i (index) processing code

The i processing code is stored in the correlative (attribute 8) of the file-defining items to maintain index keys. The root FID (VME only) is inserted by the system and must not be altered.

System Processors	N/A
Code Type	File Defining
Dictionary Attributes	Correlative

Syntax

i{sub.code}{root.fid} a.code

Parameter(s)

`sub.code`	C	Indicates a case-sensitive index.
	N	Indicates a numeric index.
`root.fid`	Beginning (FID) address of the index.
`a.code`	Defines the method by which the index keys are generated. It must be a valid a processing code and reference at least one attribute count within the file. Translates should only be used in accordance with the s (subindex) processing code.

Description

When an index is created using the create-index command, the system inserts the i code in attribute 8 of the file-defining item along with the root FID and the a processing code.

If data is present and the index processing code is added directly to the file-defining item, the pre-existing items are not added to the index until they are filed. Any new items or pre-existing items that are subsequently filed are automatically added.

If data is present and the create-index command is issued, the file-defining item is automatically updated with the index processing code and added to the index. During the creation of the index, a counter displays on the screen indicating the number of items added to the index.

Warning: Never delete an index processing code directly from the file-defining item. This is the equivalent of deleting a D-pointer, in that the space for the index is not returned to the overflow table. Also, never alter a pre-existing root FID in an index, as this can cause data corruption.