Browse, View, Edit and option 6
Browse is read-only and handles even huge datasets. View uses the full editor but will not save over the original. Edit changes the data. Option 6 runs TSO commands inside ISPF, and the one rule to learn there is quoting: without quotes, TSO adds your prefix to the dataset name.
Three ways to open a dataset
| Mode | Can change? | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Browse (B in 3.4) | No | Very large datasets, logs and dumps. Fast, and nothing can go wrong |
| View (option 1, V in 3.4) | Not the original; you can save a copy with CREATE or REPLACE | Reading with editor tools: X ALL, FIND, HILITE, COLS |
| Edit (option 2, E in 3.4) | Yes | Making a change you intend to keep |
Option 6: the TSO command shell
Option 6 gives you a TSO command line that keeps a history of what you ran. You can also run a TSO command from *any* ISPF command line by putting TSO in front of it, for example TSO LISTDS 'PROD.PAY.JCLLIB' MEMBERS.
| Command | What it shows or does |
|---|---|
| LISTDS 'name' MEMBERS | A dataset's attributes and, for a library, its members |
| LISTCAT ENTRIES('name') ALL | The catalog entry: volumes, dates, and for VSAM much more |
| SUBMIT 'name(member)' | Submits that member as a batch job |
| STATUS jobname | Whether a job is waiting, running or finished |
| DELETE 'name' | Deletes the dataset immediately. There is no confirmation panel |
The quoting rule that catches everyone
===> LISTDS WORK.JCL TSO adds your prefix, so it looks for VSAHA1.WORK.JCL ===> LISTDS 'PROD.PAY.JCLLIB' In quotes: used exactly as written
In TSO, a dataset name without single quotes gets your TSO prefix (normally your user ID) added to the front. A name in single quotes is fully qualified and used as is. ISPF panels such as 3.4 do their own thing, but on the TSO command line this rule always applies.
Your user ID is VSAHA1. Which dataset does the TSO command LISTDS TEST.JCL look for?
Show a hint
No quotes means the prefix is added.
Show the solution
VSAHA1.TEST.JCL, because without quotes TSO adds your prefix.
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
Use View or Browse. Edit locks the member and makes accidental saves possible.
Without quotes, TSO adds your prefix and you get 'not found', or the wrong dataset.
There is no confirmation. One wrong qualifier deletes the wrong dataset.
What you will see at work
- On-call engineers live in Browse: job logs, dumps and huge reports open instantly and safely.
- Most sites prefix TSO commands from the ISPF command line (TSO LISTCAT ...) rather than going to option 6.
- Your TSO prefix is usually your user ID. The PROFILE command shows it.
Key terms
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