---
task: Export dataset contents with dssqld
version: R1.03
source: IM 36K10J10-01EN §2.9.2, §5.6; practiced on the test system 2026-09-30
status: verified
---

# Export dataset contents (dssqld)

Read-only. Needs CI Server running. Works from a normal or elevated prompt.

## Export a whole dataset

```
dssqld -e <output>.qli -d <DATASET> -c -l <listing>.lst
```

- `-d` dataset name (e.g. `ITEM_DF`, `STATUS_DF`, `LOCAL_NODE_DF`, `CLASS_DF`, `OBJECT_DF`).
- `-c` comma-separated output: first line is the field names, then one quoted row per record.
- `-l` writes the result summary to a listing file.
- Output path **≤ 79 characters**: a longer `-e` path gives no error, but the file does not
  appear under that name (verified, ISS-020).
- `-a` also exports hidden fields.

The console (and listing) end with a summary; check `Errors` is 0:

```
Data set                   Recognized  Exported    Not found   Errors
ITEM_DF                    184         184         0           0
```

## Find datasets and fields

```
dssqld -f -l dict.lst
```

Dumps the data dictionary: every dataset with its description and fields (name, type, length,
description). Search it to find which dataset holds what, e.g. the version fields are in
`LOCAL_NODE_DF`, `HOST_NODE_DF` and `ENTERPRISE_SERVER_DF`.

## Useful datasets seen on R1.03

| Dataset | Contents |
|---|---|
| `LOCAL_NODE_DF` | This node: name, number, version (`VERSION_MAJOR/MINOR/PACK`), licence state |
| `ITEM_DF` | Item definitions: full name, section path, description, limits, format, type, station, I/O address |
| `STATUS_DF` | Item status definitions: name, number, alarm state, priority, colour, mnemonic (e.g. 9 = NORMAL) |

## Filtered exports

Export only matching records with a filter file (IM 36K10L50 §3.6, verified 2026-09-30):

```
@SELECT
'GROUP_NAME = "CIENG_EVENT"'
@HIS_GROUP_DF
```

```
dssqld -e <output>.qli <filter>.qli [-c] -l <listing>.lst
```

- `@SELECT`, then the filter in **single quotes** with strings in double quotes, then
  `@<DATASET>`. The filter applies only to the next dataset. Operators: `=`, `!=`, `<`, `>`,
  `and`.
- Some datasets (e.g. `ITEM_HISTORY`, `ITEM_VAL`, `ALARM_CHRONO`) are not exported unless
  named explicitly (`NO-EXPORT` list in `dssqld.sup`).
- `ITEM_HISTORY` returns nothing unless the filter names `ITEM_NAME` and a `SAMPLE_TIME` range
  (see `load-history.md`).
- `%TLS_DAT_PATH%\dss_export.qli` is Yokogawa's own filter file for exporting all engineering
  definitions (`dssqld -e out.qli dss_export.qli`); it also shows `@MACRO` usage.