Introduction

What is VA FileMan?

VA FileMan creates and maintains a database management system that includes features such as:

• Report writer
• Data dictionary manager
• Scrolling and screen-oriented data entry
• Text editors
• Programming utilities
• Tools for sending data to other systems
• File archiving

VA FileMan can be used as a:

• Standalone database
• Set of interactive or "silent" routines
• Set of application utilities

In all modes, it is used to define, enter, and retrieve information from a set of computer-stored files, each of which is described by a data dictionary.

VA FileMan is a public domain software that is developed and maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It is widely used by VA medical centers and in clinical, administrative, and business settings in the United States of America (USA) and abroad.

Functional Description

VA FileMan functions as a Database Management System (DBS) with powerful Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and provides useful utilities for application developers. VA FileMan can be used as a database management system for data entry and output and its DBS calls are used in applications with tools like Filegrams, auditing, archiving, and statistics.

• Database Management System (DBS)—As a database management system (DBS), VA FileMan supports the entering, editing, printing, searching, inquiring, transferring, cross-referencing, triggering, and verifying of information. It includes special functions to:
  • Create new files
  • Modify an existing file
  • Delete entire files
  • Reindex files
  • Create or edit templates
• Application Programming Interfaces (APIs)—As an application programming interface (API), the Database Server routines manage interactions between the application software and the database management system "silently" (i.e., without writing to the current device). Application developers use DBS calls to update the database in a non-interactive mode. Information needed by the VA FileMan routines is passed through parameters rather than through interactive dialog with the user. Information to be displayed to the user is passed by VA FileMan back to the calling routine in arrays. This separation of data access from user interaction makes possible the construction of alternative front-ends to the VA FileMan database (e.g., a windowed Graphical User Interface [GUI]).
• Utilities—As a set of utilities, VA FileMan provides tools like:
  • Filegram—Tool that moves file records from one computer to another.
  • Archiving—Tool that stores data onto an offline storage medium.
  • Auditing—Tool that tracks changes to data in a field or to the file's structure (i.e., data dictionary).
  • Statistics—Tool that accumulates totals and subtotals of individual fields.

VA FileMan has several levels of users, ranging from a data entry person who enters, edits, inquires, or prints information, to a software application developer or system administrator who uses all database management system features and utilities.

Developers should consider this manual the list of VA FileMan-supported ("documented") routines and Application Programming Interface (API) calls eligible for developer use. These routines and APIs provide the following (to list a few):

• File lookup and reindexing
• Data edit, print, display, and retrieval
• Filegrams
• File entry deletion
• Reader program
• Data dictionary deletion
• Word-processing
• Conversion of date and time values
• Software package export
• Linked option processing

Standalone VA FileMan

VA FileMan is designed to be used either with Kernel or as a standalone application running under a variety of implementations of ANSI standard M. If VA FileMan is used without Kernel, the basic DBMS features of VA FileMan all work as described in the manuals. However, there are some features (e.g., bulletin-type cross references, print queuing, and Filegrams) that do not work without portions of Kernel. Whenever Kernel is needed to support a particular VA FileMan feature, that fact is mentioned in the manuals.

The installation of VA FileMan 22.2 is not integrated with the installation of Kernel. The VA FileMan Installation, Back-Out, and Rollback Guide contains instructions on how to install VA FileMan, both for standalone sites and for sites running Kernel.

REF: For specific information regarding standalone VA FileMan (i.e., device handling, setting IO variables, manually setting ^%ZOSF nodes, and setting up a minimal NEW PERSON [#200] file), see the "FileMan System Management" section in the VA FileMan Advanced User Manual.

The VA FileMan Development Team encourages you to send questions and comments about the completeness and accuracy of this manual and suggestions for its improvement.

Reviewed/Updated: May 2026