Error while writing null value to date column in seq. file

[MukundShastri]

Hi ,
getting following error:
"Sequential_File_5: When checking operator: When validating export schema: At field "UPD_DATE": "null_field" length (1) must match field's fixed width (19)"
while writing the null value in the date field 'UPD_DATE' which is of type timestamp in the output sequential file. I am writing from an input dataset into the seq. file using a transformer stage . To handle null values coming to this field, in the transformer i am giving following derivation If IsNotNull(DSLink3.UPD_DATE) then DSLink3.UPD_DATE else TimeDate(). Still the above error is coming.

Please inform how this null handling can be done.

Thanks
Mukund

[Nageshsunkoji]

Hi,

What is the length of the target field UPD_DATE. If you use TimeDate() function to handle null . It will generate the time and string in the format : %yyyy-%mm-%dd %hh:%nn:%ss, It is total length of 19 charcters. Now, as per my analysis, what I am thinking is your Target filed UPD_DATE length is given as 1 and you are providing the 19 length default value for null. So, check the length. It will avoid the warning if it is 19.

[balajisr]

You need to give null field value for the nullable column in the "edit column dialog box". The null field value should match the column length.

[ray.wurlod]

You need to set the Null Field Value property (from the Edit Row dialog) even though you've handled nulls upstream. The value that you specify is what is written into the file if a null arrives on the input link. Alternatively, change the Nullable property to "No".

[Nageshsunkoji]

Hi,

If you are handling the nulls in the transformer it self, then make it nullability to NO in the transformer itself. then there is no need to change in the sequential file. If you want the target field as nullable Yes, then You need to set the Null Field Value property (from the Edit Row dialog) even though you've handled nulls upstream.

[bnoland99]

When I add the Null field length setting in, I get this:

"null_length" may only be used in conjunction with prefix length or link length

I was trying to add it in the seq file Edit Column Metadata window.

Thanks

[narasimha]

Check if this link helps.