Reading an ISPF panel
Every ISPF panel has the same three parts: a title, an action bar or command line where you type, and a body. Once you can see that structure, an unfamiliar panel stops being intimidating.
Menu Utilities Compilers Options Status Help -------------------------------------------------------------- ISPF Primary Option Menu Option ===> 3.4 User ID . : VSAHA1 0 Settings Terminal and user parameters 1 View Display source data or listings 2 Edit Create or change source data 3 Utilities Perform utility functions 4 Foreground Interactive language processing 5 Batch Submit job for language processing 6 Command Enter TSO command or CLIST 7 Dialog Test Perform dialog testing S SDSF System display and search facility
The option line is a path, not a single choice
Typing 3 then 4 takes two screens. Typing 3.4 goes straight there. Typing =3.4 jumps there from *anywhere* in ISPF, abandoning where you are. That equals sign is the single biggest speed improvement available to a new user.
| You type | What happens |
|---|---|
| 3.4 | Go to Data Set List Utility from the main menu |
| =3.4 | Jump to it from any panel, anywhere |
| =X | Exit ISPF from anywhere |
| =6 | Jump to the TSO command panel |
| =S.LOG | Jump into SDSF and open the system log (site dependent) |
The options you will actually use
- 1 View / 2 Edit — open a dataset read-only or for change.
- 3.2 Data Set — allocate, delete, rename, or view attributes.
- 3.4 Data Set List — the workhorse. Search for datasets by pattern and act on them.
- 3.14 Search-For — find a string across every member of a library.
- 6 Command — run a TSO command directly.
- S / SDSF — jobs and system output (see the z/OS topic).
The command line and the scroll field
Most panels have a command line — usually Command ===> or Option ===> — and a Scroll ===> field on the right. Scroll accepts PAGE, HALF, CSR (scroll to where the cursor is) or a number of lines. CSR is what most experienced users leave it on.
Common mistakes
Use =3.4 style jumps. Walking back through PF3 to reach another function wastes a lot of the day.
If ISPF seems to ignore PF3, you may be in the other half. PF9 swaps.
CSR gives you much finer control when hunting for a line.
What you will see at work
- Sites customise the primary menu heavily. Yours will have extra options for the scheduler, source control and site tools.
- Write down the three or four jump sequences your team uses most; they become muscle memory within a week.
- PF key assignments can be changed in option 0. Most people leave them at the defaults so they can drive anyone else's session.
Key terms
Check your understanding.
Take this lesson's quiz and save your progress. Free.