Output processing is performed during Request Output on a selected group of' records.
When you Request Output the program performs 2 passes through the file. First, it selects and sorts the records. Then it performs the output processing on each record.
It may or may not include the printing of output. If there is no printout, it is called a "Processing-only" operation.
Common Uses
Formatting data for special display on the output device.
Accumulating special totals on reports.
Posting data to summary files
Uses of Processing-Only Operations
Mass recalculation, performing a math operation on a field throughout a file.
Global update, performing a textual change throughout a file
Moving outdated records into archive files
Trigger Processing (Output)
@wbrk called "when break" processing is triggered at subtotal and grand total breakpoints on a report.
It is done at subtotal or grand total breaks in Request Output.
Common Uses
Performing calculations or lookups when Request Output changes subtotal levels or breaks for the grand total.
Sort/Selection Processing
Sort/Selection processing can be performed when you Request Output during the first pass, before the records are sorted and selected.
Common Uses
Prompting users for sort or selection categories using customized prompts.
Calculating percentages.