User Guide

Ampex 1308911-02 6-61
DD-2 Utilities Manual Pages dd2_weof_tape
6.20 dd2_weof_tape
NAME
dd2_weof_tape - write filemark(s) or flush tape drive buffer to tape.
SYNOPSIS
dd2_weof_tape -weof <weof_spec> [ -f <device_special_file> ]
dd2_weof_tape -help [ help_type ]
DESCRIPTION
dd2_weof_tape writes the specified number of filemarks at the current position unless zero
filemarks are specified; in that case, the drive buffer is flushed to tape without writing any
filemarks. dd2_weof_tape fails if the current position is undefined.
Writing a filemark invalidates any data in the current partition located beyond the filemark.
This means you can "quick erase" a partition by positioning to the Beginning of Partition
(BOP), then writing a single filemark. No data is erased, but all data beyond the filemark is
invalidated and the partition is ready for use as though it were empty.
The -weof <weof_spec> argument contains two elements: count and flush; count specifies
how many filemarks to write to tape and flush specifies whether or not to flush the drive buffer
to tape. When the
DST_NO_FLUSH interface parameter bit is set, it overrides the flush element
unless zero filemarks are to be written, i.e., the count element is set to zero.
dd2_weof_tape is available to all users.
OPTIONS
-f < device_special_file >
Specifies the device special file to use for the operation (see Appendix B).
ARGUMENTS
-help [ help_type ]
Displays help on stderr and invalidates all other options, cancelling any other actions. Valid
keywords for the optional help_type specification are: stdout, revision, and v_revision.