Accessing Files Programmer's Guide (32650-90885)

Chapter 2 55
Creating A File
Summary of Overrides
Summary of Overrides
If a FILE command has been entered that contradicts some of the HPFOPEN/FOPEN
parameters for a file, which takes precedence? What happens if some parameters are left
out? The file system maintains a hierarchy of overrides for just such situations (illustrated
in Figure 2-1.):
Figure 2-1. File System Hierarchy of Overrides
Since the physical characteristics of a file cannot be changed after it has been created, it
makes sense that the file label would take precedence over all commands. Other
determinants are effective only when a new file is being created.
NOTE FILE commands and HPFOPEN/FOPEN calls cannot alter physical
characteristics of an existing file.