Random input or update processing by relative record number applies to full procedural files only. The desired record is accessed by the CHAIN operation code.
Relative record numbers identify the positions of the records relative to the beginning of the file. For example, the relative record numbers of the first, fifth, and seventh records are 1, 5, and 7, respectively.
For an externally described file, input or update processing by relative record number is determined by a blank in position 34 of the file description specifications and the use of the CHAIN operation code. Output processing by relative record number is determined by a blank in position 34 and the use of the RECNO keyword on the file description specification line for the file.
Use the RECNO keyword on a file description specifications to specify a numeric field that contains the relative record number that specifies where a new record is to be added to this file. The RECNO field must be defined as numeric with zero decimal positions. The field length must be large enough to contain the largest record number for the file. A RECNO field must be specified if new records are to be placed in the file by using output specifications or a WRITE operation.
When you update or add a record to a file by relative record number, the record must already have a place in the member. For an update, that place must be a valid existing record; for a new record, that place must be a deleted record.
You can use the CL command INZPFM to initialize records for use by relative record number. The current relative record number is placed in the RECNO field for all retrieval operations or operations that reposition the file (for example, SETLL, CHAIN, READ).