Fixed width fields

[Anon]

I have a number of different fixed width file formats (specs) that I have to use when exporting data from mysql. Some of the things that I have to keep in mind are:
data within various fields has to be left justified
others right justified
some are required for the record
others are optional
some need to be zero filled

I would like to use the file format as a config file or something along these lines to allow me the maximum amount of flexibility, because these formats change on a fairly regular basis. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Glenn

[Anon]

i am sorry i could not completely understand your problem. but if you are thinking of using some fixed formats (i.e. some values needed before executing a program) then you can create a simple library file which will have the constants defined in it. normally these files are .inc

then you can simple use require() or include() to run the library file before your code. that way the values inside the constants will be available for the script.