Once the user has entered the file layout definition and entered Y at the OK prompt, the system checks to see whether the file just defined has already been created. If it has not, the user is taken into a backing screen as shown in the following figure.

The PICK operating system requires 5 parameters for the creation of the file that will hold the information. The first is the FILE NAME which the user has already entered. The others are the MOD and SEP of the DICT and DATA portions. The system will calculate approximate values for these parameters which the user may accept. Once all the values have been entered or accepted and the user enters 'Y' to the OK prompt, the file will be created.

Note that for technical reason, the majority of PICK implementations should have a SEP of 1. Although the user may be able to enter other values and the system will generate a file with the given SEP, the system will not access the disks in the way that SEP was intended to work. Also make sure that the MOD is not excessive, particularly if the file is only to be generated for testing purposes.

For a more detailed explanation of MOD and SEP please refer to the PICK user manuals or to your system supplier. The user must also monitor the sizing of the file when in use for efficient file accessing. Again, the reason for this is given in the PICK user manual.