Convert data to character string in AS/400 query

Jubal

5 pts.

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AS/400

AS/400 database

AS/400 Query

I use Query400 to output negative temperatures to a database file. The output file is currently created by the query at run time. The data is output as packed but I need the sign separate. I can't see how to convert the temperature to a character string either as the sign is ignored. Any other thoughts?

Asked: May 8, 2012 11:55 AM Last updated: August 26, 2013 3:36 PM

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Last updated: August 26, 2013 3:36 PM GMT

Ben Rubenstein11,255 pts.
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- Ben Rubenstein11,255 pts.
- ToddN200099,905 pts.

Thanks. We'll let you know when a new response is added.

I’m not sure what you are doing with the data that you need the sign separate.

If that’s the case a quick fix is run 2 queries.
First extracting negative temps and define a field sign and set it to ‘ – ‘.

Then extract positive temps and define a field sign and set it to ‘ + ‘.
Then add these results to the ouput file from the first.

Just a thought..

If this is for long term use a program would be the best solution

Discuss This Question: 4 Replies

Splat May 8, 2012 2:58 PM GMT

I'd dump the query & throw together a quick program over a permanent file (if you have to have the data separated by day, look into multiple members). With a program and an externally defined file you'd have the ability to define the output any way you like.

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TomLiotta May 8, 2012 11:42 PM GMT

The data is output as packed but I need the sign separate. I don't know what that means. What do you expect to do with a 'separate' sign? Are you trying to obtain the "absolute value" of the temperature? This might be possible with Query/400, but I don't know how it could be done. You could convert it to a character value, but I don't see any good way to access the sign by itself. Personally, I wouldn't use Query/400 at all. If you really need the sign separated, you could do it with a QM query. You might even do it as a VIEW. If you used a VIEW to expose a "Sign" column, you could use any query tool to process it. Tom

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ToddN2000 Nov 26, 2012 4:20 PM GMT

Dumb question, but if you are outputting just negative numbers to your file then why do you need the sign at all. They should all be negative correct ?

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ToddN2000 Nov 26, 2012 4:24 PM GMT

I did not mean your question was dumb. May I am just misunderstanding it or contributing it to being Monday after a long weekend. It seems self explanitory.

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