fixed width files

[datastagedw]

hello,

Well i have a doubt since long. There is something I am not very sure about the fixed width files. i have searched dsxchange regarding the same but could not find the exact answer. the problem/confusion is regarding reading fixed width files. If i have a fixed width file with total record length as suppose 270, what is the best method to describe the metadata. shall i consider a single column of length 270 and split the columns down the line using transformer with some field function? or else shall i define the metadata with the column lengths as we do for a delimited file. in this case do we have to compulsorily mention 'char' as the data type for all the columns? What if i get any bad records, will they get rejected if i have enabled the reject link of the sequential file stage.

may be this question is posted before also, i am not sure. but can anyone help me out with a complete description of reading fixed width files?? I beleive this could be an faq as i have many people struggling when it comes to fixed width files.


Any help would be appreciated. thanks.

[keshav0307]

i am using exact metadata at file Stage only.

in this case do we have to compulsorily mention 'char' as the data type for all the columns

No,
varchar, date, numeric etc will also work.