Filename Translation

Restriction: This topic applies only when a Database Connectors license has been installed via the Micro Focus License Management System.

As you prepare to work with Database Connectors for MSSQL, you may find it helpful to understand the rules around filename interpretation and to understand how the names of tables and XFD files are formed and work together.

When the compiler generates XFD files, it uses lowercase letters to name the XFD file. In addition, the compiler changes hyphens to underscores when naming the XFD file.

Through ACUFH configuration file variables, the run time system translates the file name in the COBOL program into the filename that is passed to the open() function in the run time system. The open() function determines which file system to pass the request to, but does not change the name of the file.

However, the Connector needs the name of the file to find the appropriate XFD file. To do this, Database Connectors changes the name of the file to lowercase letters and changes hyphens to underscores. Note, however, that this is performed only on a local copy of the file. Once the XFD file is found, the filename reverts to the name that was originally passed to the open() function. Characters that are illegal in identifiers, such as a hyphen ("-"), are trapped by Database Connectors neither find the file nor create a new one.