Method and apparatus for processing a file of record information

Abstract

An information processing system is disclosed which includes a display, a memory, a keyboard and a control unit. The system may store and display data in a table format by record and field. The system may be employed in an entry edit mode whereby data is entered or edited by an operator through the keyboard into the system. The system may also operate in a record selection mode whereby data in a field having a predetermined relation to a field value may be selected by the system. The system permits the entry of comparison operators and field values below the field heading in the display for the field to be searched. The keys representing the comparison operators and the keys representing data are at separate locations on the keyboard to prevent operator error in input. This feature is particularly advantageous when one symbol may be employed both as a comparison operator and data. Such a symbol would then be represented by two keys on the keyboard. The system also includes a syntax check routine which acts to detect syntax errors in data entered. The system rejects the improper data and informs the operator through the display. The syntax check routine also may be programmed for the type of data to be entered into each field. The routine will then check each data to be entered in a given field to determined if the data is of the proper type.