Inline data

Simple LO data or varying-sized Ext Type data that is included as part of a fixed-format data file is called inline data. When Ext Type or Simple LO data is inline, the data-file record has two parts: a fixed-length part and a variable-length part.

For example, a record with two fields and a Simple LO might be organized as follows. 
field1Simple LO lengthfield1Simple LO data

The data-type length of the Ext Type or Simple LO data is included in the fixed-length part of the record. The actual TEXT data is inserted at the end of the fixed-length part of the record. The HPL reads the Ext Type or Simple LO length from the fixed-length part of the record and uses that length to read the actual Ext Type or Simple LO data. The HPL also uses the Ext Type or Simple LO length to calculate the offset to the beginning of the next record.

The following figure shows the format definition of a record with inline Ext Type or Simple LO data. The arrows show how the HPL puts the record into the database. The arrows from field 1 and field 2 indicate entries in fixed-length format. The split arrow shows that the HPL uses the Simple LO length information to find the Simple LO data and insert it into the table. The HPL does not insert the Simple LO length into the database.
Figure 1. Inline TEXT data
begin figure description - This figure is described in the surrounding text. - end figure description
When you define the format in the format-definition window, select the appropriate data-type length data type (Ext Type String Length, Ext Type Binary Length, or Simple LO Length) for the data-type length field. The following figure shows the format for the example previously illustrated. The format does not include an entry for Simple LO data.
Figure 2. Fixed format that includes a Simple LO
begin figure description - This figure is described in the surrounding text. - end figure description
Important: Ext Type binary-length format is not supported for complex types.

When you create a map to link the input fields that are defined by the format to the columns of a database table, connect the data type length input field to the table column that contains that particular data. In this case, connect the Simple LO length input field to the table column that contains the Simple LO data.