COBOL Manual for TNS/E Programs (H06.08+, J06.03+)

SELECT clause
sd-name
is a COBOL file-name (the file-name in a sort-merge file description entry).
ASSIGN clause
associates the COBOL file-name (sd-name ) with a file designated by system-file-name,
or define-name-literal. Only the first system-file-name or define-name-literal
has meaning. The compiler ignores subsequent ones and issues a warning.
system-file-name
is the name of a disk file that the file system recognizes. Quotation marks must enclose
system-file-name unless it is a COBOL word or begins with a dollar sign ($), backward
slash (\), or number sign (#). For more information about operating system file names, see
the Guardian Procedure Calls Reference Manual.
define-name-literal
is a nonnumeric literal representing a DEFINE name of type MAP. Quotation marks must
enclose define-name-literal. For more information about DEFINE names, see DEFINEs
(page 593).
Usage Considerations:
• Different Devices for Files
The sort-merge file is a temporary file used by a SORT or MERGE statement. Programs that
define their sort-merge file on a different device than the input or output file of the SORT or
MERGE statement must run more efficiently than those defining input or output files on the
same device as the sort-merge file.
• Redirecting the Swap File
The operating system assigns a swap file to swap pages in and out of memory while the
compiler is running. The swap file mirrors all of the data areas that the compiler uses. The
ideal swap file is a fast device that is neither busy nor mirrored. To redirect the swap file, give
define-name-literal the value =_SORT_DEFAULTS.
In Example 32, a file-control entry assigns a sort file to a temporary file on the default volume
established at run time.
If you want the temporary file on a different volume than the default, do not use #TEMP. The
phrase
ASSIGN TO "$FLAG"
assigns a temporary file on $FLAG, regardless of the current default volume.
Input-Output Section 137