Learn C#: with EDI FileAction

Microsoft Windows operating system provides built in functionality to copy, move and delete files to, from, and between folders. Windows explorer exposes these capabilities to end users as a graphical user interface ("GUI"). RoboCopy and Command shell expose these capabilities to batch processing which can act on files without end-user intervention. None of the native Microsoft tools provide a method to take action based upon a file's content.

FileAction extends batch processing capabilities to include decisions about a file's content. For example, an invoice file must be moved to accounts payable, but shipping instructions move to transportation management. In some cases a file may contain transaction sets needed by multiple applications. FileAction can split files so each transaction gets moved to the appropriate system. Without FileAction, custom programming would be required to accomplish decision based processing.

The syntax or a FileAction XML control document appears below. Each Directive tag group contains any number or Validate tags, and any number of Action tags. The commands of the Action tag get executed when all Validations are true. Declaratives are evaluated in the order presented until the source file no longer exists. The Book Learn C# with EDI FileAction explains the C# source code required to implement these controls.