LIS File – What is .lis file and how to open it?

Definition of a LIS File

A LIS file is a text-based file that contains data created by a programming language called SQR (Structured Query Report). SQR is a proprietary reporting language created by the company Micro Focus, specializing in data retrieval and report generation. It allows users to extract and manipulate data from various data sources and generate reports in various formats, including text, PDF, and HTML. The LIS file acts as a storage medium for the resulting output produced by SQR programs.

Structure and Usage of LIS Files

LIS files have a straightforward structure and typically comprise two sections. The first section is the header, which contains information about the report, such as its title, author, generation date, and any sorting or filtering criteria used. The second section is the data section, which presents the actual data extracted from the data source. The data is typically organized in a tabular format, with each column representing a different field or attribute. LIS files can be accessed and interpreted with any text editor or spreadsheet software, allowing users to view, analyze, or further process the extracted data.

Understanding LIS Files

LIS files, characterized by the .LIS extension, are generated by SQR (Structured Query Report) software. SQR is a programming language designed for creating reports from databases. LIS files store the output of SQR reports, which typically contain tabular data, such as lists, invoices, and receipts.

Opening LIS Files

LIS files can be opened using a variety of software applications, including text editors, spreadsheet programs, and SQR itself. Text editors, such as Notepad or TextEdit, allow users to view the raw text content of the LIS file. Spreadsheet programs, such as Microsoft Excel or OpenOffice Calc, can import the tabular data from the LIS file into a spreadsheet format, making it easier to view and manipulate. SQR software can also open LIS files, allowing users to edit and modify the report output.

LIS File Format

LIS files are generated when running a SQL Report (SQR) program. SQR is a 4GL programming language used for reporting and data manipulation. LIS files contain the output of the SQR program, which can include text, data, and images. LIS files are typically ASCII-formatted and can be opened with any text editor or spreadsheet program.

The structure of an LIS file is as follows:

• Header: The header contains information about the SQR program that generated the file, such as the program name, version, and date.
• Data: The data section contains the output of the SQR program. The data is typically organized into rows and columns.
• Trailer: The trailer contains information about the end of the file, such as the number of rows and columns in the data section.

Other Extensions