Analyzing Print Streams FAQ
How do I download or transfer print streams from an z/OS mainframe to use with Visual Engineer Plus?
Use the specifications below for the proper file extension and download method.
| Print Stream Type | File Extension | IND$FILE Download As |
|---|---|---|
| Line printer data (see note) | *.LIN | CRLF ASCII |
| DJDE (see note) | *.DJD | CRLF ASCII |
| Metacode | *.MET | Binary with lengths added to each record by the PDRLNADD utility on z/OS |
| AFP line data (see note) | *.AFL | CRLF ASCII |
| AFPDS | *.AFP | Binary |
| AFP mixed-mode | *.AFM | Binary CRLF |
| PCL | *.PCL | Binary |
| PostScript | *.PS | Binary |
Note: The download method indicated is for print streams with ANSI carriage controls. If a line printer data, DJDE, or AFP line data print stream has machine carriage controls, you must download the print stream as Binary CRLF.
How do I use the input definition file?
You are not required to use an Input Definition File (IDF). However, if you choose to use one there are three approaches:
- You can copy and paste the contents of the input definition file (IDF) into the control file.
- You can use the <GETFILE> tag to include the IDF within a control file.
- You can import the IDF.
What do the different colors in print streams mean?
Visual Engineer applies colors to the different components of print streams viewed in the graphic viewer. The default colors are listed below. You can modify the color settings.
- A magenta line indicates a page break.
- A dark magenta or green line indicates a document break.
- Cyan indicates header, trailer, and skip column areas. If fields are located in the header, trailer, or skip area, they are displayed in red.
- Gray indicates the position at which a field exists on a phantom line. A phantom line is an area that does not currently contain a print record.
- A dark blue outline indicates the highlighted text.
- Solid green indicates the current field location.
- A green outline indicates a field location
- Yellow indicates a field reference.
- If a field reference and field location overlap, the overlapping area is displayed in cyan.
How large a file can I download into Visual Engineer?
You can load as much data as you like. You are only limited by the amount of available memory you have. In general, you should keep print streams to a small but representative number of documents (5–100). Visual Engineer Plus will display up to 1 million records.