The job list and the job summary
The IOF job list shows matching jobs grouped as input, running and output. Put S beside a job to open its job summary, which lists every step with its return code or abend, and every output dataset. That summary is where you start reading any job.
The job list
IOF Job List Menu PAY* COMMAND ===> SCROLL ===> CSR -------------------------- RUNNING JOBS --------------------------- _ 1 PAYRUN07 J0004412 EXECUTING STEP030 -------------------------- OUTPUT JOBS ---------------------------- S 2 PAYRUN01 J0004387 ABEND S0C7 _ 3 PAYEXTR J0004371 RC 0000 _ 4 PAYRPT2 J0004365 RC 0004
Each job has a job name, a job ID (such as J0004387, which is unique, while the name is not) and a status. Several runs of the same job can be on the list, so check the job ID and the time it ran before you act.
Job list line commands
| Type beside a job | Effect |
|---|---|
| S | Open the job summary (steps and output datasets) |
| B | Browse the whole job as one continuous listing |
| ? | Show the menu of every action allowed on this job |
| C | Cancel the job |
| R | Release the job's held output |
| P | Print the job's output |
| ED | Edit a copy of the job's JCL, so you can fix and resubmit it (ISPF only) |
The job summary
The job summary is the single most useful IOF panel. It has three sections: job information at the top, one line per step, and one line per output dataset.
IOF Job Summary PAYRUN01 J0004387 RC PGM STEP PROC COMMENTS 0000 IEFBR14 STEP010 0000 SORT STEP020 S0C7 PAYCALC STEP030 ABEND ---- PAYRPT STEP040 NOT EXECUTED DDNAME STEP C SIZE LOG A 24 (JESMSGLG) JCL A 61 (JESJCL) MESSAGES A 112 (JESYSMSG) SYSOUT STEP030 A 18 CEEDUMP STEP030 A 340
RC 0000S0C7NOT EXECUTEDLOG / JCL / MESSAGESOutput dataset line commands
- S browses that output dataset.
- ? shows every action allowed on it.
- P prints it, and ED opens a temporary copy in the ISPF editor, so you can use X ALL and FIND on it.
- R releases a held dataset.
Which line command opens a job's summary from the job list?
Show a hint
It is the usual 'select' letter.
Show the solution
S selects the job and opens its job summary.
Examples are for learning. Run commands and jobs only on a system you are authorised to use, such as a training or test system, and never on production without approval.
Common mistakes
Several runs share a name. Check the job ID and time before C, P or anything else.
The summary shows which step failed in one glance. Start there.
Type ? beside the job or dataset to see what is allowed.
What you will see at work
- In handovers, quote the job name and the job ID (PAYRUN01 J0004387). The name alone is ambiguous.
- A step showing NOT EXECUTED is a clue, not the problem. Look at the step before it.
- Many teams cannot cancel or purge production jobs at all. Operations does that. Know your role's limits.
Key terms
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