A member is like an Individual file.It is possible to Have 32767 such members within the same PF.Each member added to the file will exactly get the same record format( fields,types and KWDS) on the file.This facility is provided to meet the requirement when many files are NEEDED to be created with same structure.Here just Create file once with MAXMBRS(as many reqd) and ADDPFM will do it.Easy to create and MAINTAIN as a single object.Each member is identified by unique name within file. 

Examples : A School has attendance register per class. Each Class has 4 sections and in all10 classes. Instead of Creating and maintaining 40 files and scaterred in a library, ONE can create a PF and add 40 members in one object.

Secondly All Physical files created need not necessarily have members. Some files are created to store FIELD definitons only and are called field refrence files. They need not have members.

A member is like an Individual file.It is possible to Have 32767 such members within the same PF.Each member added to the file will exactly get the same record format( fields,types and KWDS) on the file.This facility is provided to meet the requirement when many files are needed to be created with same structure.Here just Create file once with MAXMBRS(as many reqd) and ADDPFM will do it.Easy to create and maintain as a single object.Each member is identified by unique name within file. 

Examples : A School has attendance register per class. Each Class has 4 sections and in all10 classes. Instead of Creating and maintaining 40 files and scaterred in a library, one can create a PF and add 40 members in one object.

Secondly All Physical files created need not necessarily have members. Some files are created to store field definitons only and are called field refrence files. They need not have members.