An Importer program must be set up on the database to allow you to import the data from the file. The section Setting Up an Import Program tells you what to do.
Alternatively, you may be able to use the DP4 Load utility to import the data. The advantage of this is that an Importer program is not required; the disadvantage is that the data must be held in a fixed format ASCII file. Full details on this means of transferring data are given in Transferring Data with the Load and Unload Facility
If the import file is not in the current/working directory or the 'Print files' directory, copy it there
Importer Programs are executed with IMPPOST. To access this via the DP4 menu, select Import/Export and Reporting and then Run Importer Porgrams, or for releases prior to 4.621 select Other facilities, then Importer facilities option and finally select the Import Data option.
Enter the name of the database.
Press <Ctrl+P> on the Parameter set field to pop up a list of parameters on the database. Press <Enter> to select a parameter set. DP4 identifies and displays the name of the file to import
Select the output destination for any messages during the import sequence (for example, screen and file). Answer the questions relating to the action to take on error:
| Action | Description |
|---|---|
| List errors only |
Disabled by default. Enable this option, if you want nothing but errors reported |
| Test only (do not post) |
Disabled by default. Enable this option to test the import file without posting records |
| Continue posting after errors |
Enabled by default. Disable this option to halt record posting if an error is found in the import file |
| Continue testing |
Applicable when 'Continue posting after errors' is disabled, in which case you may enable this option to continue testing the import file rather than halting the Importer program |
DP4 imports the data to the target database. The Import utility terminates, and you are returned to the DP4 System Main menu