iSeries, eServer i5, or System i5 Files
The following list provides a simple explanation of the requirements
for transferring data between the iSeries, eServer™ i5,
or System i5® and a workstation.
- Library
- The iSeries, eServer i5, or System i5 library contains related objects that are used to generate significant groups. For example, the objects might be all the programs and files related to credit sales management. Using the library, you can group objects and find a desired file by name. The transfer function uses the library to locate an iSeries, eServer i5, or System i5 file.
- File
- iSeries, eServer i5,
or System i5 files that you can manipulate consist
of a file description and data stored in the file. PC400 processes
an iSeries, eServer i5,
or System i5 file, called a database file. The database
file can be either a physical file or a logical file.
A physical file is a database file that contains data stored in records. It includes a description of the record format in addition to the data itself.
A logical file is a database file, that you can use to access data stored in one or more physical files. Logical files, like physical files, contain a file description. However, logical files do not contain any actual data. Instead, you can access fields in one or more physical files by using the record format included in the logical file description. When a logical file is transferred from the iSeries, eServer i5, or System i5 to a workstation, data is obtained from one or more physical files. You need only specify a logical file as the file to be transferred. The iSeries, eServer i5, or System i5 recognizes which physical file contains the actual data to be transferred.Note: Data cannot be transferred from a workstation to logical files. - Member
- Data records in a database file are grouped into several members.
At least one member must be included in one file.
When data is transferred to and from the iSeries, eServer i5, or System i5, actual data transfer is done between file members. For example, a certain workstation file can be transferred to the iSeries, eServer i5, or System i5. In this case, the file members become new members of a new or existing iSeries, eServer i5, or System i5 file, or substitute for existing members in an existing iSeries, eServer i5, or System i5 file.
- Record format
- A record format describes the fields contained in a file record and the order in which these fields appear in the record. Record formats are stored in the file description. Both physical and logical database files can have one or more record formats.