Direct file (DIRFIL)
IBM® i DDM supports access to nonkeyed physical files via the DDM direct file model.
The support has the following characteristics:
- Delete Capabilities: An IBM i direct file is delete capable or nondelete capable. A nondelete capable file must have an active default record.
- Supported Record Classes: An IBM i direct
file can have a fixed-length record (RECFIX) or variable-length record (RECVAR)
for storage. Once a non-IBM i source
server opens a file on the IBM i target
using variable-length record access, the IBM i target
continues to send and receive variable-length records on all subsequent I/O
operations. Note: The IBM i does not support the concept of a direct file. IBM i DDM creates a direct file by creating a nonkeyed physical file and initializing it, with deleted or active default records, to the maximum size requested. No extensions to the file are allowed.