Allocating, copying and moving: options 3.2 and 3.3

Option 3.2 creates (allocates), renames, catalogs and deletes datasets. Option 3.3 copies or moves data and members between them. Get the record format and record length right when you allocate, and always read the target name twice before you press Enter.

3.2: the Data Set Utility

Option	Action
A	Allocate a new dataset
R	Rename
D	Delete (the data is gone)
C / U	Catalog / uncatalog
S	Short information
blank	Full information: attributes, space, dates

The allocation fields that matter

Allocating a library for your JCL

  Allocate New Data Set
Command ===>
   Data Set Name  . . . : VSAHA1.TEST.JCL
   Space units  . . . . . TRKS          (BLKS, TRKS, CYLS, KB, MB...)
   Primary quantity . . . 15
   Secondary quantity . . 15
   Directory blocks . . . 0             (0 for a PDSE or sequential dataset)
   Record format  . . . . FB
   Record length  . . . . 80
   Block size . . . . . . 0             (0 = let the system choose)
   Data set name type . . LIBRARY       (LIBRARY = PDSE, PDS, or blank = sequential)

What each field decidesWhat it means

Space units / quantities

How much room to start with, and how much to add each time it fills. Too small and jobs fail with an out-of-space abend.

Record format FB

Fixed length records, blocked. The usual format for source code and JCL.

Record length 80

The width of each record. JCL and COBOL source are 80 because they descend from punched cards.

Block size 0

Lets the system pick an efficient block size. Almost always the right answer.

Data set name type

LIBRARY gives a PDSE, PDS gives a classic PDS, and blank gives a sequential dataset.

ISPF usually carries the attributes of the last dataset you looked at into the allocation panel. A quick way to allocate 'one like that one' is to display the existing dataset's information first, then allocate the new name and adjust only what differs.

3.3: Move/Copy

C copies and leaves the source as it was. M moves, which means copy and then delete the source.
You give a From dataset (and optionally member names or a pattern), press Enter, then give a To dataset.
With a library you get a member list: put S beside the members you want, or use * for all of them.
A Replace like-named members option decides whether members with the same name in the target get overwritten.

TRY IT YOURSELF

In 3.2, which option letter allocates a new dataset?

Show a hint

Think of the first letter of the action.

Show the solution

A (Allocate).

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.

3.2: the Data Set Utility

The allocation fields that matter

3.3: Move/Copy

Common mistakes

What you will see at work

Key terms