b = find(dictionary_name, relational_operator, key_prefix);
The
find function determines the existence of a case in a data file that matches a specified condition. The function searches the index of a file and determines whether any case matches the specified condition. The position in the file is not changed, unlike the similar
locate function, and no case is loaded into memory.
The dictionary_name refers to either an external dictionary or the main input file of an entry or batch application.
The
relational_operator is one of the following: =, <, <=, >, >=, or
startswith.
The string expression
key_prefix specifies the condition to use when searching for cases. Cases with a
key that begins with or equals the
key_prefix are considered eligible cases.
An additional option, using
uuid instead of a relational operator, determines the existence of a case based on the case's UUID, not the case's key. This may be useful when looking up duplicate or deleted cases.
The function returns a logical value of 1 (true) if a case is found and 0 (false) otherwise.