Input File Formatting Rules
When creating your CIM input file, follow these formatting rules:
• Use a single line of data for each input request.
• To treat two consecutive input lines as a single line, place a tilde (~) at the end of the first line. Place no characters, including spaces, after the tilde.
Note: The tilde (~) is not required if you create the CIM file in an editor.
• Surround character fields with quotation marks.
• At the end of each input group, use a line feed. The end of an input line performs the same function as the Go key (F1 in character UI). Fields for which there are no data and that come at the end of an input sequence do not require hyphens.
• Type all characters in lowercase, taking care to spell correctly.
• Use a hyphen (-) to Tab through a field, retaining the default or existing value. For example, to accept default data for fields 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7, and enter Yes, 12, and 01/01/07 for fields 4, 6, and 8, enter the following:
--- “yes” - “12” - “01/01/07”
• Format data as it is entered.
• Use a period on a line by itself to indicate End or End-Error.
For repeated input (that is, multilevel), use the period to go back one level. This executes the End command.
• Use slashes (/) where needed. These are not required.
• Make sure the date format in the CIM file matches the date format specified in the Progress session startup parameters (‑d parameter).
• Use a caret (^) to indicate a null value.