Key

The Key built-in extract file sort order method specifies the sort order for the Sort built-in extract file method.

When called as a parameter for the Sort method, it specifies the initial extract file attribute to sort on.

It can also be called repeatedly to specify additional extract file attributes to sort on. The composite sort order is based on the order that the extract file attributes are specified.

The sort order is based on the standard character sequence for the host platform, as for profiles. Refer to Sort Order for more information.

Refer to Sort for more information and examples of use.

Restrictions

The following restrictions apply to sort attributes:

Each sort attribute must be present in all records of the extract file.
Each sort attribute must be unique within all frames defined for that extract file.
Each sort attribute must have the same primitive property in all frames.

For MCP-basedSystems, you can set the sort memory size on the Environmental Options screen. Refer to the COBOL documentation for more information.

The sorting order is based on the standard character sequence, as for Profiles. For MCP-based systems, when National items are sorted, the sorting order is based on the CCsversion specified for the System.

Syntax

<<extract file sort order>>::Key(
      key : qualifier,
order : stringExpression) : Boolean

Owner

Any extract file sort order.

Parameters

key
The extract file attribute to sort on.
order
This should be a quotation mark delimited order specifier.
"Ascending" or "ASC" sorts the extract file in ascending order, "Descending" or "DSC" sorts the extract file in descending order.