Group Level (Magic xpa 3.x)

When running a batch task, you may divide the processed records into groups. A group is defined by a variable from the data view definition. All records having the same value of the defined variable are regarded as being of the same group.

As the batch task progresses, whenever it moves from one group to another, that is whenever the group variable changes its value, the Group Prefix and Group Suffix logic units are executed.

Execution time:

• Group Prefix – Immediately as the group variable changes its value, and before entering the first record of the newly entered group, the Group Prefix logic unit is executed. You can use the Group Prefix to perform preliminary operations for the new group. For example, you may reset accumulator variables to summarize group level values, or to output a header form for the current group.

• Group Suffix – As the group variable changes its value for the next group, immediately after leaving the last record of the last group, the Group Suffix logic unit is executed. You can use the Group Suffix to perform concluding operations such as performing output of a footer form to display the group summary.