Filegrams

Create/Edit Filegram Template Option

Use the Create/Edit Filegram Template option to create a FILEGRAM-type template or edit an existing FILEGRAM-type template. A FILEGRAM-type template is similar to a regular PRINT template without any formatting instructions. You always receive the "STORE FILEGRAM LOGIC IN TEMPLATE:" prompt, no matter how many fields you identify. (See the "Print: How to Print Reports from Files" chapter of the "VA FileMan Getting Started Manual" for information about regular PRINT templates.)

The Create/Edit Filegram Template option is the first step in developing a filegram; there won't be a filegram without the template. This template is also used in the archiving process. Before using this option, you may wish to familiarize yourself with the file(s) and fields involved.

The following dialogue illustrates how to create a FILEGRAM-type template:

    OUTPUT FROM WHAT FILE: CHANGE
    FIRST SEND CHANGE FIELD: ??

You can enter ALL at this prompt, if you want to include all fields in the file in your filegram. ALL can also be used in existing file navigation paths. Enter [? at this prompt to get a listing of existing FILEGRAM-type templates for the selected file. Here, two question marks ("??") requests a list of the fields in the file.

CHOOSE FROM:
	.01	NAME   
	1	VERSION
	2	TAG
	3	ROUTINE
	4	CHANGE
	5	REPORTER (multiple)
	6	DATE CHANGED
	7	PROGRAMMER
	9	BUG OR FEATURE
	10	PURPOSE
	11	DESCRIPTION (word-processing)

In the example that follows, the PROGRAMMER field is a pointer to the NEW PERSON file (#200).

FIRST SEND CHANGE FIELD: 1   VERSION
 THEN SEND CHANGE FIELD: 3   ROUTINE
 THEN SEND CHANGE FIELD: 4   CHANGE
 THEN SEND CHANGE FIELD: 5   REPORTER (multiple)
  FIRST SEND REPORTER SUB-FIELD: .01
   THEN SEND REPORTER SUB-FIELD: 
 THEN SEND CHANGE FIELD: 6   DATE CHANGED
 THEN SEND CHANGE FIELD: 7   PROGRAMMER
 THEN SEND CHANGE FIELD: 11   DESCRIPTION (word-processing)
 THEN SEND CHANGE FIELD: 
STORE FILEGRAM LOGIC IN TEMPLATE: ZZTEST FILEGRAM
  Are you adding 'ZZTEST FILEGRAM' as a new PRINT TEMPLATE?  No// Y   (Yes)

The template for your filegram is now set up. Edit this template just like you would any other PRINT template.

NOTE: You do not have to include the .01 field, because it is automatically included for use as a lookup value.

To send logical records in a filegram, simply use file navigation to and from existing files at the "SEND FIELD:" prompts. See the "Relational Navigation" chapter in this manual for a discussion of relational navigation using forward and backward pointers.

Reviewed/Updated: March 4, 2007