Option 3.4: finding and handling datasets
3.4 is where you list datasets matching a pattern and then do things to them. Nearly every task starts here: find the library, open the member, make the change.
Menu RefList RefMode Utilities Help -------------------------------------------------------------- Data Set List Utility Option ===> Dsname Level . . . PROD.PAY.* Volume serial . . . Result: Command - Enter / to select action Message Volume PROD.PAY.MASTER DASD01 PROD.PAY.JCLLIB DASD03 PROD.PAY.SOURCE DASD03 PROD.PAY.LOADLIB DASD07
Line commands: what you type beside a dataset
| Command | Does |
|---|---|
| E | Edit — open for change |
| V or B | View / Browse — open read-only |
| I | Information — record format, size, extents, dates |
| M | Member list, for a partitioned library |
| Z | Compress a PDS to reclaim space |
| D | Delete (it will confirm) |
| R | Rename |
| C | Copy |
| / | Show the full menu of actions for that line |
Patterns
PROD.PAY.*— everything one level below PROD.PAYPROD.**— everything under PROD at any depthPROD.*.SOURCE— one qualifier wildcarded in the middle- Your own userid alone lists everything you own
Member lists
A partitioned dataset is a library containing members — think of it as a folder of files. Type M beside it, or open it and you get the member list. From there E edits a member, S selects it, and D deletes it. You can also open a member directly by typing the dataset name with the member in parentheses: PROD.PAY.JCLLIB(PAYRUN01).
Common mistakes
Most sites route changes through a source control tool. Editing the live library is either impossible or a serious process breach — find out which on day one.
There is a confirmation panel. Read it. Deleting a production library is recoverable but the conversation is unpleasant.
More often the pattern is wrong, or you lack read authority — in which case it simply is not shown to you.
What you will see at work
- You will have a personal library, usually your userid followed by something like .JCL and .CNTL, for scratch work.
- Naming standards are strict and meaningful. Learn what each qualifier means at your site; it tells you environment, application and content type at a glance.
- Keep a reference list (RefList) of the libraries you use daily — it saves retyping long names.
Key terms
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