Sequential File Deffinition

JDionne · Post by **JDionne** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 7:25 am

I am tring to define a sequential file to import into a SQL server database. I cant seem to get the file definition correct. I use the layout that I was given by the data provider inserting the length of each coloumn. When I try to use it I get the error to many coloumns in record. I have defined this file twice and it has 85 coloumns. Id rather not do that again. Does anyone have any idea what I am doing wrong?
Jim

Amos.Rosmarin · Post by **Amos.Rosmarin** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 7:46 am

Is it a fixed width file or a delimited one ?
If it is a delimited file, what is the delimiter ?

The best is to open the file in notepad or vi and verify the metadata definitions.
Try to get the metadata import from a single line of the file and look for the following reasons for the import failure :
Is it fixed width file or a delimited file ? Is the delimiter as you've been told ? It the number of columns correct ? did they give you correct definition and there is a single corrupted line or is it that the definitions do not match the file .... etc.

HTH
Amos

kcbland · Post by **kcbland** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 8:05 am

An easy way to do sequential file definition imports is to use the wizard and exploit the PREVIEW button. You can see the lines appear as you key in the list of column widths. Make sure that you create filler columns where you have gaps in the column definitions. But DON'T name the columns, do that after saving the metadata. You can always come back and change the names in DS Manager on metadata.

In addition, don't forget that your DISPLAY metadata column is really the width of the fields. See your documentation for clarity.

JDionne · Post by **JDionne** » Tue Oct 21, 2003 8:37 am

I think that I have found my problem. The row length of my records is 1373 where an average txt file can only handle around 1125 characters. My records have been forced to wrap causing my error. Thanx for the help
Jim