Common vpxPrint tags > Merging files

vpxPrint can merge files with a source file for values substitution.

The source file has the following format :

-	First line is the 'TITLE line'. It contains labels for fields. Field titles are separated by tab characters (chr(9) or "~t").

Example:

"FirstName~tName~tAddress1~tAddress2~tCity~tZip~tCountry~tTel"

-	Following lines are field's contents. Field values are delimited by tab characters:

"Pierre~tDupont~t65, rue du Général Leclerc~tParis~t75001~tFrance~t0141761600"

To use this merge file from your vpxPrint file, specify its name :

<MERGE-INPUT=C:\Temp\Myfile.txt>

upon completion of the MERGE-INPUT command, the first data line is available.

Any expression :

{field_name} will be replaced by the corresponding value in the input merge file.

For example:

"Hello {FirstName}," will be replaced by "Hello Pierre," at run-time.

You can manage the position in the merge file with :

<MERGE-NEXT> … skips to the next record in the input file.

Merge tags:

<MERGE-INPUT> Merge input file

Syntax :

<MERGE-INPUT= file_name>

Specifies the input merge file. If any other file is opened, then the previous one is closed and replaced by the current.

Example :

<MERGE-INPUT=C:\Temp\Myfile.txt>

<MERGE-NEXT> Advances to the next input line

Syntax : <MERGE-NEXT>

Technical notes :

•You can insert vpxPrint tags in the value of merge fields. MERGE tags, however, are not allowed in a merge input file.

•If you are a PROGRESS user, keep in mind that PROGRESS does a special processing of { characters, you have to escape them with a ~(tilde) character to embed a field name.

Example:

PUT UNFORMATTED "Hello ~{firstname},"