Dynamically built selection sets

[GCC Consulting]

> 
> Ray,
> 
> The selection file is ASCII and I have seen many programmers 
> collect the data it requires with processing and create a 
> sel.table and then use it to run a report.
> 
> What you are suggesting is easy to do.
> 
> I think I would have two processes like this:
> 
> dreport filename -fp asksel -s none
> 
> Make a process called asksel, get the data you need and write 
> the selection table.  You can use any file if you put the 
> logic in the @done part of the process table and use a 
> selection table that does not pick any records.
> 
> Then run the report you really want using the selection table created:
> 
> dreport filename -f report -s new selection
> 
> That would do it.
> 
> Be careful in the asksel to start the table with a line that 
> has the END command then the second line should be @DONE and 
> do what you need.
> 

Nancy,

I realize where both of you are coming from.  However it is possible to write -v
selection processes that do as much  or more the selection sets.

I have some selection processes which, based on the initial option, allows for
ever more finite selection criteria to be entered.

This also would include changing the sort sequence of the data selected.

As you are well aware, one of the best uses of select processing is the use of
the dash lookup to speed the selection of records where possible.

Richard Kreiss
GCC Consulting