23 lines
1.3 KiB
Markdown
23 lines
1.3 KiB
Markdown
---
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layout: article
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title: API
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description: Viewing and Modifying SAS Formats in Data Controller
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---
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# Formats
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SAS Formats are stored in Catalogs, and are used for in-memory lookup operations. Some formats are available by default, others (custom formats) are maintained seperately.
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Using Data Controller to manage formats avoids the need to maintain 'CNTLIN' datasets seperately to the main catalog.
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Formats are displayed with a special icon (`bolt`), in the same library as other tables (in both the VIEW and EDIT screens):
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![formats](https://i.imgur.com/rnQOLlv.png)
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Viewing or editing a format catalog will always mean that the entire catalog is exported, before being filtered (if filters applied) and displayed. For this reason, it is recommended to split a large format catalog over several catalogs, if performance is a consideration.
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The usual export mechanisms can also be applied - you can downlad the DDL, or export the catalog in CSV / Excel / Datalines formats.
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When adding a format to MPE_TABLES, the `DSN` should contain the format catalog name plus a `-FC` extension. The LOADTYPE should be `FORMAT_CAT` and the BUSKEY should be `FMTNAME START`. HOOK scripts can also be applied (run some DQ after an edit, or re-run a batch job after an approval).
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Just like regular table edits, all changes may also be logged in the `MPE_AUDIT` table. |