SQL/MP Reference Manual

HP NonStop SQL/MP Reference Manual—523352-013
L-28
LOAD Command
MAX num-records
(for loading files or tables—but not indexes—with key-sequenced file organization
only) specifies the number of input records as an integer from 0 through
2,147,483,647.
LOAD uses num-records to determine the size of the scratch file to be used by
the SORT process. If you specify the SORTED option, you do not have to specify
the MAX option.
If you underestimate the number of records, the sort can be significantly slower. If
you overestimate the number of records, the cost is small.
The default is MAX 50000 unless an =_SORT_DEFAULTS DEFINE with VLM ON
is in effect. With VLM ON, the default is MAX 1000000. For more information about
VLM, see =_SORT_DEFAULTS DEFINE on page Z-4.
For loading indexes, LOAD estimates the maximum number of input records based
on the size of the base table, ignoring any value you specify for MAX.
SCRATCH scratch-file
(for loading only files or tables with key-sequenced file organization) identifies the
file to be used for temporary storage by the SORT process. scratch-file is a
Guardian name.
If you omit this option, LOAD creates and uses a scratch file on a volume FastSort
chooses by its characteristics. The default initial scratch volume is usually the
volume where the SORTPROG program file resides. To override the automatic
selection algorithm, specify an initial scratch file or volume in the SCRATCH
attribute of a =_SORT_DEFAULTS DEFINE.
When loading a very large table, you might want to use a partitioned scratch file.
Use the FUP CREATE command to create the scratch file and identify the file to
LOAD with the SCRATCH option or the =_SORT_DEFAULTS DEFINE.
If you specify the SORTED option, you do not have to specify the SCRATCH
option.
For more information on how to specify and manage scratch files, see the FastSort
Manual.
DSLACK percent
(for loading only files or tables with key-sequenced file organization) specifies the
minimum percentage of space to be left in data blocks for future insertions. Specify
percent as a numeric literal from 0 through 99. If space is not available when an
insertion is made, a block split occurs.
If you omit this option, LOAD uses the SLACK percent value.