September 1998: Converting to Universal Data Files
Is moving UniBasic data files from one platform to another platform
a chore? If so, relief is here with UniBasic release 6 in the
form of Universal Data files.
What exactly are Universal Data files?
Universal Data files are not a new data file type. They use existing
Formatted, Contiguous, and Indexed-Contiguous file access methods.
However, they employ a new file format which allows Universal
Data files to be both hardware and product independent. They may
be shared or moved among different Unix platforms without conversion.
They may be used concurrently with UniBasic, dL4 for Unix and
Windows, and IQ for Unix and Windows. Since Universal Data files
are used just like the old formats, pre-release 6 versions of
UniBasic BITS and IRIS programs do not require any modifications
and run seamlessly. Creating Universal Data files requires no
program modifications because it can be done by adding 8192 to
the PREALLOCATE environment variable.
Converting UniBasic BCD files
Creating and accessing newly created Universal Data files is easy,
but what about converting existing, non-Universal Data files to
Universal Data files? Is it like moving to a different platform?
(Yikes!)
Not to worry . . . UniBasic release 6 contains a new conversion
utility, ubconvert, which, along with documentation, is available
from www.unibasic.com. The ubconvert utility converts UniBasic
BCD data files ("Q" file attribute or PREALLOCATE 32 option) to
Universal Data files. The ubconvert utility program creates a
file list, requests file list verification and off it goes while
you take care of important business. When you return, you are
presented with converted files along with a statistical report.
Converting UniBasic non-BCD files
But what happens if my files are non-BCD files? Do I press the
panic button or the reset button? Neither!
Dynamic Concepts is currently developing a new utility, codenamed
ctool, which converts non-BCD files to Universal Data files. This
utility is extremely easy to use and is ready to be field tested.
As a matter of fact, several customers are already testing ctool.
It can even be used to migrate UniBasic data files to dL4 for
Unix and Windows. Remember, Universal Data files are not accessible
with UniBasic prior to release 6. Prior to running ubconvert or
ctool, remember to perform a backup of your system.
How can I obtain a copy of ubconvert?
The ubconvert utility is bundled with UniBasic release 6. You
will not need a special SSN to operate this utility. Download
UniBasic release 6 from our website or ftpsite at www.unibasic.com
or ftp.unibasic.com respectively.
How can I obtain a copy of ctool?
A beta version of ctool is available with preliminary documentation
upon request. The final release date for this utility is October
30. You will not need a special SSN to operate this utility. Please
contact us at (949) 448-8600 or by e-mail to support@dynamic.com
to request your copy today!
A new UniBasic Reference Guide for release 6 is available our web site.
