file-20: converting from flat-format PLIF to XML (in v22)

Question

In order to have a Z308-ID longer than 20 bytes (or, in order to have the new last-name/first-name fields) the v22 XML PLIF needs to be used rather than the "flat", sequential format. What's the best way to convert to the XML format?

Answer

To get a sample XML input file, please use "util f/2/5/2. Create PLIF Sequential/XML Files from Borrower Data Files" in your usr_library. See also in Additional information "Note 2"

It it has all the fields you need (except the z303_last_name and z303_first_name, new in v22). Article 000033905 ("p_file_20: file naming convention for Z??? elements; sample XML input file") also has information. Other fields can be added as necessary.

The xml fields do not have any particular length limits. You just need to be sure not to make them longer than the Oracle column which they are being loaded into.

The document "How To Use the Patron Loader Interface - Version 20 an later" shows the correspondences between the sequential-format field names and the Oracle column names -- which are the same values that need to be used in XML-format input.

Additional Information

Article link:  p_file_20: file naming convention for Z??? elements; sample XML input file

Note: the sequential PLIF format has been "frozen". To implement changes, the xml format must be used.  Unless longer ID's (or the first-name/last-name fields) are needed, it is not *required* to use the XML PLIF with v22 or higher.

Note 2: util f/2/5/2. Create PLIF Sequential/XML creates 2 output files:

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plif.in               Flat format
plif.in.xml        XML format

• Article last edited: 14-April-2016