIENCED GAIL
TRAINEE
MIKE
TRAINEE
BEN
E}-( PER I ENCED LOUISE
E}-{ PER I ENCED ANTHONY

00012ru

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

SUP
ID

SP I I.JA
HOWL
SWAY
TERRICK
CASSIDY
MILLER
PUTNAM
DEPALMA
IACOBONE

TOP
F11
T32
D88
E48
T44
T44
G20
C82

12-Sep-72
8-Apr-78
5-Ma}'-80
2-Ma}'-77
2-Ma}'-78
8-Feb-81
8-Feb-81
28-Feb-78
2-Jan-73

$75t882
$58t584
$54tOOO
$55t828
$55t407
$18t750
$18t500
$57t588
$58t482

00012
00012
00012
00012
00012
00012
00012
00012
00012

Notice that the collection is made up of records sorted by ID. Now sort the collection and print it in alphabetical order.
DTR> PRINT CURRENT SORTED BY LAST_NAMEru
ID

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

SUP
ID

GAIL
LOUISE
FRED
ANTHONY
MIKE
BEN
CHARLOTTE
BILL
DEE

CASSIDY
DEPALMA
HOWL
IACOBONE
MILLER
PUTNAM
SP II.JA
SWAY
TERRICK

E48
G20
F11
C82
T44
T4Ll
TOP
T32
D88

2-Ma}'-78
28-Feb-78
8-Apr-78
2-Jan-73
8-Feb-81
8-Feb-81
12-Sep-72
5-Ma}'-80
2-Ma}'-77

$55t407
$57t588
$58t584
$58t482
$18t750
$18t500
$75t882
$54tOOO
$55t828

00012
00012
00012
00012
00012
00012
00012
00012
00012

STATUS

48475 E~< PER I ENCED
87288 E~< PER I ENCED
00881 E~< PER I ENCED
87485 E~< PER I ENCED
75838 TRAINEE
75840 TRAINEE
00012 E~<PERIENCED
38482 E}< PER I ENCED
38485 E~< PER I ENCED

Finally, to see that the collection itself has not been changed, have DATATRIEVE
print the collection again without sorting it.
DTR> PRINT CURRENTru
ID

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

00012 E}-{ PER I ENCED CHARLOTTE
00881 E}-{ PER I ENCED FRED
38482 E~< PER I ENCED BILL
39485 E}-( PER I ENCED DEE
48475 E~< PER I ENCED GAIL

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

SUP
ID

SP II.JA
HOWL
SWAY
TERRICK
CASSIDY

TOP
F11
T32
D98
E48

12-Sep-72
8-Apr-78
5-Ma}'-80
2-Ma}'-77
2-Ma}'-78

$75t882
$58t584
$54tOOO
$55t829
$55t407

00012
00012
00012
00012
00012

(continued on next page)

Retrieving Data

6-13

75638 TRAINEE
756ao TRAINEE
87288 E}< PER I ENCED
87a65 E}-{ PER I ENCED

MIKE
BEN
LOUISE
ANTHONY

MILLER
PUTNAM
DEPALMA
IACOBONE

Taa
Taa

G20
C82

6-Feb-81
6-Feb-81
28-Feb-78
2-Jan -73'

$16,750 OOOJ
$16,500 OOOJ
$57,588 OOOJ
$58,a62 OOOJ

DTR>

You can specify a sort order with the FIND statement just as you do with the
PRINT statement. As for collections that do not specify a sort order, a PRINT
statement specifying a sort order has no effect on the order in the collection itself.
6.7.4

Displaying Information About the CURRENT Collection

You can use the SHOW command to display information about the CURRENT
collection. Type SHOW CURRENT and press RETURN:
DTR> SHOW CURRENT(@)
Collection CURRENT
Domain: PERSONNEL
Number of Records: 8
No Selected Record
DTR>

This display tells you that the CURRENT collection comes from the
PERSONNEL domain, contains nine records, and has no selected record.
Chapter 7 explains selected records.
6.7.5

Making a New CURRENT Collection from an Old One

You can form a series of CURRENT collections, each based on the previous one.
For example, you can keep changing the limiting value of the same field:
DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH SALARY :> 3000000
[16 records found]
DTR> FIND CURRENT WITH SALARY> aOOOO(@)
[11 records found]
DTR> F I NO CURRENT ~l I TH SALARY > 5000000
[8 records found]
DTR> FIND CURRENT WITH SALARY
6000000
[1 record found]
DTR> PRINT ALL(@)
10

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

00012 EXPERIENCED CHARLOTTE

LAST
NAME
SPIVA

DEPT

START
DATE

TOP

12-Sep-72

SUP
SALARY

$75,882 0001

DTR>

You can also use a different field each time to reduce the number of records in the
CURRENT collection:
DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH SUP_ID
[8 records found]

0001200

(continued on next page)

6-14

Retrieving Data

DTR> FIND CURRENT WITH SALARY > 57500ru
[4 records found]
DTR> FIND CURRENT WITH START_DATE GT "1-JAN-1978"ru
[1 record found]
DTR> PRINT CURRENT@]
FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

87289 EXPERIENCED LOUISE

DEPALMA

G20

28-Feb-79

STATUS

SUP
ID

SALARY

$57,598 00012

DTR>

6.7.6

Using the CURRENT Collection in RSEs

When you want to refer to the CURRENT collection, you can type CURRENT
instead of the original RSE you entered to form the collection. The following
sequence forms a collection, prints it, sorts the records into a new order, and
prints the first five in that order:
DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH SUP_ID
[9 records found]
DTR> PRINT ALL@]

00012@]

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

00012
00891
38482
39485
48475
75839
75840
87289
87485

EXPERIENCED
EXPERIENCED
EXPERIENCED
EXPERIENCED
EXPERIENCED
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
EXPERIENCED
EXPERIENCED

CHARLOTTE
FRED
BILL
DEE
GAIL
MIKE
BEN
LOUISE
ANTHONY

SP II,JA
HOWL
SWAY
TERRICK
CASSIDY
MILLER
PUTNAM
DEPALMA
IACOBONE

DEPT
TOP
Fll
T32
D98
E48
T44
Ta4

G20
C82

START
DATE

SALARY

SUP
ID

12-Sep-72
9-Apr-78
5-Ma}'-80
2-Ma}'-77
2-Ma}'-78
8-Feb-81
8-Feb-81
28-Feb-79
2-Jan-73

$75,892
$59,594
$54,000
$55,829
$55,407
$18,750
$18,500
$57,598
$58,482

00012
00012
00012
00012
00012
00012
00012
00012
00012

DTR> PRINT FIRST 5 CURRENT SORTED BY DESC SALARY@]
ID

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

00012
00891
87485
87289
39485

EXPERIENCED
EXPERIENCED
EXPERIENCED
EXPERIENCED
EXPERIENCED

CHARLOTTE
FRED
ANTHONY
LOUISE
DEE

HOWL
IACOBONE
DEPALMA
TERRICK

S P !l.JA

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

SUP
ID

TOP
Fll
C82
G20
D98

12-Sep-72
9-Apr-78
2-Jan-73
28-Feb-79
2-Ma}'-77

$75,892
$59,594
$58,482
$57,598
$55,829

00012
00012
00012
00012
00012

DTR}

After this sequence of statements, the CURRENT collection remains the same. It
contains all the original records in their original order.

6.8

Naming a Collection
So far, you have created only one collection at anyone time - the CURRENT
collection. Each time you formed a new CURRENT collection, the old one disappeared.

Retrieving Data

6-15

You can create more than one collection by giving each collection a name when
you form it with the FIND statement. For example, you can form a collection of
trainees and name the collection TYROS:
DTR> FIND TYROS IN PERSONNEL WITH STATUS = "TRAINEE"OO)
[10 records found]
DTR>

This new CURRENT collection has the name TYROS. You can use any name you
like. To confirm that the CURRENT collection has the name you gave it, use the
SHOW COLLECTIONS command.
DTR> SHOW COLLECTIONSOO)
Collections:
TYROS (also CURRENT)
DTR>

You can now use the collection name TYROS in other DATATRIEVE commands
and statements. When you form a new CURRENT collection, the TYROS collection remains. It does not disappear as an unnamed collection would have. The
name CURRENT becomes attached to the newly formed collection. You can still
use TYROS to refer to the original collection in other DA TATRIEVE commands
and statements. The SHOW CURRENT command does not refer to TYROS any
longer, but the SHOW TYROS command shows that it is still available:
DTR> FIND E>~PERTS IN PERSONNEL WITH STATUS = IEi-{PERIENCED"(8TIj
[17 records found]
DTR> SHOW CURRENT(@)
Collection CURRENT
DOMain: PERSONNEL
NUfTlber of Records: 17
No Selected Record
(continued on next page)

6-16

Retrieving Data

OTR> SHOW TYROSOO
Collection TYROS
OOITla in: PERSONNEL
NUITlb e r of Records: 10
No Selected Record
OTR> PRINT FIRST 3 CURRENTOO
10

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

00012 E){PER I ENCEO CHARLOTTE
00891 E){PERIENCEO FRED
02943 E)-( PER I ENCEO CASS

LAST
NAME
S P !l.JA
HOWL
TERRY

DEPT

START
DATE

TOP
F11
098

12-Sep-72
9-Apr-76
2-Jan-80

SALARY

SUP
10

$75t892 00012
$59t594 00012

$29t908 39485

OTR> PRINT FIRST 3 TYROSOO
10

STATUS

12345 TRAINEE
12643 TRAINEE
32432 TRAINEE

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

HENRIETTA
JEFF
THOMAS

MILLER
TASHKENT
SCHWEIK

C82
F11

4-Apr-81
7-No!.l-81

SALARY

SUP
10
00000

$32t918 87465
$26t723 00891

OTR>

6.8.1

Showing the Names of Existing Collections

You can have as many named collections as you want. To see the names of all the
collections you have, use the SHOW COLLECTIONS command:
OTR> SHOW COLLECTIONSOO
Collections:
EXPERTS (also CURRENT)
TYROS
OTR>

In response to the SHOW COLLECTIONS command, DATATRIEVE lists the
most recently formed collection first and the oldest of the existing collections last.
If the CURRENT collection has a name, DATATRIEVE displays a note beside
the name of that collection to show that it is also the CURRENT collection. If the
CURRENT collection is unnamed, DATATRIEVE displays the name CURRENT
on the list of collections:
OTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH DEPT
[5 records found]
OTR> SHOW COLLECTIONSOO
Collections:
CURRENT
E){ PERTS
TYROS

IC82"lliITJ

(continued on next page)

Retrieving Data

6-17

DTR> PRINT FIRST 2 CURRENT(@:)
ID

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

12843 TRAINEE
JEFF
48001 E}-{PER I ENCED DAN

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

TASHKENT
ROBERTS

C82
C82

4-Apr-81
7-Jul-78

SALARY

SUF
ID

$32,818 874e
$41 ,385 874e

DTR>

To display records in a named collection that is not the CURRENT collection, you
must use the collection name in the RSE of a PRINT statement:
DTR> PRINT FIRST 2 TYROSm
ID

STATUS

12345 TRAINEE
12843 TRAINEE

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

HENRIETTA
JEFF

MILLER
TASHKENT

C82

4-Apr-81

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

TOP
F11

12-Sep-72
8-Apr-78

SALARY

SUF
ID

OOOC
$32,818 874e

DTR> PRINT FIRST 2 ENPERTS(@:)
ID

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

00012 E}-{PER I ENCED CHARLOTTE
00881 E}-{PER I ENCED FRED

S P Il.IA
HOWL

SALARY

SUF
ID

$75,882 0001
$58,584 0001

DTR>

When you have access to more than one collection, PRINT ALL always causes
DATATRIEVE to display the records in the CURRENT collection.
If you use PRINT ALL TYROS, or the name of any other collection you have
formed, DATATRIEVE displays all the records in the collection you name.

6.8.2

Naming an Unnamed Collection

If you have not named your CURRENT collection and then decide you want to
keep it, you can name it by using the FIND command:
DTR> FIND DEPT_C82 IN CURRENTm
[5 records found]
DTR> SHOW COLLECTIONSm
Collections:
DEPT_C82 (also CURRENT)
E}-{PERTS
TYROS
DTR>

This command does not actually rename the CURRENT collection. It forms a .
new CURRENT collection named DEPT _C82 that contains the same records as
the previous CURRENT collection, which no longer exists.

6-18

Retrieving Data

You can also change the name of a named collection. The newly formed collection
does not replace the older one. The new one goes, instead, to the top of the list of
existing collections. The collection now has two names, C82 and CURRENT.
OTR> FINO C82 IN DEPT_C82®]
[5 records found]
DTR > SHO~J COLLECT IONS®]
Collections:
C82 (also CURRENT)
DEPT_C82
E){ PERTS
TYROS
OTR>

You can use this same method to impose new limits on a collection without having to retype the original RSE. The collection TYROS consists of all the employees
who are trainees. You can form a new collection called NEW_TRAINEES by
including only those TYROS that started after I-Jan-1982. NEW_TRAINEES
becomes the CURRENT collection, but you still have access to TYROS:
OTR> FIND NEW_TRAINEES IN TYROS WITH START_DATE GT "1-Jan-1882"®]
[2 records found]
DTR > SHO~J COLLECT IONS®]
Collections:
NEW_TRAINEES (also CURRENT)
C82
DEP7_C82
E>~ PERTS
TYROS
DTR>

6.8.3

Changing the Content of a Named Collection

To change the content of a named collection, use the same name in a FIND command with new conditions specified in the RSE. When you use the name of an
existing collection, DATATRIEVE releases the old collection with the same
name and makes the new one the CURRENT collection:
DTR > FIN D NEW _ TRAI NEE S I t· ·J T\' R0 ~3 ~l I TH S TAR T_ DATE GT "1 - J UL - 1 8 8 1 "®]
[6 records found]
DTR > SHO~l COLLEC T I ON S®]
Collections:
NEW_TRAINEES (also CURRENT)
C82
DEPT_C82
E>~PERTS

TYROS
DTR> FIND ~~E~LTRAINEES I~··l TYROS l·lITH START_DATE GT "1-JAN-1882"®]
[2 records found]
DTR> SHOW COLLECTIO~~S®]
Collections:
NEW_TRAINEES (also CURRENT)
C82
DEPT_C82
E>~PERTS

TYROS
(continued on next page)

Retrieving Data

6-19

DTR> PR I NT NEilL TRA I NEES(BD)
ID

STATUS

3aa56 TRAINEE
87701 TRAINEE

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

HANK
NATHANIEL

MORRISON
CHONTZ

T32
F11

1-Mar-82
28-Jan-82

SUF

SALARY

$30,000 872E
$2a,502 008~

DTR>

6.9

Releasing Collections
When you no longer need to use a collection, you can release it with the
RELEASE command. Releasing a collection does not affect the data file.
You can verify the release of a collection with the SHOW COLLECTIONS
command:
'DTR> RELEASE C82(BD)
DTR> SHOW COLLECTIONS(BD)
Collections:
NEW_TRAINEES (also CURRENT)
DEPT_C82
E}-{PERTS
TYROS
DTR> RELEASE CURRENT(BD)
DTR> SHOW COLLECTIONS(BD)
Collections:
DEPT_C82 (also CURRENT)
E}-{PERTS
TYROS
DTR> RELEASE TYROS(BD)
DTR> SHOW COLLECTIONS(BD)
Collections:
DEPT_C82 (also CURRENT)
E}-{PERTS
DTR> RELEASE E}-{PERTS, DEPT _C82(BD)
DTR> SHOW COLLECTIONS(BD)
No established collections
DTR> RELEASE(BD)
LooKing for Dictionary NaMe
CON> ,', Z
DTR>

From this sequence, you can see several rules for releasing collections:
• You can release collections in ,any order.
• You can release more than one collection at a time .
• If you release the CURRENT collection, the next most recently formed collection becomes the new CURRENT collection.

6-20

Retrieving Data

• If you release a named current collection, you can refer to it in the RELEASE
command by its name or by CURRENT.
• If you use the RELEASE command without specifying a collection or collections, DATATRIEVE prompts you for a collection with the CON> prompt.

6.10

Using the FINISH Command
You can use the FINISH command to release all your collections.
The FINISH command also ends your access to all your readied domains, or to
specific domains.
To show the use of the FINISH command, the following example forms three collections from the PERSONNEL domain. The SHOW COLLECTIONS command
lists the three collections, and the SHOW READY command lists PERSONNEL
as a readied domain. After the FINISH command, the SHOW COLLECTIONS
and SHOW READY commands show the effect of finishing the domain:
DTR> FIND TYROS IN PERSONNEL WITH STATUS = ITRAINEE"m
[10 records found]
DTR> FIND E><PERTS IN PERSONNEL WITH STATUS = "E><PERIENCED" m
[17 records found]
DTR> FIND C82 IN PERSONNEL WITH DEPT = IC82"m
[5 records found]
DTR> SHOW COLLECTIONSm
Collections:
C82 (also CURRENT)
E}<PERTS
TYROS
DTR> SHOW READym
Read}' dOfrlains:
PERSONNEL: RMS INDEXEDt PROTECTED READ
DTR> FINISHm
DTR> SHOW COLLECTIONSm
No established collections
DTR> SHOW READym
No read}' dOfrlains
DTR>

If you have more than one domain readied, you can finish specific domains by
including the domain names in the FINISH command. To finish only the
PERSONNEL domain, you type this command:
DTR> F I·N I SH PERSONNELm

This command releases the PERSONNEL domain and any collections associated
with it, but no others.

Retrieving Data

6-21

Modifying Data

When information changes or you have made errors in entering data, you need a
way to enter the corrected information. In DATATRIEVE, you can make changes
to existing records with the MODIFY statement.
You need to specify which records you want to change by isolating them either in
a collection or in a record stream. This chapter discusses the use of both collections and record streams for modifying data.

7.1

Using the SELECT Statement with a Collection
To modify one or more records, you can form a collection and use the SELECT
statement to choose a record you want to change. The following examples show
how the SELECT statement chooses one record in a collection.
Ready the PERSONNEL domain and form a collection with the FIND statement.
Display the collection on your terminal by using the PRINT ALL statement:
DTR> READY PERSONNEL MODIFYQIDj
DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH SUP_ID = 39Ll85QIDj
[3 records found]

DTR> PRINT ALLQIDj
10

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

029Ll3 E}-{PER I EN CEO CASS
Ll88Ll3 TRAINEE
BART
SLl375 E}·' PER I ENCED MARY

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

TERRY
HAMMER
NALEt.JO

098
088
098

2-Jan-80
Ll-Aug-81
3-Jan-76

SALARY

SUP
10

$29,808 38Ll85
$26,382 38Ll85
$56,SLl7 38LlS5

DTR>

When you use the SELECT statement, DATATRIEVE marks one record in the
target collection. If you have not yet selected a record in a collection and do not
specify a particular record with the SELECT statement, DATATRIEVE selects
the first record as the target record. If you are at any other place in the collection,
DATATRIEVE selects the next record.
7-1

To display the first record in the collection, enter:
DTR> SELECT(@:)
DTR> PRINT(@:)
ID

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

029Q3 EXPERIENCED CASS

LAST
NAME
TERRY

DEPT

START
DATE

D9S

2-Jan-SO

SALARY

SUI
ID

$29 t90S 39Qt

DTR>

When you enter another SELECT statement, DATATRIEVE then marks the
next record in the collection as the target record:
DTR> SELECT(@:)
DTR> PRINT(@:)
ID

STATUS

Q9SQ3 TRAINEE

FIRST
NAME
BART

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

HAMMER

D9S

Q-Aug-Sl

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

NALEI.JO

D9S

3-Jan-76

SALARY

SUI
ID

$26t392 39Qt

DTR> SELECT(@:)
DTR> PRINT(@:)
ID

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

SQ375 E)-( PER I ENCED MARY

SALARY

SUI
ID

$56tSQ7 39QI

DTR>

You can continue selecting records in an entire collection in this way, no matter
how many records are present.
You can also display only part of the information in the selected record:
DTR> PRINT IDt NAMEt START_DATE(@:)
ID

FIRST
NAME

SQ375 MARY

LAST
NAME

START
DATE

NALEI.JO

3-Jan-76

DTI'i'>

7.2

Using Other Forms of the SELECT Statement
When you have a collection, you can choose any single record in the collection
with some form of the SELECT statement:
• SELECT FIRST - Selects the first record in the collection.
• SELECT LAST - Selects the last record in the collection.

7-2

Modifying Data

• SELECT or SELECT NEXT - Selects the next record in the collection. If you
have not selected any record, SELECT NEXT picks the first record. If there is
no next record because you are at the end of the collection, DATATRIEVE displays the following error message:
Record number out of
Execution failed

ran~e

for collection

• SELECT n - Selects the record in the collection indicated by the number n,
which must be between 1 and the number of the last record in the collection.
SELECT 5, for example, selects the fifth record in the collection. It does not
select five records.
If you specify a number greater than the number of records in the collection,
DATATRIEVE displays the following error message:
Record number out of
Execution failed

ran~e

for collection

The following series of SELECT and PRINT statements shows how the various
forms of the SELECT statement work. The examples also show how to include
two or more DATATRIEVE statements on a single input line by separating the
statements with a semicolon (;).
DTR> SELECT FIRST; PRINTOO
ID

FIRST
NAME

STATUS

02943 E}{PER I ENCED CASS

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

D98

2-Jan-80

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

NALEI.IO

D98

3-Jan-76

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

D98

2-Jan-80

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

HAMMER

D98

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

NALEI.IO

D98

3-Jan-76

TERRY

SALARY

SUP
ID

$29,908 39485

DTR> SELECT LAST; PRINTOO
ID

FIRST
NAME

STATUS

84375 E}{PER I ENCED MARY

SALARY

SUP
ID

$56,847 39485

DTR> SELECT 1 ; PRINTOO
ID

FIRST
NAME

STATUS

02943 E>{ PER I ENCED CASS

TERRY

SALARY

SUP
ID

$29,908 39485

DTR> SELECT NE}{T; PRINTOO
ID

FIRST
NAME

STATUS

49843 TRAINEE

BART

4-Au~-81

SALARY

SUP
ID

$26,392 39485

DTR> SELECT; PRINTOO
ID

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

84375 E}{PER I ENCED MARY

SALARY

SUP
ID

$56,847 39485

DTR>

Modifying Data

7-3

7.3

Using the SHOW Command to Identify the Selected Record
You can use the SHOW command to find out which record in a collection is the
selected record. Type SHOW, followed by the collection name. DATATRIEVE
returns this information, showing that the third record is the selected record in
the CURRENT collection:
OTR> SHOW CURRENTOOl
Collection CURRENT
DOMain: PERSONNEL
NUMber of Records: 3
Selected Record: 3
OTR>

7.4

Modifying a Selected Record in a Collection
To update or correct information in a selected record of a collection, follow these
steps:
1. READY the domain for MODIFY access.
2. Form a collection of records with the FIND statement.
3. Use the SELECT statement to isolate the record you want to change.

7-4

Modifying Data

4. Use the PRINT statement to check that the selected record is the one you
intend to change.
5. Use the MODIFY statement to change the selected record.
6. Use the PRINT statement to check that the record has been changed
correctly.
When you have selected a record that you want to modify in a collection, enter
the keyword MODIFY. DATATRIEVE prompts you for a value for each elementary field in the record. You cannot modify the value of the primary key field, ID.·
Use the TAB to retain the values of any fields you want to leave unchanged. Use
the SPACE to enter a blank or a zero depending on the field definition.
In the following example, an employee is transferring to a different department
under a new supervisor and at an increased salary:
DTR> READY PERSONNEL MODIFYoo
DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH LAST_NAME = IHARRISON"oo
[ 1 record found]
DTR> SELECT; PRINToo
10

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

78823 E}< PER I ENCED LYDIA

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

HARRISON

F11

18-Jun-78

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

HARRISON

Ell6

18-Jun-78

SUP
SALARY

$llOt7ll7 00881

DTR> MODIFYoo
Enter 10: @]loo
Enter EMPLOYEE_STATUS: @]loo
Enter FIRST_NAME: @]l(@)
Enter LAST_NAME: @]loo
Enter DEPT: Ell600
Enter START_DATE: @]l(@)
Enter SALARY: llll580(@)
Enter SUP_ID: 0001200
DTR> PRINToo
10

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

78823 E>{ PER I ENCED LYDIA

SUP
SALARY

$llllt580 00012

DTR>

When you use the MODIFY statement, DATATRIEVE prompts you for your
entry to each field of the record you want to modify. No modification of any part of
the record takes place if you enter CTRL/Z before pressing RETURN at the end of
the last field value prompt.
DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH 10
[1 reco rd found]
DTR> SELECTj PRINT(@)
10
381162

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

EXPERIENCED BILL

3848200

LAST
NAME
SWAY

DEPT

START
DATE

T32

5-Ma}'-80

SUP
SALARY

$5lltOOO 00012

(continued on next page)

Modifying Data

7-5

DTR> MODIFY~
En t e rID: @§)@
Enter EMPLOYEE_STATUS: @§)@
En t e r FIR S T_ NAME: WI LL I AM@
Enter LAST_NAME: @§)@
Enter DEPT: ELlG@
Enter START_DATE: @§)@
En t e r Sal a r}': 58@
Enter SUP_ID: "'Z
Execution terMinated by operator
DTR>

Because you entered CTRL/Z, the permanent record has remained unchanged:
DTR> PRINT CURRENT@
ID
38L1G2

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

E}{PER I ENCED BILL

LAST
NAME
SWAY

DEPT

START
DATE

T32

5-Ma}'-80

SALARY

SU
ID

$5L1,000 000

DTR>

When you press RETURN instead of a value, TAB, or space in response to a
MODIFY prompt, DATATRIEVE repeats the prompt until you enter something
acceptable. The following example shows DATATRIEVE's responses to two other
kinds of error:
DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH ID
[ 1 record found]
DTR> SELECT; PRINTOO)
ID

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

78823 E}{PER I ENCED LYDIA

78823@

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

SL
![

HARRISON

ELIG

18-Jun-78

$L1L1,580

ooe

DTR> MODIFY@
Enter ID: 123L15G@
Truncation durinS assiSnMent
Re - en t e rID: 123 L15@
En t e r EMPLOYEE_STATUS: NOl.! I CEm
Validation error for EMPLOYEE_STATUS
Re-enter EMPLOYEE_STATUS: "'Z
Execution terMinated by operator
DTR>

The record definition for PERSONNEL restricts the entries you can make in the
EMPLOYEE_STATUS field to either EXPERIENCED or TRAINEE. It therefore rejects the entry ((NOVICE." DATATRIEVE also rejects the 6-digit SUP _ID
number, because the record definition restricts the field to five digits.

7.5

Modifying Fields in Indexed Data Files
You can modify any field of a record in a sequential file. If you are working with
an indexed file, however, you cannot change the primary key field. You may not
be allowed to modify other key fields, as well, depending on the file's
characteristics.

7-6

Modifying Data

Some changes are simpler to do by specifying only the fields you want to change.
At times it is easier to tab past the fields you do not want to change, rather than
specifying the fields you do want to change.
With the SHOW READY command, you can find out what type of data file is
associated with a domain:
DTR> SHOW READY(@)
Read}' dOlllains:
PERSONNEL:

RMS INDEXED, PROTECTED MODIFY

DTR>

The word cCindexed" tells you that the data associated with the PERSONNEL
domain is in an indexed file. The SHOW FIELDS command tells you which fields
are keys:
DTR> SHOW FIELDS(@)
PERSONNEL
PERSON
ID
[NuMber, indexed Key]
EMPLOYEE_STATUS (STATUS)
[Character string]
EMPLOYEE_NAME (NAME)
FIRST_NAME (F_NAME)
[Character string]
LAST_NAME (L_NAME)
[Character string]
DEPT
[Character string]
START_DATE
[Date]
SALARY [NufTlbe r]
SUP_ID [NufTlber]
DTR>

In the PERSONNEL record definition, the ID field is the primary key. If you try
to modify ID, DATATRIEVE sends an error message:
DTR> READY PERSONNEL MODIFY(@)
DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH LAST_NAME
[1 reco rd found]
DTR> SELECT;PRINT(@)
ID

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

78823 EXPERIENCED LYDIA

"HARRISON"(@)

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

HARRISON

E4S

18-Jun-78

SALARY

SUP
ID

$44 ,580 00012·

DTR> MODIFY ID(@)
En t e rID: 74252(@)
AtteMPt to update Key field without change attribute
Execution failed
DTR>

If you try to modify a key field, DATATRIEVE does not print an error message
until the entire modification statement is complete. Then, it cancels the entire
modification statement, making none of the changes you requested, as the following example shows:
DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH ID
[1 reco rd found]

78823(@)
(continued on next page)

Modifying Data

7-7

DTR> SELECT;PRINT®rn
ID

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

78923 EXPERIENCED LYDIA

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

HARRISON

E46

19-Jun-79

DTR> MODIFY ID,DEPT,SALARY,SUP_ID®rn
Ente rID: 78901®rn
Enter DEPT: Fll®rn
Enter SALARY: 40747®rn
Enter SUP_ID: 00891®rn
AtteMPt to update key field without
Execution failed
DTR> PRINT®rn
ID

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

78923 EXPERIENCED LYDIA

chan~e

SUf
ID

SALARY

$44,590 0001

attribute

LAST
NAME

DEPT

HARRISON

E46

START
DATE

SUf
ID

SALARY

19-Jun-1979 $44,590 OOC

DTR>

If you specify a group field name in a MODIFY statement, DATATRIEVE
prompts you for a value for each elementary field in the group. In this example,
the query name for the group field EMPLOYEE_NAME is NAME, and includes
both FIRST _NAME and LAST _NAME:
DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH LAST_NAME
[1 reco rd found]
DTR> SELECT; PRINT®rn

IFREIBURG"®rn

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

SUf
ID

38465 EXPERIENCED JOANNE

FREIBURG

E46

20-Feb-80

$23 ,908

a8a~

STATUS

DTR> MODIFY NAME®rn
Enter FIRST_NAME: JOANNE®rn
Enter LAST_NAME: KNECHTBURG®rn
DTR> PRINT ID, NAME®rn
ID

FIRST
NAME

38465 JOANNE

LAST
NAME
KNECHTBURG

DTR>

7.6

Modifying All Records in a Collection
You can use MODIFY ALL to make changes in all the records ofa collection.
Before modifying an entire collection, be very certain that you do not want certain records exempted from the change. If you make a mistake, it can lead to a lot·
of work to replace the data you did not want to change. Do not be so afraid of
MODIFY ALL that you do not use it when appropriate, but do be careful.
To change all the records in the CURRENT collection, you must first establish
the target collection as the CURRENT collection.

7-8

Modifying Data

DTR> READY PERSONNEL MODIFYOO
DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH SUP_ID
[3 records found]
DTR> PRINT ALL(BTI)
ID

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

02943 E}-{ PER I ENCED CASS
49843 TRAINEE
BART
84375 E}-{PER I ENCED MARY

39485([IT)

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

TERRY
HAMMER
NALEI.lO

D98
D98
D98

2-Jan-80
4-Au9'-81'
3-Jan-78

SALARY

SUP
ID

$29,908 39485
$28,392 39485
$58,847 39485

DTR>

In the MODIFY statement, include the keyword ALL to specify that the change
applies to all the records in the CURRENT collection, then list the fields you
want to change.
DTR> MODIFY ALL DEPT, SUP_ID([IT)
Enter DEPT: C82([IT)
Enter SUP_ID: 87485([IT)
DTR> PRINT ALL(@)
ID

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

02943 E}< PER I ENCED CASS
49843 TRAINEE
BART
84375 E}-{PERIENCED MARY

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

TERRY
HAMMER
NALEl.IO

C82
C82
C82

2-Jan-80
4-Au9'-81
3-Jan-78

SALARY

SUP
ID

$29,908 87485
$28,392 87485
$58,847 87a85

DTR>

7.7

Modifying Records in a Record Stream
You can modify records without forming a collection or using a SELECT state- ,
ment. You specify the records to be changed by putting the keywords ALL OF
and a record selection expression (RSE) at the end of the MODIFY statement.
For MODIFY statements that change entire record streams, DATATRIEVE
prompts only once for each elementary field indicated by the keyword ALL or by
the list of fields. DATATRIEVE then changes all the records in the record stream
using that single set of values. Consequently, you should avoid using a statement
such as MODIFY ALL OF PERSONNEL.

MK-Q1101-OO

Modifying Data

7-9

7.8

Modifying Specific Fields in a Record Stream
To modify one field of the records in a record stream, specify the field name and
the record selection expression in the MODIFY statement:

DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL WITH SUP_ID = 00891m
ID

32Ll32 TRAINEE
87701 TRAINEE

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SCHWEIK
CHONTZ

F11
F11

7-No 1.1-81
28-Jan-82

FIRST
NAME

STATUS

THOMAS
NATHANIEL

SALARY

SUP
ID

$2Gt723 00891
$2Llt502 00891

DTR> MODIFY SALARY OF FIRST 1 PERSONNEL WITH SUP_ID = 00891m
Enter SALARY: 28G05m
DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL WITH SUP_ID = 00891m
ID

32Ll32 TRAINEE
87701 TRAINEE

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SCHWEIK
CHONTZ

F11
F11

7-NoI.l-81
28-Jan-82

FIRST
NAME

STATUS

THOMAS
NATHANIEL

SALARY

SUP
ID

$28tG05 00891
$2Llt502 00881

DTR>

To modify two or more fields, list the fields before the OF rse portion of the statement, separating the fields with commas:
DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL WITH SUP_ID

= 00891 AND SALARY > 2500000

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

32Ll32 TRAINEE

THOMAS

SCHWEIK

F11

7-Nol,l-81

SALARY

SUP
ID

$28tG05 00891

DTR> MODIFY DEPTt SUP_ID OF PERSONNEL WITH SUP_ID = 00891 AND SALARY> 25000m
Enter DEPT: ELlGm
Enter SUP_ID: Ll8L17500l
DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL WITH DEPT = IIELlGllm
10

FIRST
NAME

STATUS

32L132 TRAINEE
38LlG5 EXPERIENCED
Ll8L175 EXPERIENCED
78923 EXPERIENCED

THOMAS
JOANNE
GAIL
LYDIA

DTR>

7-10

Modifying Data

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

SUP
ID

SCHWEIK
KNECHTBURG
CASSIDY
HARRISON

ELlG
ELlG
ELlG
ELlG

7-NoI.l-81
20-Feb-80
2-Ma}'-78
1.9-Jun-79

$28tG05
$23t908
$55tLl07
$LlLlt590

Ll8Ll75
Ll8Ll75
00012
00012

Erasing Data

Sometimes you have to remove records from your data file. For an indexed data
file like the one associated with the PERSONNEL domain, you can use the
ERASE command. You cannot erase records from a sequential file. To remove
data from a sequential file, however, you can use the MODIFY statement.

B.1

Using the ERASE Statement on Indexed Files
Because ERASE destroys records, use your judgment to prevent accidental loss of
data.
To use the ERASE command, you must ready a domain for WRITE access:
DTR> READY PERSONNEL WRITEOO
DTR>

8.1.1.

Erasing a Selected Record

To erase a selected record, follow these steps:
1. Establish a collection containing the record you want to erase.

2. Select that record.
3. Type ERASE and press RETURN.
The following example first creates and then erases a record in PERSONNEL.
DTR> READY PERSONNEL WRITEOO
DTR> STORE PERSONNELOO
Enter ID: 0001300
Enter EMPLOYEE_STATUS: TRAINEEOO
Enter FIRST_NAME: PETEROO
Enter LAST_NAME: SWAYZEOO
Enter DEPT: 51700
Enter START_DATE: 1-Sep-198200
Enter SALARY: 2015900
Enter SUP_ID: 8728900

(continued on next page)

8-1

DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH DEPT
[1 record found]
DTR> SELECT;PRINT(@')
ID

FIRST
NAME

STATUS

00013 TRAINEE

PETER

DTR> ERASE(@,)
DTR> PRINT(@,)
DTR> No record selectedt
DTR>

"B17"(@')

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SWAYZE

B17

1-Sep-82

printin~

SALARY

SUP
ID

$20,159 8782

whole collection

DATATRIEVE prints no records because you have erased the only record in the
collection. If the CURRENT collection had contained more than one record, the
PRINT statement would have displayed the remaining records in the collection.
Even though you erase the only record in a collection, however, the collection
does not disappear. The record has been erased from the data file and removed
from the collection. Only its slot in the collection remains, and that slot is empty.
The empty slot disappears only when the collection is released by the RELEASE,
FINISH, or EXIT commands or when the collection is sorted or renamed.
DTR> SHOW CURRENT(@')
Collection CURRENT
DOMain: PERSONNEL
NUMber of Records:
Selected Record: 1
DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH LAST_NAME
[0 records found]
DTR>

8.1.2

"SWAYZE"(@')

Erasing a Collection of Records

To ERASE all the records in a collection, establish the collection and type
ERASE ALL. Pay careful attention to the extent and content of the collection.
Once you ERASE the records, you cannot recover them.
DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH DEPT = "G20"(@')
[3 records found]
DTR> PRINT ALL(@')
FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

87289 E}-( PER I ENCED LOUISE
88001 E}-( PER I ENCED DAt.JI D
91023 TRAINEE
STAN

DEPALMA
LITELLA
WITTGEN

G20
G20
G20

28-Feb-79
ll-Nol,l-80
23-Dec-81

STATUS

DTR) ERASE ALL(@')
DTR> PRINT (@')
No record selectedt
DTR>

printin~

SALARY

$57,598 000
$34,933 872:
$25,023 872:

whole collection

The PRINT statement displays no records because all the records in the collection have been erased and removed from the data file.

8-2

Erasing Data

SUI
ID

8.1.3

Erasing a Record Stream

To ERASE all the records in a record stream, specify the RSE in the ERASE ALL
statement. As with collections, pay careful attention to the extent and content of
the record stream.
DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL WITH DEPT = IF11"00
ID

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

00891 E~<PER I ENCED FRED
NATHANIEL
87701 TRAINEE

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

HOWL
CHONTZ

F11
F11

9-Apr-7B
28-Jan-82

SALARY

SUP
ID

$59,59£1 00012
$2£1,502 00891

DTR> ERASE ALL OF PERSONNEL WITH DEPT
IF11"(0)
DTR> PRINT PERSONNEL WITH DEPT = IF11"00
DTR>

8.2

Using the MODIFY Statement on Sequential Files
You cannot erase records from a sequential data file. You can, however, remove
the data stored in records you want to eliminate from the file. Use the MODIFY
statement to substitute a blank record for a record you want to remove from the
data file.
Use any form of the MODIFY statement that chooses the records you want to
eliminate. Respond to the prompts for field values by typing a space and pressing
RETURN. The space changes the value of numeric fields to zero and the value of
character fields to blank.

Erasing Data

8-3

Writing Simple Reports

The DATATRIEVE Report Writer arranges your data in formats that are easy to
read. You can control the format of the report or allow the Report Writer to do
some or all the formatting automatically. This chapter introduces the basic formatting capabilities of the Report Writer.

9.1

The General Features of a Report
When you display records with the PRINT statement, you are creating a simple
form of report:
DTR> READY PERSONNEL(@)
DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH SUP_ID

00012(@)

[8 records found]

DTR> PR·I NT ALL(@)
ID

STATUS

00012 EHPERIENCED
381162 EHPERIENCED
391185 E>{ PER I ENCED
ll8ll75 EXPERIENCED
75639 TRAINEE
756110 TRAINEE
78923 E}< PER I ENCED
871165 E}<PERIENCED

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

CHARLOTTE
BILL
DEE
GAIL
MIKE
BEN
LYDIA
ANTHONY

SP!l.JA
SWAY
TERRICK
CASSIDY
MILLER
PUTNAM
HARRISON
IACOBONE

DEPT
TOP
T32
D98
Ell6
Tllll
Tllll

Ell6
C82

START
DATE
12-Sep-72
5-Ma}'-80
2-Ma}' -77
2-Ma}'-78
6-Feb-81
6-Feb-81
19-Jun-79
2-Jan-73

SALARY

SUP
ID

$75t892 00012
$5lltOOO 00012
$55t829 00012
$55tll07 00012
$16t750 00012
$16t500 00012
$llllt590 00012
$58tll62 00012

DTR>

The PRINT statement gives you some control over the display of your data, but
the Report Writer can do more formatting for you than the PRINT statement can.
Type the following commands and statements to produce a report based on the
collection you havejust printed using the PRINT statement. This report is the

9-1

simplest type you can create with the Report Writer. The RW> prompt shows
when you are using the Report Writer:
DTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH SUP_ID
[8 records found]
DTR> REPORT CURRENT@]
RW> PRINT PERSONoo
RW> END_REPORToo

= 0001200

2-Nov-82
Pa9'e 1
ID

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

00012

E}<PERIENCED
E}<PER I ENCED
E}-{PERIENCED
E}< PER I ENCED
TRAINEE
TRAINEE
EXPERIENCED
E}<PER I ENCED

CHARLOTTE
BILL
DEE
GAIL
MIKE
BEN
LYDIA
ANTHONY

SP!l.IA
SWAY
TERRICK
CASSIDY
MILLER
PUTNAM
HARRISON
IACOBONE

38aG2
39a85
a8a75

75G39
75GaO
78923
87aG5

DEPT
TOP
T32
D98
EaG
Taa
Taa

EaG
C82

START
DATE
12-Sep-72
5-May-80
2-Ma}'-77
2-Ma}'-78
G-Feb-81
G-Feb-81
19-Jun-79
2-Jan-73

SALARY
$75,892
$5a,OOO

$55,829
$55,a07

$lG,750
$lG,500
$aa,590
$58,aG2

SUP
ID
00012
00012
00012
00012
00012
00012
00012
00012

DTR>
~~PERSON" is a group field, called a top-level field, that contains all the other
fields of the PERSONNEL record. When you use the Report Writer PRINT statement, you cannot simply type PRINT by itself. You must type a field or fields
after PRINT. When you enter the Report Writer statement ~~PRINT PERSON",
the Report Writer responds with all the information in the collection because the
field PERSON contains all the fields in the record. If you wished, you could type
PRINT SALARY or PRINT ID, SALARY.

Notice that the report does not display immediately after you type the PRINT
statement. You must type END_REPORT in order to see the report.
This report, unlike the output of the PRINT statement, has the current date, a
page number, and data columns evenly spaced across the entire page. If there are
too many lines for a single page, the Report Writer skips automatically to the
next page, printing the appropriate page number each time it starts a new page.

9.2

The Report Specification
You can create a collection before you type a REPORT statement, or you can form
a record stream with an RSE in the REPORT statement itself. The collection or
the record stream supplies the data for your report.
The series of statements that creates the report forms a unit called the report
specification:
• The REPORT statement starts the report specification. As you will see later,
you can specify an RSE in the REPORT statement.

9-2

Writing Simple Reports

• The Report Writer PRINT statement specifies the fields containing the data
you want to report. In the example, PERSON is the group field that contains
all the fields in the PERSONNEL record definition.
• To give a report a title, use the SET REPORT _NAME statement. Enclose the
name within quotation marks. If you do not specify a name, DATATRIEVE
prints the report without one.
• The END_REPORT command ends the report specification.
The following example shows you how to use the SET REPORT _NAME statement in the report specification:
DTR> FIND FIRST 1 PERSONNELm
[1 Record found]

DTR>
RW>
RW>
RW>

REPORT CURRENTm
SET REPORT_NAME = "FIRST PERSONNEL RECORD"m
PRINT PERSONm
END_REPORTm'
1 G-No 1)-82
Page 1

FIRST PERSONNEL RECORD

STATUS

FIRST
NAME

00012

EXPERIENCED

CHARLOTTE

LAST
NAME

DEPT

START
DATE

SALARY

SUP
10

TOP

12-Sep-72

$75t892

00012

DTR>

If you do not type REPORT CURRENT but just REPORT, DATATRIEVE reports
on the current collection.

9.2.1

Multiple-Line Report Names

To give a report a multiple-line title, enclose each line in quotation marks, and
separate each line from the next with a slash. Report names must be less than
100 characters. The sample report specification in the following section uses the
following multiple-line report name:
RW>

SET REPORT_NAME

9.2.2

= "TRAINEE EMPLOYEES"/"BY"/"DEPARTMENT AND SALARY"(BTIJ

The COlumns_Page Option

By using the Report Writer's SET COLUMNS_PAGE statement, you can control
the width of the report. The word ((column" in the SET COLUMNS_PAGE statement refers to the number of spaces in the line, not to the columns of data in the
report. The number of columns you specify must be between 1 and 255. If you do
not specify a number, the Report Writer uses a default value of80.
The next sample report specification uses this statement:
RW> SET COLUMNS_PAGE = 50m

Writing Simple Reports

9-3

The REPORT command in,this example specifies a record stream with the following RSE: CURRENT SORTED BY DEPT, SALARY. The PRINT statement specifies the fields ID, NAME, DEPT, SALARY:
OTR> FIND PERSONNEL WITH STATUS = "TRAINEE"ru
[8 records found]
OTR> REPORT CURRENT SORTED BY DEPT, SALARYru
RW> SET REPORT_NAME = "TRAINEE EMPLoYEES"/"BY"/" DEPARTMENT AND SALARY"ru
RW> SET COLUMNS_PAGE = 50ru
RW> PR I NT ID, NAME, DE PT, SALARYru
RW> END_REPoRTru
TRAINEE EMPLOYEES
BY
DEPARTMENT ANO SALARY

2-No\)-83
Page 1

FIRST
NAME

LAST
NAME

OEPT

SALARY

123£15
£188£13
126£13
32£132
3£1£156
£18573
756£10
75638

HENRIETTA
BART
JEFF
THOMAS
HANK
SY
BEN
MIKE

MILLER
HAMMER
TASHKENT
SCHWEIK
MORRISON
KELLER
PUTNAM
MILLER

C82
C82
E£16
T32
T32
T£1£1
T£1£1

$26,382
$32,818
$28,605
$30,000
$31 ,5£16
$16,500
$16,750

OTR>

9-4

Writing Simple Reports

If you make the COLUMNS_PAGE setting too small, the Report Writer moves
the fields that do not fit to the next line of the display.

9.2.3

Print List Options

The Report Writer allows you to control many aspects ofa report format. With
the Report Writer you can:
• Create new fields, by computing new information from the data available
• Change column headers (the labels at the tops of columns)
• Create new column headers for new fields
• Print summary lines at the bottom of a page or the end of a report
• Print a count of the records making up the report
• Compute averages of numerical fields in the report
• Specify the format of lines in the report
• Specify some simple statistical functions
These are some of the options the Report Writer offers you. See the
DATATRIEVE-ll Guide to Writing Reports for details of these and
other options.

9.3

Output of Reports
Unless you work on a hard copy terminal, the reports created in the previous
examples appear on your video screen and disappear as you continue working.
To save a report, you can select an output device or file for it as a part of the
REPORT statement.

9.3.1

Output to a Line Printer

To get a copy of your report from a line printer, type ON LP: at the end of the
REPORT statement:
RW> REPORT ON LP:lBTI)

If the REPORT statement contains an RSE, put the output specification after the
RSE:
RW> REPORT PERSONNEL WITH DEPT = IG20" ON LP:(@j

9.3.2

Output to a Disk File

If you want to store your report in a disk file, type the file specification after ON
at the end of the REPORT statement. The following command creates a file called
REPORT.TXT in your directory.
RW> REPORT TRAINEES ON REPORT. T}<TlBTI)

Writing Simple Reports

9-5

If you send your report to a disk file, you can use operating system utilities to
print a hard copy of it at your convenience. You can also make it available for display on other terminals, or send it across a network link.

9.4

Savi n9 Report Specifications
When you create a report you will want to use again, you can save the report specification by defining the report as part of a procedure. A procedure is a sequence
of commands and statements that you can construct to perform a function you
use frequently and want to avoid retyping each time you use it. Chapter 9 of the
DATATRIEVE-ll User's Guide explains defining procedures. Chapter 1 of the
DATATRIEVE-ll Guide to Writing Reports discusses using procedures to produce reports.

9.5

Summary
Report specifications can be complex because the Report Writer gives you so
many ways to control the format. Mastery of report writing comes with patience
and practice. Remember these seven basic characteristics of report writing with
the DATATRIEVE Report Writer:
• You must READY the domain containing the data you want to report.
• The data you want to report must be contained in a collection or in the record
stream you create in the REPORT statement.
• The REPORT statement gives you access to the Report Writer.
• The RW> prompt tells you to enter Report Writer statements.
• You can give your report a name with the SET REPORT-NAME statement. If
you specify a name, you must enclose it in quotation marks.
• In the Report Writer PRINT statement, you must specify the fields containing
information you want to report. You can have only one PRINT statement in a
report specification.
• You must end the report specification with th3 END_REPORT statement.
With the statements presented in this chapter, you can now experiment with the
PERSONNEL data or with data from a domain you have defined for yourself, and
practice writing your own sample reports.

9-6

Writing Simple Reports

Glossary

Boolean operators

Symbols or phrases which enable you tojoin two or more expressions containing relational operators. Boolean operators are AND, OR, NOT, and BUT. For example, the
expression SALARY < 60000 BUT SALARY NE a contains the Boolean operator
((BUT". The symbols ((<" and NE are relational operators.
Collection

A special type of record stream formed with the FIND statement. You can also name a
collection. You can refer to a collection in subsequent statements until you replace it
wi th another collection, release it with the RELEASE command, finish the domain from
which it derives, or exit DATATRIEVE. You can have several named collections available at once.
Column headers

In a report or in the output of a PRINT statement, the headings that label the columns of
data.
Command file

A text file containing DATATRIEVE commands and statements. You can create command files with the Application Design Tool (ADT), the EXTRACT command, or a text
editor.
Data dictionary

An indexed file used to store DATATRIEVE definitions and access privileged
information.
Data file

A collection of related data records.
Glossary

Data record

A body of related information that is the basic unit for storing data. For example, the
several items of data about an individual employee in the PERSONNEL domain make
up a record for that employee.
Database

A collection of records maintained on a computer storage device and organized to facilitate immediate and accurate inquiry and update.
Detail lines

The lines containing data items in a report.
Domain

A data structure that associates a name with the relationship between a data file and a
record definition. Using the domain name gives access to information in the data file as
interpreted by the record definition.
Elementary field

A record segment containing one item of information.
Field

A segment of a data record. For example, each PERSONNEL record contains these
fields: ID, employee status, employee name, department, starting date, salary, and the
ID of the employee's supervisor.
Group field

A record segment containing one or more elementary fields. In PERSONNEL,
EMPLOYEE_NAME is a group field containing the employee's first and last names.
Index key

A field that is the basis for the indexing of an indexed file. For the domain
PERSONNEL, the index key is ID. DATATRIEVE indexes the records by identification
numbers. You can use primary keys, which you cannot change, and alternate keys.
Indexed file

A data file that includes records and an index specifying the location of each record in
the file.
Primary key

The index key whose value determines the order of records in an indexed file. You cannot modify or erase the value in a primary key field.
2

Glossary

Procedure

A fixed sequence of commands, statements, clauses, or arguments that you create, name,
and store in the data dictionary.
Query header

A substitute column header that replaces the field name when DATATRIEVE displays
values from a field on your terminal. You cannot use query headers as query names.
Query name

A synonym for a field name, usually a shorter word to make input easier to type and
remember. For example, you can type STATUS for EMPLOYEE_STATUS to refer to
that field in DATATRIEVE's sample domain PERSONNEL.
Record definition

An entry in a data dictionary that describes the fields in a record.
Record selection expression (RSE)

A phrase defining specific conditions individual records must meet before they are
included in a record stream.
Record stream

A temporary group of related records formed by a record selection expression.
Relational operators

Symbols or phrases you can use to compare values. For example, in the DATATRIEVE
statement FIND PERSONNEL WITH SALARY> 50000, SALARY> 50000 is a Boolean expression containing the relational operator ((>" (greater than).
Report header

The heading of a DATATRIEVE Report, consisting of an optional, centered report-name
and, at the top-right corner of the report, a date and a page number.
Report specification

A series of Report Writer statements that creates a report and specifies its format.
Restriction clause

A phrase allowing you to specify the maximum number of records in a record stream.

Glossary

Selected record

In a collection, the one record marked by the SELECT statement, and available for display or modifying without specifying a record selection expression.
Sequential file

A file whose records are physically stored next to each other in a computer's storage
device. You cannot delete records from a sequential file with DATATRIEVE.
Sort key

A field that forms the basis for sorting. For example, you can rearrange the records in
DATATRIEVE's sample domain PERSONNEL according to department by using the
sort key DEPT.

Glossary

Index

<
See LESS_THAN relational operator

>
See GREATER_THAN relational
operator

A
Accessing domains, 2-4 to 2-5
ADT command, 3-6
See Also Application Design Tool
AND Boolean operator, 6-5
Application Design Tool
defining data with, 3-1 to 3-9
sample session, 3-4 to 3-8
ASCENDING
sort key, 6-8
Assigning query names
using the ADT command, 3-2

B
BETWEEN relational operator, 6-4
BUT Boolean operator, 6-5

c
Collections, 6-10 to 6-21
changing content of, 6-19 to 6-20
displaying, 6-11 to 6-12
erasing, 8-2
forming, 6-11

Collections (Cont.)
making new CURRENT from old, 6-14
to 6-15
naming, 6-15 to 6-17
releasing, 6-20 to 6-21
renaming, 6-18 to 6-19
SHOW command, 6-14
showing names of, 6-17 to 6-18
sorting, 6-12 to 6-14
CONTAINING relational operator, 6-4
CTRL/Z, 2-5, 5-3
CURRENT
in record selection expressions, 6-15

D
Data dictionary
creating, 3-9
placing definitions into, 3-8 to 3-9
Data types, 3-2 to 3-:3
DEFINE DICTIONARY command, 3-9
DEFINE DOMAIN command, 3-9
DEFINE FILE command, 3-9
DEFINE RECORD command, 3-9
Defining
data outside the Application Design
Tool, 3-9 to 3-10
data with Application Design Tool, 3-1
to 3-9
DESCENDING
sort key, 6-8

Index-1

Displaying
DATATRIEVE objects, 2-4
See also SHOW command
dictionary name, 2-2
Domains
planning, 3-2 to 3-4
sample, 1-3

E
Ending a DATATRIEVE session, 2-5
EQUAL relational operator, 6-4
Erasing data, 8-1 to 8-3
EXIT command, 2-5
Exiting
an ADT session, 3-5
DATATRIEVE, 2-5

Information management, 1-1
Invoking
an ADT session, 3-6
DATATRIEVE, 2-1

K
Keys
alternate index, 3-4
duplicate values, 3-4
primary index, 3-3

L
LESS_EQUAL relational operator, 6-4
LESS_THAN relational operator, 6-4

Fields
data types, 3-2 to 3~3
naming
using the ADT command, 3-2
query names, 3-2
size, 3-3
Files
indexed, 3-3 to 3-4, 7-7
sequential, 3-3 to 3-4
FIND statement, 6-11
FINISH command, 6-21

MODIFY statement
ALL, 7-8 to 7-9
preventing, 7-5 to 7-6
Modifying
data, 7-1 to 7-10
selected record, 7-4 to 7-6

G
GREATER-EQUAL relational operator,
6-4
GREATER-THAN relational operator,
6-4
Guide Mode, 4-3

H
HELP command, 4-1 to 4-2

Indexed files, 3-3 to 3-4
ERASE statement with, 8-1 to 8-3
modifying, 7-6 to 7-8

Index-2

N
Naming fields
using the ADT command, 3-2
NOT Boolean operator, 6-5
NOT_EQUAL relational operator, 6-4

o
OR Boolean operator, 6-5

p
Primary index key, 3-3
PRINT statement, 6-1
creating reports with, 9-1
displaying data with, 6-5 to 6-10
Q

Query names, 3-2

R
READY command, 2-4 to 2-5
Record selection expression, 6-2 to 6-5
Record stream, 6-1
displaying fields, 6-9 to 6-10
erasing, 8-2, 8-3
forming, 6-2 to 6-5
limiting, 6-2 to 6-6
modifying fields, 7-H to 7-10
modifying records in, 7-9 to 7-10
sorting, 6-6 to 6-9
stopping display, 6-10
Records
with missing values, 5-3
Relational operators, 6-4t
RELEASE command, 6-20
Reports, 9-1 to 9-6
general features, 9-1 to 9-2
output to disk file, 9-5
output to line printer, 9-5
print list options, 9-5
saving specifications, 9-6
specification, 9-2 to 9-5
Retrieving data, 6-1 to 6-21
displaying all records, 6-1
RSE
See Record selection expression

Sequential files, 3-3 to 3-4
MODIFY statement with, 8-3
modifying, 7-1 to 7-6
SET GUIDE command, 4-3
SET statement (Report Writer)
COLUMNS_PAGE, 9-3
SETUP.DTR command
RSTS / E systems, 2-2
RSX systems, 2-2
SHOW ALL command, 2-3
SHOW DICTIONARY command, 2-2
SHOW DOMAINS command, 2-4
SHOW READY command, 2-4
SHOW RECORDS command, 2-4
Sort keys, 6-7
Starting
an ADT session, 3-6
DATATRIEVE, 2-1 to 2-4
STORE statement, 5-1 to 5-5
cancelling, 5-3
data types, 5-4
REPEAT with, 5-3

T
Terminology
DATATRIEVE, 1-2

s
SELECT statement, 7-1 to 7-5
forms of, 7-2 to 7-3
SHOW command with, 7-3 to 7-4

Index-3

HOW TO ORDER ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION
DIRECT TELEPHONE ORDERS
In Continental USA
and Puerto Rico
call 800-258-1710

In Canada
call 800-267-6146

In New Hampshire,
Alaska or Hawaii
call 603-884-6660

DIRECT MAIL ORDERS (U.S. and Puerto Rico*)
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
P.O. Box CS2008
Nashua, New Hampshire 03061

DIRECT MAIL ORDERS (Canada)
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT OF CANADA LTD.
940 Belfast Road
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1 G 4C2
Attn: A&SG Business Manager

INTERNATIONAL
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
A&SG Business Manager
c/o Digital's local subsidiary
or approved distributor

Internal orders should be placed through the Software Distribution Center (SDC), Digital
Equipment Corporation, Northboro, Massachusetts 01532
*Any prepaid order from Puerto Rico must be placed

with the Local Digital Subsidiary:

809-754-7575

Introduction to
DATATRIEVE-11
AA-X025A-TK

Reader's Comments
Note: This form is for document comments only. DIGITAL will use comments submitted on this

form at the company's discretion. If you require a written reply and are eligible to receive
one under Software Performance Report (SPR) service, submit your comments on an SPR
form.
.
Did you find this manual understandable, usable, and well-organized? Please make suggestions
forimprovement. _______________________________________________________________

Did you find errors in this manual? If so, specify the error and the page number. _________

Please indicate the type of user/reader that you most nearly represent.

D
D
D
D
D
D
Name

Assembly language programmer
Higher-level language programmer
Occasional programmer (experienced)
User with little programming experience
Student programmer
Other (please specify) _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Date __________________________________

Organization ______________________________________________________________
Street _______________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________ State ___________ ZiporCode
Country

------..:.Do Not Tear - Fold Here and Tape - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

IIIIII

No Postage
Necessary
if Mailed in the
United States

BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO.33 MAYNARD MASS ..
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE

ATTN: DISG Documentation ZK02-2/N53
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
110 SPIT BROOK ROAD
NASHUA, N.H. 03062

-------Do Not Tear - Fold Here and Tape - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

':',

)
Update Notice #1
November 1987

Introduction to
DATATRIEVE-11
AD-X025A-T1

)
New and Changed Information

This update contains changes and additions made to the
Introduction to DATATRIEVE-ll for Version 3.2.

Instructions

)

Place the enclosed pages in the Introduction to DATA TRIEVE-l 1
Version 3 as replacements for or additions to current pages. Change
bars on replacement pages indicate changed text. For new pages and
pages where most of the text has been substantially revised, no
change bars are used. Instead, only the Version 3.2 release date is
shown on the bottom corner of the page.

Old Page

New Page

Title Page/Copyright
iii to x
2-1/2-2
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Index
How to Order
Reader's Comments/Mailer

Title Page/Copyright
iii to viii
2-1/2-2
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Index
How to Order
Reader's Comments/Mailers

)

Introduction to
DATATRIEVE-11
Order No. AA-X025A-TK
Including AD-X025A-T1

)
November 1987

This document introduces you to basic DATATRIEVE-ll commands.

OPERATING SYSTEMS:

RSX-IIM
RSXIIM-PLUS
RSTS/E
Micro/RSX
Micro/RSTS
VMS with RSX-ll

SOFTWARE VERSION:

DATATRIEVE-ll V3.2

digital equipment corporation, maynard, massachusetts

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should
not be construed as a commitment by Digital Equipment Corporation. Digital
Equipment Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that may
appear in this document.
The software described in this document is furnished under a license and may be
used or copied only in accordance with the terms of such license.
No responsibility is assumed for the use or reliability of software on equipment
that is not supplied by DIGITAL or its affiliated companies.

The postage-paid Reader's Comments forms at the end of this document request
your critical evaluation to assist us in preparing future documentation.

The following are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation:

~D~DDmD ™

MicroVAX
MicroVMS

ACMS
CDD
DATATRIEVE
DEC
DECnet
DECUS
Micro/RSTS
Micro/RSX

PDP

RALLY
Rdb/ELN
RdbNMS
ReGIS
RSTS
RSX
TDMS

TEAMDATA
UNIBUS
VAX'
VAXcluster
VAXinfo
VAX Information Architecture
VAXNMS
VMS
VT

)

Contents
Page

How to Use This Manual

vii

Introduction
1.1
1.2
1.3

DATATRIEVE Terminology.
Using DATATRIEVE-11.
The Sample Domains . . '. .

· 1-2

2.1

Starting DATATRIEVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Displaying Information About Your DATATRIEVE Environment
Accessing Domains . . . . . . .
Ending a DATATRIEVE Session . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

· 2-4
· 2-4
· 2-5

... Starting and Stopping a DATATRIEVE Session

· 1-2
· 1-2

2·

2.2

2.3
2.4

Defining Data with ADT
3.1

)

3.2

3.3

Planning a DATATRIEVE Domain
Using ADT . . . . . . . . . . .

· 3-4

3.2.1

Invoking the .CMD File .

· 3-8

Defining Domains Outside ADT .

· 3-9

· 3-2

HELP and GUIDE Mode: Quick-Reference Section
4.1

4.2

· 2-1

Using DATATRIEVE HELP.
Using GUIDE Mode.

· 4-1

· 4-2

Storing Data
5.1

5.2
5.3
5.4

5.5
5.6

Preparing a Domain for Storing Data . . . . . . . .
Using the STORE Statement . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preventing a STORE Statement from Taking Effect .
Creating a New Record Without Complete Information
Storing Two or More Records At a Time . . . . .
Storing the Correct Type of Data in New Records . . .

· 5-1

· 5-2
· 5-2
· 5-3
· 5-3
· 5-4

)
November 1987

iii

Retrieving Data
6.1
6.2

Displaying All Records in a Domain.
Selecting a Group of Records . . . .
6.2.1
6.2.2

6.3
6.4
6.5

6.6
6.7

Examples of Displaying Data with the PRINT Statement
Sorting Records in Record Streams . .
Displaying Fields from Record Streams
Stopping the Display. of Record~ .
Using Collections . . . . . . . . . . .
6.7.1
6.7.2
6.7.3
6.7.4
6.7.5
6.7.6

6.8

Releasing Collections . . . .
Using the FINISH Command

· 6-5
· 6-7
· 6-9
6-10
6-11
6-11
6-11
6-13
6-14
6-14
6-15
6-15
6-17
6-18
6-19
6-20
6-21

Using the SELECT Statement with a Collection . . . . . . .
Using Other Forms of the SELECT Statement. . . . . . . .
Using the SHOW Command to Identify the Selected Record.
Modifying a Selected Record in a Collection .
Modifying Fields in Indexed Data Files
Modifying All Records in a Collection . . . .
Modifying Records in a Record Stream. . . .
Modifying Specific Fields in a Record Stream

· 7-1
· 7-2
· 7-4
· 7-4
· 7-6
· 7-8

· 7-9
7-10

Erasing Data
8.1

8.2

Showing the Names of Existing Collections
Naming an Unnamed Collection. . . . . .
Changing the Content of a Named Collection

· 6-2
· 6-3

Modifying Data
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
7.8

Forming Collections. . . . . .
Displaying the CURRENT Collection
Displaying Sorted Records in the CURRENT Collection
Displaying Information About the CURRENT Collection.
Making aNew CURRENT Collection from an Old One
Using the CURRENT Collection in RSEs .

Naming a Collection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.8.1
6.8.2
6.8.3

6.9
6.10

Specifying the Number of Records in a Record Stream.
Limiting Record Streams by Specifying Values .

· 6-1
· 6-2

Using the ERASE Statement on Indexed Files.

· 8-1

8.1.1
8.1.2
8.1.3

· 8-1
· 8-2
· 8-3

Erasing a Selected Record . . .
Erasing a Collection of Records . . . .
Erasing a Record Stream . . . . . . .

Using the MODIFY Statement on Sequential Files

· 8-3

November 1987

)

Writing Simple Reports
9.1
9.2

The General Features of a Report .
The Report Specification.

· 9-1
· 9-2

9.2.1
9.2.2
9.2.3

· 9-3
· 9-3
· 9-5

Output of Reports .

9.3

9.3.1
9.3.2
9.4
9.5

Multiple-Line Report Names.
The Columns_Page Option
Print List Options.
Output to a Line Printer
Output to a Disk File

Saving Report Specifications.
Summary.

· 9-5
· 9-5
· 9-5
· 9-6
· 9-6

Glossary

')
/'

Index
Figures
1-1
4-1
4-2

The DATATRIEVE Domain.
The HELP Screen.
The HELP SHOW screen

· 1-3
· 4-1
· 4-2

)
Tables
6-1

Relational Operators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4

November 1987

)

How to Use This Manual

Intended Audience
The Introduction to DATATRIEVE-ll assumes you can use your terminal to log
in to your local computer system and display the contents of your file directory. If
you need to review how to do that, consult the user's guide for your operating
system.

This book addresses people who are unfamiliar with DATATRIEVE-l1.

Structure
There are nine chapters in this introduction:
Chapter 1

Briefly describes information management and lists some basic
DATATRIEVE functions

Chapter 2

Supplies information about what you have to do to begin using
DATATRIEVE, describes some of the basic commands and statements that tell DAT ATRIEVE what to do, and tells you how to
leave DATATRIEVE

Chapter 3

Explains how to define information for DATATRIEVE using ADT

Chapter 4

Describes the use of Help and Guide Mode to give you online assistance while using DATATRIEVE

Chapter 5

Explains how to store information with DATATRIEVE

Chapter 6

Describes a variety of ways you can retrieve data

)
November 1987

vii

Chapter 7

Contains information about modifying information you have stored
previously

Chapter 8

Explains how to erase data

Chapter 9

Describes some of the basic features of the DATATRIEVE Report
Writer

Conventions
The following list explains the special symbols used in this book:
(@)

This symbol tells you to press the RETURN key on the keyboard of
your terminal.

This symbol tells you to press the TAB key on the keyboard of your
terminal.

This symbol tells you to press the CTRL (control) key and a letter
key (usually Z or C) at the same time.

>
The symbol> on a line by itself represents the system prompt.
color
Text printed in red shows the lines you type while doing the examples.

Related Manuals
DATATRIEVE-ll Guide to Writing Reports
DATATRIEVE-ll User's Guide

viii

November 1987

)

Starting and Stopping a DATATRIEVE Session

)

This chapter shows you how to:
• Start DATATRIEVE
• Show what data is available to you
• Get ready to display your data
• Stop DATATRIEVE

2.1

Starting DATATRIEVE
To start DATATRIEVE, type:
DTRffiIT)

DATATRIEVE displays the following message:
PDP-11 DATATRIEVEt DEC Query and Report SysteM
Version: V3.2t 8-Aug-87
Type HELP for help
DTR>

If you do not get this startup banner, type either RUN $DTR or the symbol
defined by your system manager to invoke DATATRIEVE.

)
November 1987

2-1

For RSTSJE systems type:
DTR> @LB:SETUP.DTROO)

For RSX systems type:
DTR> @LB:[1 tZJSETUP.DTROO)

This command creates a dictionary for you called SAMPLE.DIC, enters the
domain and record definitions into your dictionary, and copies the data files into
your directory. The command displays the following information:

********************************************************************
Datatrieve is now setting UP its saMPle definitions and data in
your private dictionary SAMPLE.DIC.
The data files will be stored
in your default directory.
There will be a data files created:
YACHTt OWNERt FAMILY and PERSON.

********************************************************************
The commands and definitions scroll on your screen, and the display concludes
with the message:

********************************************************************
The Datatrieve saMPle definitions and data have been installed.

********************************************************************
DTR>

If you do not know whether you are using a RSTS/E or a RSX system, ask your
system manager.
In response to the @SETUP.DTR command, DATATRIEVE may display a message that SAMPLE.DIC already exists. You can ignore this message.
To display the name of your dictionary, type:
DTR> SHOW DICTIONARYOO)

For RSTSJE systems DATATRIEVE responds with a message resembling the
following:
The current dictionary is SY:[l t170JSAMPLE.DIC
DTR>

The message for RSX systems resembles the following:
The current dictionary is DBO:[l tZJSAMPLE.DIC
DTR>

2-2

Starting and Stopping a DATATRIEVE Session

)

HELP and Guide Mode: Quick-Reference Section

)
4.1

When you request HELP, your screen appears as shown in Figure 4-1.

DTR> HELPffiill
Two levels of assistance are availablet basic and
advanced.
To
Set help for the eleMentarY DATATRIEVE stateMentSt type
HELP followed by the naMes of the stateMents for which
help
is
re9uired.
To get a list of the topics for which help is
availablet t,'pe
HELP HELP
To get assistance with advanced DATATRIEVE stateMentSt type
HELP ADVANCED
followed by the naMes of the stateMents for which
help is
re9uired.
To
get a list of the topics for which advanced
is availablet type
HELP ADVANCED HELP
Paired S9uare bra~kets indicate that the enclosed clause
is
optional.
Capital
letters
indicate DATATRIEVE keywords.
Words in lower case indicate that a user supplied naMe
or
value is re9uired.
DTR>

Figure 4-1: The HELP Screen

)
November 1987

4-1

The best way to become familiar with HELP may be to type HELP HELP at the
DTR> prompt. DATATRIEVE displays a list of topics; HELP provides information about each of them. Type HELP and one of those topics to find out more
about the topic. While you are learning how to use HELP, you can also learn
something about elements ofDATATRIEVE.
After you become familiar with the HELP program, type HELP at the
DTR>prompt anytime during your session followed by the name of a topic.
DATATRIEVE displays the appropriate text on your screen.
Figure 4-2 shows the output when you use HELP to find out more about the
keyword SHOW.
DTR> HELP SHOWffi[O
The SHOW stateMent is used to display the definitions of
dOMainst recordst procedurest and tables stored in the data
dictionarYt and inforMation concernin~ the state of various
objects within Datatrieve.
The forM of the stateMent is:
SHOW obJect-l t obJect-2t obJect-3 •••
",.here each 10bJect" is one of the follo . . . in~:
SETS
DOMAINS
RECORDS
PROCEDURES
TABLES
COLLECTIONS
FIELDS
READY
CURRENT
ALL
DICTIONARY
SPACE
dOlTlain-nalTle
reco rd-nalTle
procedure-nalTle
table-nalTle
collection-nalTle
DTR>

Figure 4-2: The HELP SHOW screen

4.2

Using Guide Mode
DATATRIEVE offers another type of help in Guide mode. Guide mode is useful
when you are just learning DATATRIEVE, because it prompts you with a choice
of entries that are correct.
Guide mode works only on DIGITAL video display terminals. If you have a
hardcopy terminal and enter a request for Guide mode, DATATRIEVE displays
an error message on your terminal and returns you to DATATRIEVE command
level (indicated by the DTR> prompt).
To invoke Guide mode, enter:
DTR> SET GUIDEffi[O

4-2

HELP and Guide Mode: Quick-Reference Section

November 1987

The best way to see how Guide mode works is to use it. Guide mode completes
keywords after you have typed only enough letters to uniquely identify them.
For example, if you want to enter the keyword READY, you can type R, press the
space bar, and Guide mode completes the word for you. If you type RE, REA, and
so on, DATATRIEVE also completes the word as READY.
Be careful that the second letter of the command does not duplicate the first letter of your next word, however. Suppose you want to READY the domain
EMPLOYEES. If you type R, a space, then E, Guide mode reads the E as the second letter in READY instead of the first E in EMPLOYEES. You must type RE, a
space, and then the E of EMPLOYEES.
When you enter SET GUIDE and press RETURN, DATATRIEVE clears the terminal screen and prompts you to enter a command or type a question mark (?)
for help. If you request help, DATATRIEVE displays all the possible words you
can currently use.
Throughout, Guide mode prompts you for the next part of your entry, including
spaces, quotation marks, and carriage returns. Not all options are acceptable in
Guide mode, but you can find out which ones are at any time by typing a question mark (?), and DATATRIEVE displays all the acceptable alternatives.
DATATRIEVE displays an error message if the entry you try is not allowed.
You can stop Guide mode by typing LEAVE. DATATRIEVE then displays a message on your terminal and returns you to DATATRIEVE command level (indicated by the DTR> prompt):
\
)

LEA 1.1 Effirn

You're on your own now.

Good lucK!

DTR>

Although Guide mode is primarily a training tool, you may also find it useful to
save keystrokes while typing. Experiment with it, and see the results you get.
You can then judge how to use Guide mode to your advantage.
\

)

)
November 1987

HELP and Guide Mode: Quick-Reference Section

4-3

)

Storing Data

This chapter shows you how to add new records to a data file using the STORE
statement.

5.1

DTR> READY PERSONNEL WRITEffili)
DTR>-

The DTR> prompt indicates that DATATRIEVE has readied the domain. Verify
the type of access by entering:
DTR>- SHOW READYffili)
Read}'

dOfrlains:

PERSONNEL: RMS INDEXEDt PROTECTED WRITE
DTR>

The phrase PROTECTED WRITE confirms that you have write access to the
PERSONNEL domain. You can now store records with the STORE statement.

)
November 1987

5-1

5.2

Using the STORE Statement
To add new records to a data file, use the STORE statement. DATATRIEVE
immediately prompts you for the value of each elementary field in the new
record. To store a new record in the PERSONNEL domain, type:
DTR) STORE PERSONNELffirn
Enter ID: 87ll22ffirn
En t e r EM PLOYEE_STATUS: E~-{ PER I ENCEDffirn
En t e r FIRST_NAME: MARTYffirn
En t e r LAST _NAME: K ELLEYffirn
Enter DEPT: T32ffirn
Enter START_DATE: 2G-AUG-198Gffirn
En t e r SALARY: 18750ffirn
Enter SUP_ID: 87289ffirn
DTR)

Storing a record gives you an opportunity to observe several DATATRIEVE features you have not encountered before.
Because DATATRIEVE is case sensitive in certain circumstances, you should
make a habit of using all uppercase letters.
Note that DATATRIEVE displays a date in the format you specify in the record
definition, not in the format you use when you store the date. In the previous
example you entered the date as 26-AUG-1986. You could also have entered it as
08-26-86. In either case, DATATRIEVE displays the date as 26-Aug-1986.
Similarly, the record definition determines the format for the SALARY field. You
enter the salary without a dollar sign. The record definition determines the form
the field takes as output. The PERSONNEL-REC specifies that the dollar sign
be printed.
If you did the preceding example using your own PERSONNEL database, you
actually added this employee to your file.

5.3

Preventing a STORE Statement from Taking Effect
If you start to enter a STORE statement but then decide you want to cancel it,
press CTRL/Z at any point before you finish creating or modifying the record.
DTR) STORE PERSONNELffirn
Enter ID: 07391ffirn
Enter EMPLOYEE_STATUS: TRAINEE ffirn
Enter FIRST_NAME: CHARLEYffirn
En t e r LAST _NAME: ,. Z
Execution terMinated by operator
DTR)

5-2

Storing Data

November 1987

)

5.4

Creating a New Record Without Complete Information
You can create a new record, even though all the necessary information is not yet
available to you. In the following example, a person has been hired but her starting date, salary, and assignment are unknown. If you press a space or TAB key
before pressing RETURN, DATATRIEVE sets the field to blank or zero, depending on the field definition. If you press RETURN without making any entry,
DATATRIEVE continues to prompt you until you enter something.
DTR) STORE PERSONNELffirn
Enter ID: ffirn
Enter ID: 123L15ffirn
Enter EMPLOYEE_STATUS: TRA1NEEffiIT)
Enter FIRST_NAME: HENR1ETTAffirn
En t e r LAST _NAME: MI LLERffirn
En t e r DEPT: @Jffirn
En t e r S TAR T _ D ATE: @IDffirn
En t e r SALARY: @IDffirn
En t e r SUP _ I D: @IDffirn
DTR)

'. \

If you did this example, the entry is now included in your PERSONNEL
database, with blanks in the DEPT, START_DATE, and SALARY fields, and
00000 in the SUP_ID field. The PERSONNEL-REC record definition sets all
these defaults.

5.5

Storing Two or More Records at a Time

\
J

You can store more than one record at a time by using the REPEAT statement.
Type REPEAT, the number of records you want to STORE, and the statement
STORE PERSONNEL. DATATRIEVE prompts you for the values of each elementary field in each new record:
DTR) REPEAT 2 STORE PERSONNELffirn
Enter 1D: 75G39ffirn
Enter EMPLOYEE_STATUS: TRA1NEEffirn
Enter FIRST_NAME: M1KE(lli)
Enter LAST_NAME: M1LLERffirn
Enter DEPT: TLlLlffirn
Enter START_DATE: G-FEB-1981ffirn
En t e r SALARY: 1 G750ffiIT)
Enter SUP_ID: 00012ffiIT)
Enter ID: 75G40ffirn
Enter STATUS: TRA1NEEffiIT)
En t e r FIRST_NAME: BENffirn
En t e r LAST_NAME: PUTNAMffirn
Enter DEPT: TLlLlffirn
Enter START_DATE: G-FEB-1981ffiIT)
En t e r SALARY: 1 G500ffiIT)
Enter SUP_ID: 00012ffiIT)
DTR>

Again, if you did this example, you have added these two employees to your
PERSONNEL database.

)
November 1987

Storing Data

5-3

When you are storing more than one record with a STORE command, each single
record is stored as you complete the information for it and press the last
RETURN before continuing with the next record. If you have requested
DATATRIEVE to store a certain number of records and it turns out that you
want to enter fewer than you had planned, you can stop the prompting for more
entries with CTRL/Z. If you use CTRL/Z to terminate the entry of a record, it
affects only that record.

5.6

Storing the Correct Type of Data in New Records
The record definition specifies the type of data that you can store in each field of
the record. When you create a new record, you must put the correct type of data
in each of the fields. For instance, if the record definition requires a number,
DATATRIEVE refuses to accept letters. If you try to enter the wrong type of data
in a field, DATATRIEVE prompts you again for valid data.
Look at the PERSONNEL-REC displayed in Section 3.3. To the right of each
field name the record contains information describing that field. The PIC IS
clause tells you the field's data type and its length. Xs indicate character data,
and 9s indicate number data. The number in parentheses tells you the length of
the field. For example, in the field SUP_ID, the PIC IS clause tells you that you
can enter up to five numbers for SUP_ID. Sometimes the length of the field is
described as a series of 9s or Xs, as in the DEPT field. The three Xs tell you that
DEPT contains three characters.
A summary of the type of data for the PERSONNEL-REC follows:
• EMPLOYEE_STATUS, FIRST_NAME, LAST_NAME, and DEPT accept only
character data.
• START-DATE accepts only a date.
• SALARY and SUP-ID accept only numbers.
Sometimes records contain VALID IF clauses. For example, notice the clause
VALID IF STATUS EQ "TRAINEE", "EXPERIENCED" in the field
EMPLOYEE_STATUS. EQ is an expression meaning equal. The VALID IF
clause specifies the choices that you can use for a particular field. In the
EMPLOYEE_STATUS field the VALID IF clause tells you to enter either
TRAINEE or EXPERIENCED with capital letters when storing information in
that field. DATATRIEVE does not accept any other entry for the field
EMPLOYEE_STATUS.

5-4

Storing Data

November 1987

The next example shows the DATATRIEVE response to several of these kinds of
entries:

)

DTR> STORE PERSONNELffiIT)
Enter ID: HAROLDffiIT)
Non-digit in string "HAROLD", ignoring character<s>
Re - en t e rID: 53402 OCBTI)
Truncation during assignMent
Re-enter ID: 34020ffiIT)
Enter EMPLOYEE_STATUS: BEGINNERffiIT)
Validation error for EMPLOYEE_STATUS
Re-enter EMPLOYEE_STATUS: TYROffiIT)
Validation error for EMPLOYEE_STATUS
Re-enter EMPLOYEE_STATUS: TRAINEEffiIT)
Enter FIRST_NAME: AZ
Execution terMinated by operator
DTR>

The next chapter explains how to use the PRINT statement to retrieve data you
have stored.

)

)
November 1987

Storing Data

5-5

Index

<
See LESS_THAN relational operator

>
See GREATER_THAN relational
operator

A
I

Accessing domains, 2-4 to 2-5
ADT command, 3-6
See Also Application Design Tool
AND Boolean operator, 6-5
Application Design Tool
defining data with, 3-1 to 3-9
sample session, 3-4 to 3-8
ASCENDING
sort key, 6-8
Assigning query names
using the ADT command, 3-2

B
BETWEEN relational operator, 6-4
BUT Boolean operator, 6-5

)

Collections, 6-10 to 6-21
changing content of, 6-19 to 6-20
displaying, 6-11 to 6-12
erasing, 8-2
forming, 6-11

November 1987

D
Data dictionary
creating, 3-9
placing definitions into, 3-8 to 3-9
Data types, 3-2 to 3-3
DEFINE DICTIONARY command, 3-9
DEFINE DOMAIN command, 3-9
DEFINE FILE command, 3-9
DEFINE RECORD command, 3-9
Defining
data outside the Application Design
Tool, 3-9 to 3-10
data with Application Design Tool, 3-1
to 3-9
DESCENDING
sort key, 6-8

Index-1

Displaying
DATATRIEVE objects, 2-4
See also SHOW command
dictionary name, 2-2
Domains
planning, 3-2 to 3-4
sample, 1-3

E
Ending a DATATRIEVE session, 2-5
EQUAL relational operator, 6-4
Erasing data, 8-1 to 8-3
EXIT command, 2-5
Exiting
an ADT session, 3-5
DATATRIEVE, 2-5

Information management, 1-1
Invoking
an ADT session, 3-6
DATATRIEVE, 2-1

K
Keys
alternate index, 3-4
duplicate values, 3-4
primary index, 3-3

L
LESS_EQUAL relational operator, 6-4
LESS_THAN relational operator, 6-4

Fields
data types, 3-2 to 3-3
naming
using the ADT command, 3-2
query names, 3-2
size, 3-3
Files
indexed, 3-3 to 3-4, 7-7
sequential, 3-3 to 3-4
FIND statement, 6-11
FINISH command, 6-21

MODIFY statement
ALL, 7-8 to 7-9
preventing, 7-5 to 7-6
Modifying
data, 7-1 to 7-10
selected record, 7-4 to 7-6

G
GREATER_EQUAL relational operator,
6-4
GREATER_THAN relational operator,
6-4
Guide Mode, 4-2, 4-3

H
HELP command, 4-1,4-2

Indexed files, 3-3 to 3-4
ERASE statement with, 8-1 to 8-3
modifying, 7-6 to 7-8

Index-2

N
Naming fields
using the ADT command, 3-2
NOT Boolean operator, 6-5
NOT_EQUAL relational operator, 6-4

o
OR Boolean operator, 6-5

p
Primary index key, 3-3
PRINT statement, 6-1
creating reports with, 9-1
displaying data with, 6-5 to 6-10

Q
Query names, 3-2

November 1987

~)
/

)

READY command, 2-4 to 2-5
Record selection expression, 6-2 to 6-5
Record stream, 6-1
displaying fields, 6-9 to 6-10
erasing, 8-2, 8-3
forming, 6-2 to 6-5
limiting, 6-2 to 6-6
modifying fields, 7-9 to 7-10
modifying records in, 7-9 to 7-10
sorting, 6-6 to 6-9
stopping display, 6-10
Records
with missing values, 5-3
Relational operators, 6-4t
RELEASE command, 6-20
Reports, 9-1 to 9-6
general features, 9-1 to 9-2
output to disk file, 9-5
output to line printer, 9-5
print list options, 9-5
saving specifications, 9-6
specification, 9-2 to 9-5
Retrieving data, 6-1 to 6-21
displaying all records, 6-1
RSE
See Record selection expression

Sequential files, 3-3 to 3-4
MODIFY statement with, 8-3
modifying, 7-1 to 7-6
SET GUIDE command, 4-2
SET statement (Report Writer)
COLUMNS_PAGE, 9-3
SETUP.DTR command
RSTS/E systems, 2-2
RSX systems, 2-2
SHOW ALL command, 2-3
SHOW DICTIONARY command, 2-2
SHOW DOMAINS command, 2-4
SHOW READY command, 2-4
SHOW RECORDS command, 2-4
Sort keys, 6-7
Starting
an ADT session, 3-6
DATATRIEVE, 2-1 to 2-4
STORE statement, 5-1
cancelling, 5-2
data types, 5-4
REPEAT with, 5-3

T
Terminology
DATATRIEVE, 1-2

s
SELECT statement, 7-1 to 7-5
forms of, 7-2 to 7-3
SHOW command with, 7-3 to 7-4

)
November 1987

Index-3

)

How to Order Additional Documentation

)

If you live in:

Call:

or Write:

New Hampshire,
Alaska

603-884-6660

Digital Equipment Corp.
P.O. Box CS2008
Nashua, NH 03061-2698

Continental USA,
Puerto Rico, Hawaii

1-800-258-1710

Same as above.

Canada
(Ottawa-Hull)

613-234-7726

Digital Equipment Corp.
940 Belfast Road
Ottawa, Ontario K1G 4C2
Attn: P&SG Business
Manager or approved
distributor

Canada
(British Columbia)

1-800-267-6146

Same as above.

Canada
(All other)

112-800-267-6146

Same as above.

All other areas

)

Digital Equipment Corp.
Peripherals & Supplies
Centers
P&SG Business Manager
c/o DIGITAL's local
subsidiary

Note: Place prepaid orders from Puerto Rico with the local DIGITAL subsidiary (phone 809-754-7575).
Place internal orders with the Software Distribution Center, Digital Drive,
Westminster, MA 01473-0471.

)

Reader's Comments

Introduction to
DATATRIEVE-11
AA-X025A-TK
Including: AD-X025A-T1

Please use this postage-paid form to comment on this manual. If you require a written reply to a software
problem and are eligible to receive one under Software Performance Report (SPR) service, submit your
comments on an SPR form.
Thank you for your assistance.

I rate this manual's:

)

Accuracy (software works as manual says)
Completeness (enough information)
Clarity (easy to understand)
Organization (structure of subject matter)
Figures (useful)
Examples (useful)
Index (ability to find topic)
Page layout (easy to find information)

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0

I would like to see more/less

What I like best about this manual is

)

What I like least about this manual is

I found the following errors in this manual:
Page

Description

)
Additional comments or suggestions to improve this manual:

I am using Version _ _ _ of the software this manual describes.

Name/Title

Dept.
Date

Company

)
/

Mailing Address
Phone

-- Do Not Tear - Fold Here and Tape

-------------------n-llr-------;~;;~--II
if Mailed

in the
United States

BUSINESS REPLY MAIL
FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 33 MAYNARD MASS.
POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE

DIGITAL EQUIPMENT CORPORATION
Corporate User Publications-Spit Brook
ZK01-3/J35
110 SPIT BROOK ROAD
NASHUA, NH 03062-9987

11111'1111.1111 •• 1111111.11.1111.111 1111. I. 111.1111 I
-

Do Not Tear - Fold Here - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -