Using a value file in a parameter set in Information Server DataStage

Question

How do I create and use a value file within a parameter set in DataStage?

Answer

Using a value file in a parameter set allows you to set values of a parameter dynamically. For Example:

• Job A updates the value file. Job B uses a parameter set that points to that value file.
• When moving jobs from development to test or production you can update the value file to reflect different values for the different environments without having to recompile the job.

To create a new Parameter Set, select File, New and select "Create new Parameter Set"

This will Launch a Dialog shown below:

Fill out the appropriate information on the General tab and the proceed to the Parameters Tab:

In this tab, enter in the Parameters you wish to include in this Parameter Set. Note that you can also add existing Environmental Variables.



The last tab, Values, allows you to specify a Value File name. This is the name of the file that will automatically be created on the Engine tier. This tab also allows you to view/edit values located in the value file.

Click OK to save the Parameter set.

Once the Parameter Set is created, you can view or edit the Value file on the Engine tier. The value file can be found in the following location ../Projects/<project name>/ParameterSets/<Parameter Set Name>. For example:
$ pwd
/opt/IBM/InformationServer/Server/Projects/PROJECT_NAME/ParameterSets/Param_test
$ ls
Param_test_data
$ more Param_test_data
Database=SYSIBM
Table=SYSTABLES
$

Any changes made to the value file will be populated to the Parameter Set automatically.

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