Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Compiled by

Rijo Joseph

[email protected]

Page 1 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

CONTENTS

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1 . INTRODUCTION TO MAINFRAMES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

C OMPUTER SYSTEMS USED FOR BUSINESS PURPOSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

H ARDWARE CONFIGURATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...........5

M ICRO

COMPUTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..........7

M INI

COMPUTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.............7

M AINFRAME CONFIGURATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..........8

T HE SYSTEM /360-370

FAMILY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

M ULTIPROCESSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...............10

HANNELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..................10

M EMBERS OF THE IBM MAINFRAME FAMILY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...11

R/SM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

....................11
I NPUT/OUTPUT

DEVICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

A PPLICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.................15

C HARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF MAINFRAME OS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.17

A SMALL MAINFRAME COMPUTER CONFIGURATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

M VS CONCEPTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.................20

A DDRESS SPACES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

................20

PAGING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...................22

E XPANDED STORAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...............22

WAPPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..................22

T HE MVS

SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.......23

2 . COBOL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 5

R EDEFINES

CLAUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

....25

R ENAMES CLAUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

................26

U SAGE

CLAUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..........27

U SAGE IS

DISPLAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

......27
C OMP AND COMP-3

FIELDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 8

U SAGE IS COMP-

1...............................................................................................

28

U SAGE IS COMP-

2...............................................................................................

28

U SAGE IS COMP-

3...............................................................................................

29

D IFFERENT FORMS OF EVALUATE STATEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..30

S EARCH and SEARCH

ALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1

M EANING OF DEVICE NAME IN SELECT

CLAUSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2

N EXT SENTENCE AND CONTINUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

........33

W hy READ FILE and WRITE RECORD? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.....34

R ETURN CODE OF INTERNAL SORT (IN A COBOL PROGRAM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5

S tatic and Dynamic Subroutine

CALLs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 5

S tatic CALLs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..................35

D ynamic

CALLs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.........36

E FFICIENT COBOL CODING

TECHNIQUES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 8

I NDEXES Vs SUBSCRIPTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...........40

..............................................................................................41

3 . COMPILER OPTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2
A WO Or NOAWO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

................42

O PTIMIZE (STD), OPTIMIZE (FULL) OR NOOPTIMIZE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2

S SRANGE Or NOSSRANGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

............43

T RUNC – BIN, STD OR OPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...........43

N UMPROC – NOPFD, MIG OR PFD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

........44

D YNAM Or

NODYNAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.....44

R ENT Or NORENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

................45

R un Time Options that Affect Run Time Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 5

Page 2 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

A LL31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

......................45

C HECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.....................45

..............................................................................................46

4 . JCL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 6

P DSE (PARTITIONED DATA SET EXTENDED) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..47

A llocating a

PDSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.....47

B atch

Allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..........47

T SO/E

Allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.........48
I SPF Allocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

................48

C reating PDSE Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

............50

D eleting PDSE

Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

I EBCOPY TO CONVERT A PDS TO PDSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.....50

EBCOPY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

....................51

T o copy an entire PDS to another

PDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 1

T o convert a PDS to a PDSE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..........52

T o copy an entire PDS to a sequential tape data set (Unloading) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3

L oading (Restoring Unloaded copy from Tape to DASD) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3

C ompressing data sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

............53

I ncluding members of PDS in a COPY command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

E xcluding members of PDS in a COPY command . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

R enaming a member while copying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.....54

M erging Partitioned Data

Sets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 5

I EBGENER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

....................55

S ample IEBGENER

JCL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 6

..............................................................................................59

5 . DB2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 0
N ULL

INDICATOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..........60

BRM: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...................60

P LAN: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.....................60

S YNONYM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

....................60

IEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

....................60

A RE THE VIEWS

UPDATABLE ? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1

H OW TO RUN A DB2 BATCH

PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 1

W hy SELECT * is not preferred in embedded SQL programs? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2

S YNONYM and ALIAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.............62

H ow does DB2 store NULL

physically? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2

W hat is the use of VALUE

function? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2

F ETCH FIRST n ROWS

ONLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 3

O PTIMIZE FOR n ROWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

............63

.................................................................................................

.......................65

UNSTATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..................66
I

MAGECOPY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..................66

C OALESCE Function in DB2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..........66

Q MF (Query Management

Facility) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 7

M ore on

FORMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.........70

6 . IMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 4

D EFINING THE IMS DATABASE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.........74

BD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.....................75

SB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

......................75

I MS DL/I DATA BASE

TYPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 6

D ata Entry Data Base (DEDB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.......76

M ain Storage Data Base (MSDB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.....76

H ierarchical Direct Access Method (HDAM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

76

H ierarchical Indexed Direct Access Method (HIDAM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 7

H ierarchical Sequential Access Method (HSAM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

H ierarchical Indexed Sequential Access Method (HISAM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 7

G eneralized Sequential Access Method (GSAM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Page 3 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Simple Hierarchical Sequential Access Method (SHSAM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 7

S imple Hierarchical Indexed Sequential Access Method (SHISAM) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 7

.................................................................................................

.......................77

ROCOPT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...................78

..............................................................................................79

7 . TSO ISPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 0

H RECALL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

....................80

T SO

SEND/TRANSMIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.........80

I NFORMATION ABOUT YOUR

DATASET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 0

S AVING A CERTAIN SEQUENCE OF

COMMANDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 0

T APE

DATASET. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...........80

S B37 WHEN TRIED TO SAVE A

FILE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 0

N O SPACE IN

DIRECTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

80

C REATE AND REPLACE COMMANDS

(ISPF). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 0

C REATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.....................81

R EPLACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.....................81

C UT AND

PASTE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

........82
I SPF EDITOR COMMANDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

............83

A UTOCOMPLETE

FEATURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 4

N RETRIEV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

....................84

C OBOL COMPILER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

................84

COMPARING 2 FILES OF DIFFERENT

LAYOUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 4

C OUNTING THE NUMBER OF RECORDS IN A DASD/TAPE DATASET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 5

T APE DATASET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.................85

D ASD

DATASET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...........86

8 . Data Flow Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 7

W hat are Data Flow Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

........87

B asic Building Blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

.............87

D FD Levels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...................89

D ata Flow Diagram Notations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

........90

An

Example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...............93

9 . COMMON ABENDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 4

J CL error . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

...................94

S 322 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

......................94

S 806 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

......................94
S 913 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

......................94

S 878 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

......................94

S 522 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

......................94

S 0C4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

......................94

S 013 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

......................94

S 722 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

......................94

S 0C7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

......................94

S 0C7 Abend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

..................94

Page 4 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

1. INTRODUCTION TO MAINFRAMES

COMPUTER SYSTEMS USED FOR BUSINESS PURPOSES

1) Micro Computers

2) Mini Computers

3) Mainframe Computers

These divisions are loosely based on the size of the computer systems

HARDWARE CONFIGURATIONS

Regardless of size, all computers consists of two basic types of components

· Processors

· I/O Devices

Although all computer systems consists of these basic components, the way those

components are combined for a particular computer system varies depending on the

system’s requirements.

Page 5 of 104

CPU Main Storage

Device

Controllers
Terminals Printers

Disks

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Page 6 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

MICRO COMPUTERS

Small, single user systems that provide a simple processor and just a few input/output

devices.

This is also known as PC.

This category is termed micro because the CPU was created on a single chip

Micro computers can be grouped into

· Workstations : Used for Extensive calculations

· Desktops : Business Processing

· Servers

· Laptops and Notebooks

MINI COMPUTERS

Also known as Mid-Range computers were first developed as special purpose mainframe

computers. They were used, for instance to control machines in a manufacturing unit.

Now they are widely used as general-purpose computers.

Faster than the microcomputer with access to more storage space and more input and

output devices. The minicomputer is used when large groups need access to data

simultaneously. The minicomputer can do this because the hardware is designed for

plugging in more devices and the CPU and the support chips are designed for this kind of

work

For example, large super markets around the world need to have their cash register send

sales information to the same computer (so that the data is collected at one place)

Mini computers are used by medium sized business. They are also used in factories to

control automated assembly lines, manufacturing, process control, etc,

Popular makers of minicomputer include DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation) – that

built the popular VAX minicomputer. IBM also creates a very popular mini computer

range with a branding of the AS/400. HP has a popular mini computer range branded

HP9000

Page 7 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Unlike Micro computers, most mini computers provide more than one terminal so that
several people can use the system at one time. A system like this is called a multi user

system

IBM eServer i5 520

MAINFRAME CONFIGURATIONS

Mainframe computers can process several million program instructions per second. Large

organizations rely on these room size systems to handle large programs with lots of data.

Mainframes are mainly used by insurance companies, banks, airline/railway reservation

systems, etc

Mainframes have even more access to storage space and to input/output devices. To work

with these extra devices, mainframes also have more powerful processors. This power is

useful and required by large corporations who have large amounts of data to process.

Consider the example of a large international bank that has millions of customer accounts

require very powerful machines to process this data. These large banks would have a

mainframe maintain their customer account records so that the customer can turn-up at

any of the branches to withdraw/deposit money.

Characteristics

· Huge processing power

· Supports several users

· High security features

The most popular makers of Mainframe are IBM.

Page 8 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

IBM eServer zSeries 890

THE SYSTEM /360-370 FAMILY

The most popular family of mainframe computers ever is the System/360-370 family,

introduced by IBM more than 20 years ago.

The central components of mainframe computer system are the processors.

……….

The figure shows the basic arrangement of the subcomponents that make up a typical

System/370 type processor. As you can see, the processor consists of 3 main parts: CPU,

Main Storage and Channels.

The CPU contains the circuitry needed to execute program instructions that manipulate

data stored in main storage. Although the figure doesn’t show it, most System/370

processors use a special purpose high speed memory buffer called a cache that operates

between the CPU and Main Memory. This relatively small amount of storage operates at
Page 9 of 104

CPU

MAIN

STORAGE

Channel 0 Channel 1 Channel 5 Channel 6

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

speeds even faster than the storage in main memory, so the overall speed of the processor

is increased

Special circuitry constantly monitors access to main memory and keeps the most

frequently accessed sections in the cache.

MULTIPROCESSING

To understand what a multiprocessor does, let us focus on the term single processor. A

single processor or uniprocessor contains its own main storage and is controlled by a

single OS. A Multiprocessor, on the other hand, can share system resources and work.

For example, while one of the processors initiates an I/O operation, another processor can

handle an interrupt and so on.

There are two types of multiprocessing systems

· Loosely coupled multiprocessing : where processors operate under separate

operating systems, yet share access to data

· Tightly coupled multiprocessing : where processors operate under the same OS

CHANNELS

The purpose of a channel is to provide a path between the processor and an I/O device. In

the above figure, there are 7 channels. As a result, there are 7 different paths along which

data can pass between the processor and I/O device. Each channel can connect up to 8

devices called control units that connect to I/O devices. As a result, the processor in the

above figure can connect up to 56 control units. Depending on the processor and the

device, a control unit may be housed within the processor’s cabinet, the I/O device’s

cabinet, or in its own cabinet.

The basic channel design of the System/370 requires that I/O devices to be connected to

channels using heavy copper cables that can no longer than 400 feet in length. These

channels use a parallel architecture which means that the cable transmits all of the bits

that make up a byte simultaneously. To do that, the cable must have a separate wire for

each bit – Sixteen in all (the channel sends two bytes simultaneously) - Plus additional

wires for control signals. The result is that parallel channel cable is both heavy and

expensive.
In 1990, IBM announced a new channel architecture, called ESCON (Enterprise System

Connection), which is based on fiber optic rather than copper table. Fiber optic cable is

not only 80 times lighter than copper table, but also 50 times less bulky. ESCON will

allow many data centers to replace literally tons of unmanageable copper cable with

neatly organized fiber optic cable. Besides its reduced size and weight, ESCON provides

two other advantages. First it extends the 400-feet cable limit of standard channels to 26

miles. This lets installations locate disk devices on another floor or even in another

Page 10 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

building. Second, ESCON channels are nearly 4 times as fast as standard channels,

transmitting data at 17 MB per second rather than 4.5 MB per second

In the new S/390 systems, a new channel architecture – S/390 Fiber Connectivity

(FICON) – provides a new high performance I/O channel, optimized for efficiency at

high speed.

MEMBERS OF THE IBM MAINFRAME FAMILY

PROCESSOR CPUs MAIN MEMORY MAX

CHANNELS

4381 1 OR 2 4 - 64 MB

18

3084 4 32 - 128 MB

48

3090 6 64 - 512 MB

128

ES/9000 4 - 8 2048 MB

256

S/390 G5/G6 4 - 12 1 - 32 GB

256

e-Server zSseries

990 (latest in z

series)

32 16GB – 256GB

1024(ESCON),

240 (FICON)

· Most of these values are ranges or numbers because the processors come in a

variety of models that offer various features

PR/SM

At one time, multiprocessor configurations were considered exotic, and the facilities for

managing them were often inadequate. So many installations resorted to VM, an OS

designed to emulate multiple computer systems. VM could be configured to take

advantage of multiple processors, but it didn’t provide all of the controls needed to take

full advantage of modern multiprocessor configurations.

To address this problem, current IBM multiprocessors include a feature called Processor

Resource/Systems Manager, or PR/SM. PR/SM allows an installation to divide a multi-

CPU processor into several partitions, or LPARs, each of which can function as an

independent system. PR/SM can be configured so that a partition is reserved as a backup

for a primary partition. If the primary partition fails, the backup partition can

automatically take over the work that was being processed at the time of the failure.

Page 11 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

PR/SM also allows the I/O channels assigned to the various partitions to be reconfigured

without disrupting the work

INPUT/OUTPUT DEVICES

I/O devices are the devices that connect to a processor to provide it with input, receive

output or provide secondary storage.

The common types of I/O devices found on IBM mainframes are

· Unit Record Devices

Card Devices and Printers. The name Unit record device implies that each record

processed by the device is a physical unit. URDs usually have built in control

units that attach directly to channels, so separate control units are not required

 Card Devices

· Card Readers

· Card Punches

· Reader/Punches

 Printers

· Impact : produce out put by striking an image of characters

to be printed against a ribbon, which in turn transfers ink

to paper

· Non Impact Printers: use laser technology. IBM’s 3800

printing subsystem can print at rates of up to remarkable

20,000 lines per minute

· Magnetic Tape Devices: How much data a reel or cartridge of tape can contain

depends on the length of the tape and the density used to record the data. Density

is a measurement of how many bytes are recorded in one inch of tape. Tape

densities for standard reel tapes are usually 1600 or 6250 bpi. Data records are

normally written to tape in groups called blocks. Empty spaces called gaps are

required to separate blocks from one another. The larger the block, the less the

amount of wasted space on a tape. However there is an extra cost involved when

blocking is used: a buffer is required in main storage to contain the entire block.

As a result, the larger the block, the more main storage that is required to contain

it

· Direct Access Device: The official IBM term for a disk drive is DASD. Because it

allows direct and rapid access to large quantities of data. Data is recorded on the

usable surfaces of a disk pack in concentric circles called tracks. The number of

tracks per surface varies with each device type. The component that reads and

writes data on the tracks of a disk pack is called the actuator. The actuator has one

read/write head for each recording surface. When the actuator moves, all of its

heads move together so they are all positioned at the same track of each recording

surface. As a result the disk drive can access data on all of those tracks without

Page 12 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

moving the actuator. The tracks that are positioned under the heads of the actuator

at one time make up a cylinder. As a result, there are as many tracks in a cylinder

as there are usable surfaces on the pack, and there as many cylinders in a pack as

there are tracks on a surface. So a pack that has 19 surfaces, each with 808 tracks

has 808 cylinders, each with 19 tracks.

IBM manufactures two basic types of disk drives Count-Key-Data (CKD) devices

and Fixed-Block-Architecture (FBA) devices. CKD devices store data in variablelength

blocks. FBA devices store data in fixed-length blocks

Each type of DASD devices requires two kinds of control units to attach it to a

processor channel. The first called a string controller, attaches a group of DASDs

of the same type: the resulting group is called a string. The second kind of control

unit, called a storage control, connects up to eight strings of DASD units to a

channel

Special circuitry keeps track of what disk data is accessed most frequently and

tries to keep this data in the cache storage. Then, when that data is referenced, it
can be read directly from cache, the DASD unit doesn’t have to be accessed at all

Page 13 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

· Data Communications Equipment : an installation creates a data communications

network (telecommunications network) that lets users at local terminal (terminals

at the computer site) and remote terminals (terminals that are not at the computer

site) access a computer system

Page 14 of 104

String Controller String Controller

STORAGE CONTROL

Communication Controller

Modem Modem

Modem Modem

Telecommunication

Lines

Terminal

Controller

Terminal

Controller

Printer Printer

T1

T2

T3

T1

T2

T3

Terminals

Terminals

Channel

Connections

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

At the center of the network is the host system, a System/370 processor. The control unit

that attaches to the host system’s channels is called a communications controller; it

manages the communications functions necessary to connect remote terminal system via

modems and telecommunications lines.

Whether attached locally or remotely, the most commonly used terminal system on IBM

mainframe is the 3270 Information Display system

APPLICATIONS

A distributed multi – branch banking system is shown. Bank executives use

microcomputers to do ‘what-if’ analysis, make decisions etc. Each branch may have a

mini computer to support a variety of needs for the individual branch. And the bank may

have a centralized mainframe computer that supports all the banks branches providing for

an even broader range of needs. In other words, the bank uses micro computers for

applications at the individual level, minicomputers at the departmental or branch level,

and mainframe computer at the corporate level. Mainframe at the branch headquarters

performs all the consolidated accounting functions and is responsible for processing both

transactions through the bank’s network of automatic teller machines (ATM) and credit

card transactions.

Page 15 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Page 16 of 104

Branch Mini Computer

Branch Mini Computer

Multi Branch Banking System

Mainframe

Terminals

Terminals

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF MAINFRAME OS

· VIRTUAL STORAGE

In most computer systems, the processor’s main storage is among the most

valuable of the system’s resources. As a result, modern mainframe computer

operating systems provide sophisticated services to make the best use of the

available main storage. Among the most important of these services include

virtual storage

Virtual storage is a technique that lets a processor simulate an amount of main

storage that is larger than the actual amount of real storage. To do this, the

computer uses disk storage as an extension of real storage

The key to understanding virtual storage is realizing that at any given moment,

only the current program instruction and the data it accesses need to be in real
storage. Other data and instructions can be placed temporarily on disk storage,

and recalled into main storage when needed. In other words, virtual storage

Operating Systems transfer data and instructions between real storage and disk

storage as they are needed.

· MULTIPROGRAMMING

Multiprogramming means simply that the computer lets more than one program

execute at the same time. Actually, that is misleading; at any given moment, only

one program can have control of the CPU. A multiprogramming system appears

to execute more than one program at the same time

The key to understanding multiprogramming is to realize that some processing

operations – like reading data from an input device – take much longer than

others. As a result, most programs that run on mainframe computers are idle a

large percentage of the time, waiting for I/O operations to complete. If programs

were run one at a time on a mainframe computer, the CPU would spend most of

its time waiting. Multiprogramming simply reclaims the CPU during these idle

periods and lets another program execute

· SPOOLING

A significant problem that must be overcome by multiprogramming systems is

sharing access to input and output devices for the programs that execute together.

One way to avoid this problem is to give one of the programs complete control of

the printer. Unfortunately, that defeats the purpose of multiprogramming because

the other program has to wait until the printer is available

Page 17 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

To provide shared access to printer devices, spooling is used. Spooling manages

printer output for applications by intercepting printer output and directing it to a

disk device instead. Then, when the program finishes, the operating system

collects its spooled print output and directs it to the printer. In a

multiprogramming environment, the OS stores the spooled output separately on

disk so it can print each program’s output separately

Another benefit of spooling is that programs can execute faster. That is because;

disk devices are much faster than printers. The OS component that actually prints

the spooled output is multi programmed along with the application programs, so

the printer is kept as busy as possible. But the application programs themselves

are not slowed down by the relatively slow operation of the printer
· BATCH PROCESSING

When you use batch processing, your work is processed in units called jobs. A job

may cause one or more programs to execute in sequence. For example, one job

may invoke the programs necessary to update a file of employee records, print a

report listing employee information, and produce payroll checks.

One of the problems that arises when batch processing is used is managing how

work flow through the system. In a typical mainframe computer system, many

users compete to use the system’s resources. To manage this, the Job Entry

Subsystem, or JES processes each user’s job in an orderly fashion

· TIME SHARING

In a time sharing system, each user has access to the system through a terminal

device. Instead of submitting jobs that are schedules for later execution, the user

enters commands that are processed immediately. As a result, time sharing is

sometimes called interactive processing, because it lets users interact directly with

the computer. Sometimes, timesharing processing is also called foreground

processing, while batch job processing is called background processing

Page 18 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

A SMALL MAINFRAME COMPUTER CONFIGURATION

Page 19 of 104

Operator Consoles (4)

Communications Controller

Remote 3270 System

Impact Printers (2)

3490 Tape Drives (4)

3880

Storage

Controller

Local 3270 System

3390 –1 Disk Drives (24)

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

For Direct access storage, the configuration above uses three strings of 3390 model 1

DASDs, each containing 8 drives. Since each 3390 model 1 has a capacity of 946 MB,

the total DASD capacity of this system is about 22 billion bytes. 3390 are fixed-media

DASDs; their disk packs can’t be removed. To provide a way to create backup copies of
data on the 3390s, a string of four tape drives is used

The 4 operator consoles let system operators control the operation of the system. Some of

the consoles might be dedicated to specific tasks, such as managing the tape drives or

controlling the 2 high speed impact printers.

A local 3270 system, directly attached to the 4381 processor, provide 12 terminals and

one printer. This terminals are used by the programming staffs, who are based in the

same building that houses the computer.

The 3725 communications controller allows remote 3270 systems to access the system

via telephone lines.

MVS CONCEPTS

MVS stands for multiple virtual storage. Under MVS, the concepts of virtual storage and

multiprogramming are closely related.

Virtual Storage is a facility that simulates a large amount of main storage by treating

DASD storage as an extension or real storage. In other words when virtual storage is

used, the processor appears to have more storage than it actually does.

Multiprogramming is a facility that lets two or more programs use the processor at the

same time. The key to understanding multiprogramming is realizing that most programs

spend most of their time waiting for I/O operations to complete. So while one program

waits for an I/O operation, the CPU can execute instructions for another program.

ADDRESS SPACES

Main storage consists of millions of individual storage locations, each of which can store

one character, or byte, of information. To refer to a particular location, you use an

address that indicates the storage location’s offset from the beginning of the memory.

An Address space is simply the complete range of addresses – and as a result, the number

of storage locations – that can be accessed by the computer. The maximum size of a

computer’s address space is limited by the number of digits that can be used to represent

an address. To illustrate, suppose a computer records its addresses using six decimal

digits, such a computer could access storage with addresses from 0 to 999,999

Page 20 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

The original System/370 processors used 24 bit binary numbers to represent addresses.

Since the largest number that can be represented in 24 bits is abut 16 million (16 M), an

address space on a System/370 can’t contain more than 16M bytes of storage. Because

this 16 MB address space limitation severely restricted the capabilities of the System/370,
IBM replaced it in the early 1980s with a new architecture known as 370-XA. 370-XA

processors can operate in 370 mode using standard 24 bit addresses or in XA, or

Extended Architecture, mode using 31-bit addresses, in XA mode, the largest address that

can be represented – and therefore the largest address space that can be used – is about

2G.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, IBM extended this architecture even further with the

introduction first of ESA/370, then ESA/390. These designs utilize the same 31 – bit

addresses that 370-XA uses.

MVS/370 was designed to operate on System/370 processors that utilize 24-bit addresses,

and MVS/XA was designed to operate on 370-XA processors that use 31 – bit addresses.

MVS/ESA also uses 31-bit addresses, but runs only on ESA/370 and ESA/390

processors.

To maintain compatibility with MVS/370, MVS/XA recognizes 24-bit processing.

Whether it interprets an address as 24 or 31 bit depends upon the setting of the addressing

mode bit in the current PSW at the time an instruction executes. Programs running in 24-

bit addressing mode can access the first 16 MB of the virtual storage. MVS allows

program to switch from one mode to another during execution in order to access data or

call modules running in the other mode. Thus new programs can take advantage of 31 bit

addressing and still be compatible with ones written for 24 bit addresses.

All MVS programs have an addressing mode (AMODE) attribute that indicates which

addressing mode is to take effect when a module is given control. The AMODE attribute

is assigned to MVS program module by the programmer as input to the assembler or

linkage-editor. The default is 24 bit addressing mode.

MVS modules have a residence mode (RMODE) attribute that indicates whether they

must be loaded below the 16 MB address line or can be loaded anywhere in the virtual

storage. RMODE = 24 modules require residency below 16 MB. RMODE = ANY allows

the OS to load a module anywhere in virtual storage

A program that must be directly addressable by 24 bit callers must reside below the 16

MB line. A program that doesn’t have 24 bit callers, or whose 24 bit callers call it

indirectly, can reside anywhere. The RMODE attribute is assigned as input to the

assembler or the linkage-editor, or by default. The default is 24 bit residence mode.

Page 21 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

PAGING

To allow the parts of a program in virtual storage to move between real and auxiliary
storage, MVS breaks real storage, virtual storage and auxiliary storage into blocks. The

terminology the system uses is as follows

 A block of real storage is a Frame

 A block of virtual storage is a Page

 A block of auxiliary storage is a Slot

A page, a frame and a slot are all of the same size; each consists of 4KB. An active

virtual storage page resides in a real storage frame; a virtual storage page that becomes

inactive resides in an auxiliary storage slot.

MVS divides virtual storage into 4K sections called pages. Data is transferred between

real and DASD storage one page at a time. As a result, real storage is divided into 4K

sections called page frames, each of which can hold one page of virtual storage.

Similarly, the DASD area used for virtual storage, called a page data set, is divided into

4K page slots, each of which holds one page of virtual storage.

When a program refers to a storage location that is not in real storage, a page fault occurs.

When that happens, MVS locates the page that contains the needed data on DASD and

transfers it into real storage. That operation is called a page-in. In some cases, the new

page can overlay data in a real storage page frame. In other cases, data in a page frame

has to be moved to a page data set to make room for the new page. That is called a pageout.

Either way, the process of bringing a new page into real storage is called paging.

EXPANDED STORAGE

Most new System/370 processors include a special type of memory known as expanded

storage. Expanded storage improves the efficiency of virtual storage operations by acting

as a large buffer between real storage and the page data sets. Simply put, when a virtual

storage page must be paged out, the processor moves the page’s contents to expanded

storage. This transfer occurs at CPU speeds rather than at DASD speeds, so the operation

is almost instantaneous. Pages are written to the actual page data set only when expanded

storage becomes full. The amount of expanded storage on a processor varies depending

on the processor model.

SWAPPING

In swapping, address spaces are moved from real storage to auxiliary storage and vice

versa. This has the effect of moving an entire address space into or out of real storage. It

is one of several methods MVS employs to balance the system workload as well as to

ensure that an adequate supply of available real storage frames is maintained. Address

Page 22 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

spaces that are swapped in are active having pages in real storage frames and pages in

auxiliary storage slots. Address spaces that are swapped out are inactive; the address

space resides on auxiliary storage and can’t execute until it is swapped in. Swapping is

performed in response to the recommendations from the System Resource Manager

(SRM).

You can think of swapping as the same thing as paging, only at a higher level. Rather

than move small 4K pieces of virtual storage in an out of real storage, swapping

effectively moves entire address spaces in and out of virtual storage. Since paging occurs

only for address spaces that are currently in virtual storage, paging doesn’t occur for

address spaces that are swapped out

THE MVS SYSTEM

· System Generation

When an installation purchases the MVS operating system, IBM sends the basic

components that make up the MVS on a series of tapes, called distribution

libraries. System generation, only a part of the overall process of installing MVS

from the distribution libraries, selects and assembles the various components an

Page 23 of 104

Page

Data Sets

Swap

Data Sets

Real Storage

CPU

Add:

Space 1

(Swapp

ed in)

Add:

Space 2

(Swapp

ed in)

Add:

Space 3

(Swapp

ed in)
Add:

Space 4

(Swapp

ed out)

Add:

Space 5

(Swapp

ed out)

Add:

Space 6

(Swapp

ed out)

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

installation needs to create a working MVS system. To control system generation,

often called sysgen, a systems programmer codes special macro instructions that

specify how the MVS components from the distribution libraries should be put

together.

Interestingly, an installation must already have a working MVS system before it

can generate a new one. This is because an existing MVS system is required to

execute the sysgen macro instructions. Fortunately, most installations perform

sysgen to upgrade to a newer version of MVS or to make changes to their current

version. So they can use their current version of MVS to execute the sysgen

For installations that do not already have an MVS system, the system installation

process includes setting up a small, limited function MVS system that can execute

the sysgen for the complete, full function MVS system

The macro instructions a systems programmer codes for a sysgen fall generally

into two categories. The first category of macro instructions defines the system’s

hardware configuration... They are needed because MVS must know about every

I/O device that is attached to the system. As a result, whenever a new I/O device

is installed, the system must be generated again. MVS lets you do a smaller, less

time consuming type of sysgen called an iogen to change the I/O device

configuration.

The second category of macro instructions in a sysgen indicates which options of

the OS should be included. Like which Job Entry Subsystem, what optional

access methods and so on

The output from sysgen is a series of system libraries that contain, among other

things, the executable code that makes up the OS

· System Initialization

Once an MVS OS has been generated, it can be used to control the operation of

the computer system. To begin a system initialization, the system operator uses

the system console to start an Initial Program Load or IPL. That causes the

computer system to clear its real storage and begin the process of loading MVS

into storage from the system libraries.

Page 24 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

2. COBOL

REDEFINES CLAUSE

Sometimes, it may be found that two or more storage areas defined in the DATA

DIVISION are not in use simultaneously. In such cases only one storage area can serve

the purpose of two or more areas if the area is redefined. The REDEFINES clause allows

the same area to be referred to by more than one data name with different sizes and

pictures.

For example,

01 SALES-RECORD.

05 SALES-TYPE PIC X(01).

05 SALES-BY-UNIT.

10 QTY PIC 9(04).

10 UNIT-PRICE PIC 9(08)V99.

05 TOTAL-SALES REDEFINES

SALES-BY-UNIT.

10 AMOUNT PIC 9(10)V99.

10 FILLER PIC X(02).

This example describes a sales record which may either contain the total amount of sales

(TOTAL-SALES) or the QTY & UNIT-PRICE

The purpose of such description may be to have two types of records and their types may

be determined from the data item named SALES-TYPE

Depending on some predetermined values of SALES-TYPE the record will be interpreted

in one of the two forms.

Note that SALES-BY-UNIT & TOTAL-SALES refer to the same storage space. They

really represent two different mappings of this same storage area

Advantage:

Conservation of Storage space

Syntax:

Level-number data-name-1 REDEFINES data-name-2

Rules

· The level-number of data-name-1 and data-name-2 must be identical.

· Except when the REDEFINES clause is used to 01 level, data-name-1 and

data-name-2 must be of same size

· When the 01 level is used, the size of data-name-1 must not exceed that of dataname-

· Multiple redefinitions are allowed. The entries giving the new descriptions must

immediately follow the REDEFINES entry.

Page 25 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

· In the case of multiple redefinitions, the data-name-2 must be the data name of the

entry that originally defined the area.

· The REDEFINES clause must immediately follow the data-name-1

· Entries giving new descriptions can't have the value clauses (except in the case of

condition-names(88))

· The REDEFINES clause must not be used for records (01 level) described in the

FILE SECTION. The appearance of multiple 01 entry in the record description is

implicitly assumed to be the redefinition of the first 01 level record.

· This clause must not be used for level-number 66 or 88

(COBOL 77 Standard)

According to COBOL - 85, a redefined data item can be equal or smaller in size than that

of the data item it redefines.

Note that in COBOL - 74, the two must be equal.

For example

05 DATA-A PIC X(12)

05 DATA-B REDEFINES

DATA-A.

10 FIELD-A PIC 9(03)V99.

10 FIELD-B PIC 9(02).

RENAMES CLAUSE

Sometimes a re-grouping of elementary data items in a record may be necessary so that

they can belong to the original as well as to the new group.

01 PAY-REC.

5 FIXED-PAY.

10 BASIC-PAY PIC 9(6)V99.

10 DEARNESS-ALLOWANCE PIC 9(6)V99.

5 ADDITIONAL-PAY.

10 HOUSE-RENT PIC 9(4)V99.

10 MNTHLY-INCENTIVE PIC 9(3)V99.

5 DEDUCTIONS.

10 PF-DEDUCT PIC 9(3)V99.

10 IT-DEDUCT PIC 9(4)V99.

10 OTHER-DEDUCT PIC 9(3)V99.

66 PAY-OTHER-THAN-BASIC RENAMES

DEARNESS-ALLOWANCE THRU MNTHLY-INCENTIVE

66 IT-AND-PF-DEDUCTIONS RENAMES

PF-DEDUCT THRU IT-DEDUCT.

In the above example, PAY-OTHER-THAN-BASIC will become a new group consisting of

DEARNESS-ALLOWANCE, HOUSE-RENT and MNTHLY-INCENTIVE. Note that the new group

Page 26 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

overlaps on two original groups, namely, part of FIXED-PAY and the entire ADDITIONALPAY.

Such overlapping is allowed provided the elementary items are all contiguous. In a

similar way IT-AND-PF-DEDUCTIONS has two elementary items PF-DEDUCT and ITDEDUCT.

This new group is formed out of the original group DEDUCTIONS. Alternatively,

the same thing can also be done in the original group description by placing like this

..

5 DEDUCTIONS.

10 IT-AND-PF-DEDUCTIONS.

15 PF-DEDUCT PIC 9(3)V99.

15 IT-DEDUCT PIC 9(4)V99.

10 OTHER-DEDUCT PIC 9(3)V99.

Syntax

66 data-name-1 RENAMES data-name-2 THRU data-name-3

Rules
· All RENAMES entries must be written only after the last record description entry

· The RENAMES clause must be used only with the special level number 66

· Data-name-2 and data-name-3 can be the names of elementary items or group

items. They however can’t be items of levels 01,66,77 or 88

· Neither data-name-2 nor data-name-3 can have an OCCURS clause in its

description entry, nor can they be subordinate to an item that has an occurs clause

in its data description entry

· Data-name-3, if mentioned, must follow data-name-2, in the record and must not

be one of its sub fields.

USAGE CLAUSE

Normally, a computer can store data in more than one internal form. In COBOL, a

programmer is allowed to specify the internal form of the data item so as to facilitate the

use of the data item more efficiently. Broadly, there are only two general forms of

internal representation – computational and display. Only numeric data items can be

displayed as computational, and as the name suggests, an item specified as computational

can take part in arithmetic operations more efficiently. On the other hand, any data item

can be specified as display. This form is suitable for input/output and character

manipulations. Whether a data item is computational or display, it can be specified with a

usage clause in addition to the PIC clause

USAGE IS DISPLAY

This is the most common form of internal data. Each character of the data is represented

in one byte and a data item is stored in a couple of contiguous bytes. The number of bytes

Page 27 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

required is equal to the size of the data item. One can specify the usage as DISPLAY.

However, it is also the default.

COMP AND COMP-3 FIELDS

USAGE IS COMPUTATIONAL / USAGE IS COMP

USAGE IS COMPUTATIONAL / USAGE IS COMP stores data in the form in which

the computer actually does its computation. Usually this form is binary. Thus defining

WORKING-STORAGE SECTION entries in binary format is desirable when many

repetitive arithmetic computations must be performed

COBOL 85 permits the USAGE IS BINARY clause as well to specifically represent

data in binary form

A few notes to remember: while allocating the space, for COMP fields, the compiler will
allocate space in multiples of word, that is, it can be half word (2 bytes), full word or

word (4 bytes), double word (8 bytes) like that

So if the PIC specified is 9(1) COMP, 9(2) COMP, 9(3) COMP OR 9(4)

COMP, the space allocated by the compiler will be half word (2 bytes). This allocation

depends on the length of the maximum number that you can represent with this

specification.

That is if you specify 9(4), the max number that you can represent is 9999. This

number can be easily represented by 2 bytes. With 2 bytes you can represent up to

65535

If you specify 9(5) COMP, 9(6) COMP, 9(7) COMP OR 9(8) COMP, the

space allocated by the compiler will be one word (4 bytes). That is with 9(8), you can

represent a maximum of 99999999, this is possible with a word, and a word can

represent up to 4294967295

If you specify a PIC more than 9(8), it will allocate a double word (8 bytes).

USAGE IS COMP-1

If the usage of a numeric data item is specified as COMP-1, it will be represented in one

word (4 bytes) in the floating point form (single precision floating point form). Such

representation is suitable for arithmetic operations. The number is actually represented in

hexadecimal. The PIC clause can’t be specified for COMP-1 items

USAGE IS COMP-2

This usage is the same as COMP-1 except that the data is represented internally in two

words (8 bytes). The advantage is that this increases the precision of the data (double

Page 28 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

precision) which means that more significant digits can be available for the item. The PIC

clause can’t be specified for COMP-2 items

USAGE IS COMP-3

COMP-3 enables the computer to store two digits in each storage position, except for the

rightmost position, which holds the sign. The sign is stored separately as the rightmost

half-a-byte regardless of whether S is specified in the PIC or not.

The hexadecimal number C or F denotes a positive sign and the hexadecimal number D

denotes a negative sign.

Suppose if you move 1234567 into a field defined 9(7). In DISPLAY mode, which is

default, this field will use 7 storage positions.

If you define the field with PIC 9(7) COMP-3, it will however use only four positions
12 34 56 7+

We can save a significant amount of storage by using the USAGE-COMP-3

USAGE IS COMPUTATIONAL / COMP / BINARY

This usage stores data in the form in which the computer actually does its computation.

Usually this form is binary. Thus defining WORKING-STORAGE SECTION entries in

binary format is desirable when many repetitive arithmetic computations must be

performed. The item must be an integer (no assumed decimal point is allowed).

COBOL 85 permits the USAGE IS BINARY clause as well to specifically represent

data in binary form

A few notes to remember: while allocating the space, for COMP fields, the compiler will

allocate space in multiples of word, that is, it can be half word (2 bytes), full word or

word (4 bytes), double word (8 bytes) like that

So if the PIC specified is 9(1) COMP, 9(2) COMP, 9(3) COMP OR 9(4)

COMP, the space allocated by the compiler will be half word (2 bytes). This allocation

depends on the length of the maximum number that you can represent with this

specification.

That is if you specify 9(4), the max number that you can represent is 9999. This

number can be easily represented by 2 bytes. With 2 bytes you can represent up to

65535

If you specify 9(5) COMP, 9(6) COMP, 9(7) COMP OR 9(8) COMP, the

space allocated by the compiler will be one word (4 bytes). That is with 9(8), you can

represent a maximum of 99999999, this is possible with a word, and a word can

represent up to 4294967295

Page 29 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

If you specify a PIC more than 9(8), it will allocate a double word (8 bytes).

Points to keep in mind while you declare an item as COMP

1) Don’t use COMP if the data item is

a) Properly DISPLAY

b) Nonnumeric or edited

c) A field associated with a unit record device or terminal (this means, you

can’t accept from user, an item that is declared as COMP)

2) Use COMP if the data item is a

a) A numeric field in a record input from a tape or disk file whether it was

already COMP
b) Numeric, is used in calculations, and is a field in a record to be output to a

tape or disk file from which it will later be input and used in further

computation

c) In WORKING-STORAGE, and is numeric and not edited and used in

calculations

DIFFERENT FORMS OF EVALUATE STATEMENT

Evaluate is like a case statement and can be used to replace nested Ifs. The difference

between EVALUATE and case is that no ‘break’ is required for EVALUATE i.e. control

comes out of the EVALUATE as soon as one match is made.

Different forms of EVALUATE statements are

EVALUATE EVALUATE SQLCODE ALSO FILE-STATUS

WHEN A=B AND C=D WHEN 100 ALSO ‘00’

imperative stmt imperative stmt

WHEN (D+X)/Y = 4 WHEN -305 ALSO ‘32’

imperative stmt imperative stmt

WHEN OTHER WHEN OTHER

imperative stmt imperative stmt

END-EVALUATE END-EVALUATE

EVALUATE SQLCODE ALSO A=B EVALUATE SQLCODE ALSO TRUE

WHEN 100 ALSO TRUE WHEN 100 ALSO A=B

imperative stmt imperative stmt

WHEN -305 ALSO FALSE WHEN -305 ALSO (A/C=4)

imperative stmt imperative stmt

END-EVALUATE END-EVALUATE

Page 30 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

During the execution of an EVALUATE statement, the values denoted by the list of

subjects (items in the EVALUATE statement) are compared with the values denoted by

the list of objects in a WHEN phrase to establish a “match” between the two.

· The value of a subject is compared with the value/range of values of the object in

the corresponding ordinal position

· In the case of a single valued (numeric/non numeric) object, the subject – object

comparison is done in the usual way

· When a range of values is specified for the object, the subject – object comparison

results in TRUE, if the value of the subject falls within the range
· In the case of conditional values, the subject – object comparison results in

TRUE, if both evaluate to the same value (that is if both are TRUE or both are

FALSE).

· If ANY is specified for an object, the subject-object comparison always results in

TRUE

· The list of subjects is said to “match” with the list of object, if all the

corresponding subject – object comparisons result in true

· Note that the values of the subjects need not be of the same class. For example

one can be numeric and the other can be alpha numeric

After the execution of one of the when clauses, the control is automatically passed on to

the next sentence after the EVALUATE statement. There is no need of any extra code.

SEARCH and SEARCH ALL

SEARCH is a serial search

SEARCH ALL is a binary search and the table must be sorted before using SEARCH

ALL. (ASCENDING/DESCEDING KEY clause is to be used and the data must be

loaded in this order)

Binary Search is search on a sorted array. Compare the item to be searched with the item

at the center. If it matches, it stops the search else repeat the process with the left half or

the right half depending on where the item lies.

Searching order in the SEARCH ALL can be either ASCENDING or DESCENDING.

ASCENDING is default. If you want the search to be done on an array sorted in

descending order, then while defining the array, you should give DESCENDING KEY

clause. (You must load the table in the specified order).

Performance Considerations for Indexes VS Subscripts

Page 31 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

· Using COMP to address a table is 30% slower than using indexes!

· Using COMP-3 to address a table is 300% slower than using indexes!!

· Using DISPLAY data item to address a table is 450% slower than using

indexes!!!

Rule of the Thumb for SEARCH and SEARCH ALL

· For a table with less than 50 entries, go for SEARCH (Sequential Search)

· For a table with more than 50 entries go for SEARCH ALL (Binary Search)

Packed Decimal

Using an odd number of digits for PACKED DECIMAL (COMP-3) is 5% to 20% faster
than using an even number of digits!

MEANING OF DEVICE NAME IN SELECT CLAUSE

SELECT INFILE ASSIGN TO UT-S-INFILE

OR

SELECT INFILE ASSIGN TO DA-S-INFILE

What they mean actually is

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Tips for Mainframe Programmers

First Part in DDNAME: Device Class

UT stands for utility (Tape or sequential disk)

DA stands for direct access (Disk)

Second Part in DDNAMAE: Method of Organization

S – Sequential (Printer, Terminal, Disk or Tape)

I, R, D – Disk files to be accessed randomly

NEXT SENTENCE AND CONTINUE

There is a big difference between NEXT SENTENCE & CONTINUE. Please refer the

test program given below

WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.

01 SAMPLE PIC X(2) VALUE 'AB'.

01 SAMPLE2 PIC X(2) VALUE 'CD'.

PROCEDURE DIVISION.

PARA1.

PERFORM PARA2.

STOP RUN.

PARA2.

IF SAMPLE = 'AB'

NEXT SENTENCE

ELSE

DISPLAY 'SAMPLE IS NOT AB'

END-IF

IF SAMPLE2 = 'CD'

DISPLAY 'SAMPLE 2 IS CD'

ELSE

NEXT SENTENCE

END-IF
.

In this case, we may assume that ‘SAMPLE 2 IS CD’ will get displayed but since

SAMPLE is ‘AB’, NEXT SENTENCE will get executed and this will transfer control

to the statement following the period so the program will move to STOP RUN. ENDIF

won’t act here as a statement terminator. SYSOUT will be empty in this case.

It doesn’t matter whether NEXT SENTENCE is nested inside an IF statement. SYSOUT

will be empty in the following program also.

WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.

01 SAMPLE PIC X(2) VALUE 'AB'.

01 SAMPLE2 PIC X(2) VALUE 'CD'.

01 SAMPLE3 PIC X(2) VALUE 'EF'.

PROCEDURE DIVISION.

PARA1.

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Tips for Mainframe Programmers

PERFORM PARA2.

STOP RUN.

PARA2.

IF SAMPLE = 'AB'

IF SAMPLE3 = 'EF'

NEXT SENTENCE

END-IF

ELSE

DISPLAY 'SAMPLE IS NOT AB'

END-IF

IF SAMPLE2 = 'CD'

DISPLAY 'SAMPLE 2 IS CD'

ELSE

NEXT SENTENCE

END-IF

CONTINUE will transfer control to the end of the statement that contains ‘CONTINUE’

(remember, end of the statement may not be a period). So, for the following program

'SAMPLE 2 IS CD' will be printed in SYSOUT

WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.
01 SAMPLE PIC X(2) VALUE 'AB'.

01 SAMPLE2 PIC X(2) VALUE 'CD'.

PROCEDURE DIVISION.

PARA1.

PERFORM PARA2.

STOP RUN.

PARA2.

IF SAMPLE = 'AB'

CONTINUE

ELSE

DISPLAY 'SAMPLE IS NOT AB'

END-IF

IF SAMPLE2 = 'CD'

DISPLAY 'SAMPLE 2 IS CD'

ELSE

CONTINUE

END-IF

Why READ FILE and WRITE RECORD?

You READ FILE because you don’t know in advance

1) Whether there actually a record to read or not

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Tips for Mainframe Programmers

2) For variable or undefined length files, how long the next record will be if there is

one.

You WRITE RECORD because you know in advance the answer to both of the above

questions.

RETURN CODE OF INTERNAL SORT (IN A COBOL PROGRAM)

The return code or completion code is stored in a SORT-RETURN special register.

IF SORT-RETURN = 0 (Successful completion of SORT/MERGE)

IF SORT-RETURN = 16 (Unsuccessful completion of SORT/MERGE)

Static and Dynamic Subroutine CALLs

Keep in mind as you read this that some compilers let you set options that will override

the calling mechanisms shown below. Therefore, even if your program is coded to call a

program statically, the compiler can convert it to the dynamic form of CALL if you set
(or don't set) the correct compiler options. Such compiler options are discussed at the end

of this document.

Static CALLs

In COBOL, you normally call a subroutine like this:

CALL 'A' USING arguments

The static form of the CALL statement specifies the name of the subroutine as a literal;

e.g., it is in quotes.

This is the static form of a subroutine call. The compiler generates object code for this

which will cause the linker to copy the object module a.obj into your executable when it

is linked.

So, if you modify "A" and recompile it, you must also relink all of the executables that

call "A", because the each of the executables contains its own copy of "A".

Good Things about Static CALLs

· Fewer files are needed to distribute your application because your application can

be built into a single EXE file, or perhaps an EXE for your main, and a couple of

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Tips for Mainframe Programmers

DLLs for subordinate modules. This generally makes it simpler to distribute

and/or upgrade your end users.

Note: A dynamic-link library (DLL) is a module that contains functions and

data that can be used by another module (application or DLL).

· No risk of mixing/matching different versions of your called subroutines, because

they are bundled into your main program.

Bad Things about Static CALLs

· You must relink all of the EXE and DLL files in your application that use a

statically linked subroutine in order to use the newer version of the subroutine.

· If your application contains DLLs that call a subroutine statically, each DLL will

have its own copy of the subroutine, including the storage defined in the

subroutine. As a result, your application uses more storage than necessary.

· If your application has multiple DLLs that use the same statically named

subroutine, each DLL has its own copy of that subroutine and its storage.

Therefore, if you set a value in the subroutine in one of the DLLs, it's local to that

DLL. The copy linked to the other DLLs will not know about this. This can be

either a Good Thing or a Bad Thing, of course, but it's definitely a trap for the

unwary.
Dynamic CALLs

In COBOL, the dynamic form of a subroutine call is coded like this:

SUBROUTINE-A PIC X(8) VALUE 'A'.

...

CALL SUBROUTINE-A USING arguments

The dynamic form of the CALL statement specifies the name of the subroutine using a

variable; the variable contains the name of the subroutine to be invoked.

The difference is that the name of the subroutine is found in the variable SUBROUTINEA.

The compiled code will cause the operating system to load the subroutine when it

is required instead of incorporating it into the executable.

Note that you can also load a module dynamically by including it in a DLL and then

linking it using the import library for that DLL!

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Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Good Things about Dynamic CALLs

· You don't need to relink your application if you change something in your

subroutine; only the subroutine DLL needs to be relinked.

· All executables that call this subroutine will share the same DLL; both the code

and data. Since your application only loads one copy of a dynamically called

subroutine, it uses less memory.

· Changes in values contained within the dynamically called subroutine are

available to all the DLLs that use it, because they all share the same copy of the

subroutine.

Bad Things about Dynamic CALLs

· Every dynamically called subroutine must be linked as a DLL (unless you use an

import library to expose other entry points in a DLL). Therefore, if you

application consists of hundreds of subroutines and they're all called dynamically,

you will need to distribute hundreds of DLLs.

· It's possible to mix versions of your DLLs. This can be a problem both with

distributing your application and with end-users installing updates improperly.

· If one of your DLLs is missing, you may not know about it until the user

exercises some facility that tries to call that DLL. At that point, your application

will terminate abnormally unless you handle this situation.

· If you CALL a DLL, CANCEL it, then CALL it again, you incur more I/O

because the routine needs to be reloaded if you CANCEL it. This can slow down
an application because it requires more disk activity

· If you mix and match static and dynamic calls to the same subroutine, your

software might have several different versions in memory at once. Guess how

much fun it will be trying to debug THAT mess?

Which is better, Static or Dynamic CALLs?

The answer is, it depends.

Static subroutines are nice, because your application can be built into a single EXE file,

or perhaps an EXE for your main, and a couple of DLLs for subordinate modules.

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Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Dynamic subroutines are nice because you can manage memory differently and you can

update a portion of your application by shipping a newer DLL instead of the entire

application.

You choose static/dynamic linking by choosing either the DYNAM or NODYNAM link

edit option. (Even if you choose NODYNAM, a CALL identifier (as opposed to a CALL

literal), will translate to a DYNAMIC call).

A statically called subroutine will not be in its initial state the next time it is called unless

you explicitly use INITIAL or you do a CANCEL. A dynamically called routine will

always be in its initial state.

EFFICIENT COBOL CODING TECHNIQUES

Data Types

Using the proper data types is an important factor in determining the performance

characteristic of an application. Some of these are discussed below

BINARY (COMP OR COMP-4)

When using binary (COMP) data items, the use of the SYNCHRONIZED clause

specifies that the binary data items will be properly aligned on half word, full

word or double word boundaries. This may enhance the performance of certain

operations on some machines. Additionally, using signed data items with eight or

fewer digits produces the best code for binary items. The following shows the

performance considerations (from most efficient to least efficient) for the number

of digits of precision for signed binary data items (using PICTURE S9(n) COMP)

· n is from 1 to 8

For n from 1 to 4, arithmetic is done half word instructions where possible

For n from 5 to 8, arithmetic is done in full word instructions where

possible
· n is from 10 to 17

Arithmetic is done in double word format

· n is 9

Full word values are converted to double word format and then double

word arithmetic is used (this is slower than any of the above)

· n is 18

Double word values are converted to a higher precision format and then

arithmetic is done using this higher precision (this is the slowest of all four

binary data items)

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Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Note: using 9 digits is slower than using 10 digits.

Performance considerations for BINARY

Using 1 to 8 digits is the fastest

Using 10 to 17 digits is 20% to 30% slower than using 1 to 8 digits

Using 9 digits is 50% slower than using 1 to 8 digits

Using 18 digits is 1150% slower than using 1 to 8 digits

PACKED DECIMAL (COMP-3)

When using PACKED DECIMAL (COMP-3) data items in computations use 15 or fewer

digits in the picture specification to avoid the use of library routines for multiplication

and division. A call to the library routine is expensive compared to the calculation in-line.

Additionally, using a signed data item with an odd number of digits produces more

efficient code since this uses an integral multiple of bytes in storage for the data item

(Please refer the Tips and Tricks doc on COMP-3).

Performance Considerations for PACKED DECIMAL

Using an odd number of digits is 6% faster than using the next lower even number of

digits.

Using the fewest odd number of digits as possible may result in an additional 5% to 15%

savings compared to using the next larger number of odd digits.

Comparing Data Types

When selecting your data types, it is important to understand the performance

characteristics of them before you use them. Shown below are some performance

considerations of doing several ADDs and SUBTRACTs on the various data types of the

specified precision.

Performance Considerations for comparing Data Types

Packed decimal (COMP-3) compared to Binary (COMP or COMP-4)

· Using 1 to 5 digits: packed decimal is 150% to 210% slower than binary

· Using 6 to 8 digits: packed decimal is 220% to 260% slower than binary

· Using 9 to 17 digits: packed decimal is 100% to 240% slower than binary

· Using 18 digits: packed decimal is 65% faster than binary

DISPLAY compared to Packed Decimal

Page 39 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

· Using 1 to 9 digits: DISPLAY is 60% to 95% slower than packed decimal

· Using 10 to 18 digits: DISPLAY is 100% to 180% slower than packed

decimal

DISPLAY compared to Binary

· Using 1 to 5 digits: DISPLAY is 350% to 480% slower than binary

· Using 6 to 8 digits: DISPLAY is 500% to 570% slower than binary

· Using 9 to 17 digits: DISPLAY is 300% to 725% slower than binary

· Using 18 digits: DISPLAY is 10% faster than binary

Data Conversions

Conversion to a common format is necessary for certain types of numeric

operations when mixed data types are involved in the computation. This results in

additional processing time and storage for these conversions. In order to minimize

this overhead, it is recommended that the following guidelines should be

followed.

DISPLAY

Avoid using USAGE DISPLAY data items for computations (especially in areas

that are heavily used for computation). When a USAGE DISPLAY data item is

used, additional overhead is required to convert the data item to the proper type

both before and after the computation. In some cases, the conversion is done by a

call to a library routine, which can be expensive compared to using the proper

data type that does not require any conversion

Performance considerations for DISPLAY

Using 1 to 5 digits is the fastest

Using 6 to 9 digits is 15% slower than using 1 to 5 digits

Using 10 to 13 digits is 50% slower than using 1 to 5 digits

Using 14 to 16 digits is 65% slower than using 1 to 5 digits

Using 17 to 18 digits is 120% slower than using 1 to 5 digits.

INDEXES Vs SUBSCRIPTS

Using indexes to address a table is more efficient than using subscripts since the index

already contains the displacement from the start of the table and does not have to be

calculated at run time. Subscripts on the other hand contain an occurrence number that

must be converted to a displacement value at run time before it can be used. When using

subscripts to address a table, use a binary signed data item with eight or fewer digits (for

Page 40 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

example, using PICTURE S9(8) COMP) for the data item). This will allow full word

arithmetic to be used during the calculations. Additionally in some cases, using four or

fewer digits for the data item may also offer some added reduction in CPU time since half

word arithmetic can be used

Performance Considerations for Indexes Vs Subscripts (PIC S9(8))

Using binary data items (COMP) to address a table is 56% slower than using indexes

Using decimal data items (COMP-3) to address a table is 426% slower than using indexes

Using DISPLAY data items to address a table is 680% slower than using indexes

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Tips for Mainframe Programmers

3. COMPILER OPTIONS

AWO Or NOAWO

The AWO compiler option causes the APPLY WRITE ONLY clause to be in

effect for all physical sequential, variable length, blocked files, even if the

APPLY WRITE ONLY clause is not specified in the program. With APPLY

WRITE ONLY in effect, the file buffer is written to the output device when there

is not enough space in the buffer for the next record. Without APPLY WRITE

ONLY, the file buffer is written to the output device when there is not enough

space in the buffer for the maximum size record. If the application has a large

variation in the size of records to be written, using APPLY WRITE ONLY can

result in a performance savings since this will generally result in fewer calls to

Data Management Services to handle the I/Os.

Performance Consideration using AWO

One program using variable length files and AWO was 10% faster than NOAWO

OPTIMIZE (STD), OPTIMIZE (FULL) OR NOOPTIMIZE

To assist in the optimization of the code, you should use the OPTIMIZE compiler

option. With the OPTIMIZE (STD) or OPTIMIZE (FULL) options in effect, you
may receive optimizations that include

· Eliminating unnecessary branches

· Simplifying inefficient branches

· Simplifying the code for the out-of-line PERFORM statement , moving

the performed paragraphs in-line, where possible

· Simplifying the code for a CALL to a contained (nested) program, moving

the called statements in-line, where possible

· Eliminating duplicate computations

· Eliminating constant computations

· Aggregating moves of contiguous, equal sized items into a single move

· Deleting unreachable code

Additionally with the OPTIMIZE (FULL) option in effect, you may also receive

these optimizations

· Deleting unreferenced data items and the associated code to initialize their

VALUE clauses

NOOPTIMIZE is generally used while a program is being developed when

frequent compiles are necessary. NOOPTIMIZE also makes it easier to debug a

Page 42 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

program since code is not moved. NOOPTIMIZE is required when using the

TEST compiler option with a value other than TEST(NONE). OPTIMIZE

requires more CPU times for compiles than NOOPTIMIZE, but generally

produces more efficient run time code. For production runs, OPTIMIZE is

recommended.

Performance Considerations using OPTIMIZE

· On the average, OPTIMIZE(STD) was 4% faster than NOOPTIMIZE,

with a range of 17% faster to equivalent.

· On the average, OPTIMIZE(FULL) was equivalent to OPTIMIZE(STD)

SSRANGE Or NOSSRANGE

Using SSRANGE generates additional code, to verify that all subscripts, indexes

and reference modification expressions are within the proper bounds. This inline

code occurs at every reference to a subscripted or variable length data item, as

well as every reference modification expression, and it can result in some

degradation at run time. In general if you need to verify the subscripts only a few

times in the application instead of at every reference, coding your own checks
may be faster than using the SSRANGE option. For performance sensitive

applications, NOSSRANGE is recommended.

Performance Considerations using SSRANGE with CHECK(ON)

On the average, SSRANGE was 4% slower than NOSSRANGE

TRUNC – BIN, STD OR OPT

When using the TRUNC(BIN) compiler option, all binary (COMP) sending fields

are treated as half word, full word or double word values, depending on the

PICTURE clause, and code is generated to truncate all binary receiving fields to

the corresponding half word, full word or double word boundary (base 2

truncation). This can add significant amount of degradation since typically some

data conversion must be done, which may require the use of some library

routines. BIN is usually the slowest of the three sub options for TRUNC.

When using the TRUNC(STD) compiler option, the final or intermediate result of

an arithmetic expression, or the sending field in the MOVE statement, is truncated

to the number of digits in the PICTURE clause of the binary (COMP) receiving

field (base 10 truncation). This too can add significant amount of degradation

since typically the number is divided by some power of 10 (depending on the

number of digits in the PICTURE clause) and the remainder is used. A divide

instruction is one of the most expensive instructions.

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Tips for Mainframe Programmers

With TRUNC(OPT), the compiler assumes that the data conforms to the

PICTURE and USAGE specifications and manipulates the result based on the size

of the field in storage (half word, full word or double word)

Performance Considerations for TRUNC

On the average, TRUNC(OPT) was 27% faster than TRUNC(BIN)

On the average, TRUNC(STD) was 26% faster than TRUNC(BIN)

On the average, TRUNC(OPT) was 5% faster than TRUNC(STD)

NUMPROC – NOPFD, MIG OR PFD

Using the NUMPROC(PFD) compiler option generates significantly more efficient code

for numeric comparisons. It also avoids the generation of extra code that

NUMPROC(NOPFD) or NUMPROC(MIG) generates for most references to COMP-3

and DISPLAY numeric data items to ensure a correct sign is being used. With

NUMPROC(NOPFD), sign fix-up processing is done for all references to these numeric

data items. With NUMPROC(MIG), sign fix-up processing is done only for receiving
fields (and not for sending fields) of arithmetic and move statements

With NUMPROC(PFD), the compiler assumes that the data has the correct sign and

bypasses the sign fix-up processing

Using NUMPROC(NOPFD) or NUMPROC(MIG) may also inhibit some other types of

optimization. However not all external data files contain the proper sign for COMP-3 or

DISPLAY signed numeric data, and hence using NUMPROC(PFD) may not be

applicable for all application programs. For performance sensitive applications,

NUMPROC(PFD) is recommended when possible.

Performance Considerations using NUMPROC

On the average, NUMPROC(PFD) was 1% faster than NUMPROC(NOPFD)

On the average, NUMPROC(PFD) was 1% faster than NUMPROC(MIG)

On the average, NUMPROC(MIG) was equivalent to NUMPROC(NOPFD)

DYNAM Or NODYNAM

The DYNAM compiler option specifies that all subprograms invoked through the

CALL literal statement will be loaded dynamically at run time. This allows you to

share common subprograms among several different applications, allowing for

easier maintenance of these subprograms since the application will not have to be

re-link-edited if the subprogram is changed. DYNAM also allows you to control

the use of virtual storage by giving you the ability to use a CANCEL statement to

free the virtual storage used by a subprogram when the subprogram is no longer

needed. However when using the DYNAM option, you pay a performance

penalty since the call must go through a library routine, whereas with the

Page 44 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

NODYNAM option, the call goes directly to the subprogram. Hence the path

length is longer with DYNAM than with NODYNAM.

Performance Considerations Using DYNAM with CALL (Measuring CALL

overhead only)

On the average, for a CALL intensive application, the overhead associated with

the CALL using DYNAM ranged from 80% slower to 350% slower than

NODYNAM

RENT Or NORENT

Using the RENT compiler option causes the compiler to generate some additional

code to ensure that the program is reentrant. Reentrant programs can be placed in

shared storage like Link Pack Area (LPA) or the Extended Link Pack Area
(ELPA) on MVS. Also the RENT option will allow the program to run above the

16 MB line on MVS. Producing the reentrant code may increase the execution

time path length slightly.

Performance considerations using RENT

On the average RENT was equivalent to NORENT with a range of equivalent to

1% slower.

Run Time Options that Affect Run Time Performance

Selecting the proper run time options is another factor that affects the performance of a

COBOL application.

ALL31

The ALL31 option allows LE to take advantage of knowing that there are no

AMODE(24) routines in the application. It specifies that the entire application

will run in AMODE(31). This can help to improve the performance for an all

AMODE(31) application because Linkage Editor can minimize the amount of

mode switching across calls to common run time library routines.

Performance Considerations using ALL31 (Measuring CALL overhead only)

On the average, ALL31(ON) was 1% faster than ALL31(OFF)

CHECK

The CHECK option activates the additional code generated by the SSRANGE

compiler option, which requires more CPU time resources for the verification of

the subscripts, indexes and reference modification expressions. Using the

CHECK(OFF) run time option deactivates this code but still requires some

additional CPU time resources at every use of a subscript, index or reference

Page 45 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

modification expression to determine that this check is not desired during the

particular run of the program. This options has an effect only on a program that

has been compiled with the SSRANGE compiler option

Performance Considerations using CHECK

On the average, CHECK(ON) with SSRANGE was 2% slower than

CHECK(OFF) with SSRANGE

4. JCL

Page 46 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

PDSE (PARTITIONED DATA SET EXTENDED)

A PDSE is a Partitioned Data Set Extended. It consists of a directory and zero or more

members, just like a PDS. It can be created with JCL, TSO/E and ISPF just like a PDS

and can be processed with the same access methods.

The directory can expand automatically as needed, up to the addressing limit of 524,286

members. It also has an index which provides a fast search for member names.

Space from deleted or moved members is automatically reused for new members, so you

don’t have to compress a PDSE to remove wasted space. Each member of a PDSE can

have up to 15,728,639 records

Allocating a PDSE

Batch Allocation

The DSNTYPE JCL Keyword specifies that a data set should be a PDSE or PDS.

If DSNTYPE=LIBRARY is specified, the data set is a PDSE. If DSNTYPE=PDS

is specified, the data set is a PDS

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=A,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEFBR14

//*********************************************************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSIN DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.PDSE,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),

// DSNTYPE=LIBRARY,

// UNIT=TESTDA,

// SPACE=(CYL,(10,10,10)),

// DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,BLKSIZE=800)

//

When directory blocks are not specified, DSORG=PO must be included to

identify the data set as partitioned

//SYSIN DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.PDSE2,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),

// DSNTYPE=LIBRARY,

// DSORG=PO,

// UNIT=TESTDA,

// SPACE=(CYL,(10,10)),

Page 47 of 104
Tips for Mainframe Programmers

TSO/E Allocation

When allocating a PDSE with the TSO/E ALLOCATE command, you can specify

DSNTYPE to identify the data set as PDSE or PDS. If a data set exists with the

DCB attributes that you need, you can use the LIKE parameter to copy the

attributes to the new PDSE

ALLOC DS(‘XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.PDSE2’)

LIKE(‘XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.PDSE’)

The example below shows an example of allocating a PDSE using the LIKE

parameter to copy the attributes of an existing PDS. Adding the

DSNTYPE(LIBRARY) parameter to the allocation makes the data set PDSE.

ALLOC DS(‘XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.PDSE3’)

LIKE(XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.PDSE’)

DSNTYPE(LIBRARY)

ISPF Allocation

We can use the 3.2 option

Data Set Name . . . : XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.PDSE6

Management class . . . MCTSL (Blank for default management

class)

Storage class . . . . SCSMS (Blank for default storage class)

Volume serial . . . . TSLB90 (Blank for system default volume)

**

Device type . . . . . (Generic unit or device address)

**

Data class . . . . . . DCPOTSL (Blank for default data class)

Space units . . . . . TRACK (BLKS, TRKS, CYLS, KB, MB, BYTES

or RECORDS)

Average record unit (M, K, or U)

Primary quantity . . 1 (In above units)

Secondary quantity 1 (In above units)

Directory blocks . . 0 (Zero for sequential data set) *

Record format . . . . FB

Record length . . . . 80

Block size . . . . . 800

Data set name type : LIBRARY (LIBRARY, HFS, PDS, or blank) *

(YY/MM/DD, YYYY/MM/DD

The Data set name type field specifies whether the new data set is to be a PDSE

or PDS. Specify the Data set name type field to be LIBRARY to define a PDSE.

With a PDSE allocation, the Directory blocks field is optional.

Page 48 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Page 49 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Creating PDSE Members

Member creation for PDSE is functionally same as for a PDS. There is no functional

difference between the two formats

Deleting PDSE Members

A member of a PDSE can be deleted through the ISPF library panel or access method

services. With a JCL disposition of delete (DISP=(OLD,DELETE)), the entire data set is

deleted. This is the same as for a PDS.

IEBCOPY TO CONVERT A PDS TO PDSE

Here is an example of using IEBCOPY to convert a PDS to a PDSE. In this example,

IEBCOPY retains the original PDS, creates a PDSE and copies the members of the PDS

into the PDSE. The space is explicitly defined for the PDSE. You may use the LIKE

parameter to get the DCB information form a PDS or PDSE

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=A,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBCOPY

//********************************************************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.JCLS,DISP=SHR

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.PDSE.JCLS,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),

// DSNTYPE=LIBRARY,

// DSORG=PO,

// UNIT=TESTDA,

// SPACE=(CYL,(10,10)),

// DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,BLKSIZE=800)

//SYSIN DD *
COPY INDD=SYSUT1,OUTDD=SYSUT2

/*

When to use a PDSE

A data set should be considered for PDSE allocation or conversion when one or more of

these characteristics apply

· Frequent compresses are needed for the data set

· Out of space abends occur often

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Tips for Mainframe Programmers

· A large directory leads to lengthy directory searches (PDS directory searches are

sequential while PDSE searches are indexed)

· The directory size is unknown at allocation time

· The directory size will grow considerably

· The data set is shared for output

· Members will be shared and reused many times

· Protection is needed to prevent users from overwriting the directory or changing the

DCB attributes for members

IEBCOPY

With IEBCOPY, you are able to perform any of the following

· Make a copy of a PDS or PDSE

· Merge partitioned data sets (except when unloading)

· Create a sequential form of PDS or PDSE for backup or transport

· Reload one or more members from a PDSU (Partitioned Data Set Unloaded – An

IEBCOPY unload data set. A sequential file that can be restored by IEBCOPY to

create a PDS) into a PDS or PDSE

· Select specific members of a PDS or PDSE to be copied, loaded or unloaded

· Rename selected members of a PDS or PDSE when copied

· Exclude members from a data set to be copied, unloaded or loaded

· Compress a PDS in place

· Convert a PDS to a PDSE or a PDSE to a PDS…

Examples

To copy an entire PDS to another PDS

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=A,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*
//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBCOPY

//**********************************************************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.JCLS,DISP=SHR

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.JCLS.BKUP,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),

// UNIT=TESTDA,

// SPACE=(CYL,(10,10,40)),

// DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,BLKSIZE=800)

//SYSIN DD *

COPY INDD=SYSUT1,OUTDD=SYSUT2

/*

Page 51 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

To convert a PDS to a PDSE

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=A,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBCOPY

//********************************************************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.JCLS,DISP=SHR

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.PDSE.JCLS,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),

// DSNTYPE=LIBRARY,

// DSORG=PO,

// UNIT=TESTDA,

// SPACE=(CYL,(10,10)),

// DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,BLKSIZE=800)

//SYSIN DD *

COPY INDD=SYSUT1,OUTDD=SYSUT2

/*

You will get error if you try the following JCL

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=A,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID
//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBCOPY

//**********************************************************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK.SRTINPUT,DISP=SHR,

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK.SRTINPUT.BKUP,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),

// UNIT=TESTDA,

// SPACE=(CYL,(1,1)),

// DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,BLKSIZE=800)

//SYSIN DD *

COPY INDD=SYSUT1,OUTDD=SYSUT2

/*

Where, XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK.SRTINPUT and

XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK.SRTINPUT.BKUP are sequential data sets.

The errors that are displayed are

E1 8 DSS20026E DATA SET

'XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK.SRTINPUT.BKUP'

MUST BE A PDS.

E2 8 DSS11046E DATA SET

'XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK.SRTINPUT' IS

NOT AN UNLOADED DATA SET.

Page 52 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

To copy an entire PDS to a sequential tape data set (Unloading)

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=J,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBCOPY

//*********************************************************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.JCLS,DISP=SHR

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.JCLS.UNLOAD,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG),

// UNIT=CART,
// DCB=(LRECL=80,RECFM=FB,BLKSIZE=0)

//SYSIN DD *

COPY INDD=SYSUT1,OUTDD=SYSUT2

/*

Loading (Restoring Unloaded copy from Tape to DASD)

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=J,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBCOPY

//********************************************************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.JCLS.UNLOAD,DISP=SHR

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.JCLS.LOADED,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG),

// UNIT=TESTDA,

// SPACE=(CYL,(10,10,40),RLSE),

// DCB=(LRECL=80,RECFM=FB,BLKSIZE=0)

//SYSIN DD *

COPY INDD=SYSUT1,OUTDD=SYSUT2

/*

Compressing data sets

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=J,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBCOPY

//*********************************************************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.JCLS,DISP=SHR

//SYSIN DD *

COPY INDD=SYSUT1,OUTDD=SYSUT1

/*

Page 53 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Including members of PDS in a COPY command

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=J,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBCOPY

//*********************************************************

*************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.PDSE.JCLS,DISP=SHR

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.JCLS.IEBCOPY,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),

// SPACE=(CYL,(5,5,5),RLSE),

// DCB=(LRECL=80,RECFM=FB,BLKSIZE=800)

//SYSIN DD *

COPY INDD=SYSUT1,OUTDD=SYSUT2

SELECT MEMBER=(IEBCOPY1,IEBCOPY2,IEBCOPY3,IEBCOPY4, -

IEBCOPY5,IEBCOPY6)

/*

//

Excluding members of PDS in a COPY command

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=A,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBCOPY

//*********************************************************

*************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.PDSE.JCLS,DISP=SHR

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.JCLS.OTHERS,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),

// SPACE=(CYL,(10,10,40),RLSE),

// DCB=(LRECL=80,RECFM=FB,BLKSIZE=800)

//SYSIN DD *

COPY INDD=SYSUT1,OUTDD=SYSUT2

EXCLUDE MEMBER=(IEBCOPY1,IEBCOPY2,IEBCOPY3,IEBCOPY4, -

IEBCOPY5,IEBCOPY6)

/*
//

Renaming a member while copying

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

Page 54 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

// CLASS=J,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBCOPY

//*********************************************************

*******

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.PDSE.JCLS,DISP=SHR

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.JCLS.IEBCOPY,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),

// SPACE=(CYL,(5,5,5),RLSE),

// DCB=(LRECL=80,RECFM=FB,BLKSIZE=800)

//SYSIN DD *

COPY INDD=SYSUT1,OUTDD=SYSUT2

SELECT MEMBER=(IEBCOPY1,IEBCOPY2,IEBCOPY3,IEBCOPY4,

IEBCOPY5,(IEBCOPY6,NEWIEBC6))

/*

//

Merging Partitioned Data Sets

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=A,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBCOPY

//**********************************************************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.JCLS.IEBCOPY,DISP=SHR

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.JCLS.OTHERS,DISP=SHR

//SYSUT3 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.JCLS.ALL,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),

// SPACE=(CYL,(10,10,40),RLSE),

// DCB=(LRECL=80,RECFM=FB,BLKSIZE=800)
//SYSIN DD *

COPY INDD=(SYSUT1,SYSUT2),OUTDD=SYSUT3

/*

//

IEBGENER

IEBGENER is a generalized copy utility used to perform the following tasks

· Produce a backup copy of a sequential data set or a member of a PDS or PDSE

· Produce a PDS or PDSE, or a member of either, from a sequential file

· Produce a printed list of either sequential data sets or PDS/PDSE members

· Re block a data set or change its logical record length

Page 55 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Sample IEBGENER JCL

//JS10 EXEC PGM=IEBGENER,REGION=1024K

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=* *MESSAGES

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=…,DISP=… *SEQUENTIAL INPUT FILE

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=…,DISP=… *OUTPUT FILE

//SYSIN DD *

CONTROL STATEMENTS

/*

Examples

Using IEBGENER to create a data set from in stream data

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=A,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBGENER

//********************************************************************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSIN DD DUMMY

//SYSUT1 DD *

AJITH TVM MCA 15000 12345678

AJAY TVM MCA 18000 11111111

ANIL TVM BTECH 15000 22222222

SAJAN TVM MCA 18000 12121212

KIRAN TVM MCA 15000 33333333

THOMAS TVM BTECH 18000 13131313

PHILIP TVM MCA 15000 21212121

MANU TVM MCA 18000 34343434

JAYA CHANDRAN TVM BTECH 15000 45544554

ARUN TVM BTECH 18000 78654321

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK.SRTINPUT,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),

// UNIT=TESTDA,

// SPACE=(CYL,(1,1),RLSE),

// DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,BLKSIZE=800)

//

Using IEBGENER to create back up of a PDS/PDSE member to another PDS/PDSE member

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=A,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBGENER

//*************************************************************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.PDSE.JCLS(IEBGEN2),

// DISP=SHR

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.PDSE.JCLS(IEBGEN3),

// DISP=SHR,

// UNIT=TESTDA,

// SPACE=(CYL,(1,1),RLSE),

Page 56 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

// DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,BLKSIZE=800)

//SYSIN DD DUMMY

//SYSUDUMP DD SYSOUT=*

Using IEBGENER to create a back up copy of a sequential data set to another sequential data

set

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=A,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBGENER

//*********************************************************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK.SRTINPUT,

// DISP=SHR

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK.SRTINBK,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),

// UNIT=TESTDA,

// SPACE=(CYL,(1,1),RLSE),

// DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,BLKSIZE=800)

//SYSIN DD DUMMY

//SYSUDUMP DD SYSOUT=*

Using IEBGENER to create a back up copy of a sequential data set to a member of a PDS/PDSE

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=A,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBGENER

//********************************************************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK.SRTINPUT,

// DISP=SHR

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK(SRTINBK),

// DISP=SHR,

// UNIT=TESTDA,

// SPACE=(CYL,(1,1),RLSE),

// DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,BLKSIZE=800)

//SYSIN DD DUMMY

//SYSUDUMP DD SYSOUT=*

Using IEBGENER to create a back up copy of a PDS/PDSE member to a sequential data set

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=A,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBGENER

//*********************************************************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK(SRTINBK),
// DISP=SHR

Page 57 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK.SRTBKUP,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),

// UNIT=TESTDA,

// SPACE=(CYL,(1,1),RLSE),

// DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,BLKSIZE=800)

//SYSIN DD DUMMY

//SYSUDUMP DD SYSOUT=*

Using IEBGENER to produce PDSE from a PDS member

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=A,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBGENER

//***********************************************************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK(SRTINBK),

// DISP=SHR

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.PDSE.WORK(SRTINBK),

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),

// UNIT=TESTDA,

// DSORG=PO,

// DSNTYPE=LIBRARY,

// SPACE=(CYL,(1,1),RLSE),

// DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,BLKSIZE=800)

//SYSIN DD DUMMY

//SYSUDUMP DD SYSOUT=*

Using IEBGENER to change the block size of an existing sequential data set to another new

sequential data set

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=A,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBGENER

//************************************************************
//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK.SRTINPUT,

// DISP=SHR,

// DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,BLKSIZE=800)

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK.SRTINPUT.NEWBS,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),

// UNIT=TESTDA,

// SPACE=(CYL,(1,1),RLSE),

// DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,BLKSIZE=32000)

//SYSIN DD DUMMY

//SYSUDUMP DD SYSOUT=*

You will get error if you try the following JCL

//RQRIJOJB JOB (RQRIJOJ,SAMPLE),'RIJO JOSEPH',

// CLASS=A,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//*

Page 58 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

//STEP1 EXEC PGM=IEBGENER

//*********************************************************

//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK,

// DISP=SHR

//SYSUT2 DD DSN=XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK.BKUP,

// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),

// UNIT=TESTDA,

// SPACE=(CYL,(10,10,100),RLSE),

// DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,BLKSIZE=800)

//SYSIN DD DUMMY

//SYSUDUMP DD SYSOUT=*

Where, XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK and XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK.BKUP are PDS

You will get errors like this.

E1 8 DSS20027E DDNAME 'SYSUT1', DSN

'XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK' SHOULD HAVE

BEEN A PHYSICAL SEQUENTIAL DATA SET.

ACTUAL DSORG IS PO.

E2 8 DSS20027E DDNAME 'SYSUT2', DSN

'XXXX.JCLTEST.RIJO.WORK.BKUP' SHOULD

HAVE BEEN A PHYSICAL SEQUENTIAL DATA

SET. ACTUAL DSORG IS PO.

Page 59 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

5. DB2

NULL INDICATOR

To retrieve data from a nullable column, use null indicators.

Syntax:

INTO :HOSTVAR:NULLIND

The picture clause that should be used for the null indicator is S9(4) COMP

Meaning:

-1 : the field is null

0 : the field is not null

-2 : the field value is truncated

Inserting a record with a nullable column

To insert a NULL, move -1 to the null indicator

To insert a valid value, move 0 to the null indicator

DBRM:

DataBase Request Module, has the SQL statements extracted from the host language

program by the SQL precompile.

PLAN:

A result of the BIND process. It has the executable code for the SQL statements in the

DBRM. Plan is marked as invalid if the index used by it is dropped. The next time the

plan is invoked, it is recreated.

SYNONYM

Synonym is an alternate name for a table or view. A synonym is accessible only by the

creator.

VIEWS

View is nothing but a stored query. Views are not supported by their own, physically

separate, distinguishable stored data. Instead, their definition in terms of other tables is

stored in the catalog table (SYSVIEWS).

For example

CREATE VIEW GOOD_SUPPLIERES

AS SELECT S#, STATUS, CITY

FROM S

WHERE STATUS > 15;

Page 60 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

When this CREATE VIEW is executed, the sub query following the AS is not executed;

instead it is simply saved in the catalog, under the specified view name (GOODSUPPLIERS)

GOOD_SUPPLIERS is in effect a “window” into the real table S. Furthermore that

window is dynamic: changes to S will be automatically and instantaneously visible

through that window. Likewise, changes to GOOD_SUPPLIERS will automatically and

instantaneously be applied to the real table S.

Consider a retrieval operation.

SELECT *

FROM GOOD_SUPPLIERS

WHERE CITY = ‘LONDON’ ;

The system handles such an operation by converting it into an equivalent operation on the

underlying base table(s). In this example, the equivalent operation is

SELECT S#, STATUS, CITY

FROM S

WHERE CITY = ‘LONDON’

AND STATUS > 15;

ARE THE VIEWS UPDATABLE ?

Not all of them. Some views are updatable e.g. single table view with all the fields or

mandatory fields. Examples of non-updatable views are views which are joins, views that

contain aggregate functions(such as MIN this is obvious).

HOW TO RUN A DB2 BATCH PROGRAM

Use DSN utility to run a DB2 batch program. An example is shown:

DSN SYSTEM(DSP3)

RUN PROGRAM(EDD470BD)

PLAN(EDD470BD)

LIB('EDGS01T.OBJ.LOADLIB')

END

Use IKJEFT01 utility program to run this command in a JCL.

Page 61 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Why SELECT * is not preferred in embedded SQL programs?

For three reasons:

· If the table structure is changed ( a field is added ), the program will have to

be modified

· Program might retrieve the columns which it might not use, leading on I/O

over head.

· The chance of an index only scan is lost.

SYNONYM and ALIAS

SYNONYM: is dropped when the table or tablespace is dropped. Synonym is available

only to the creator.

ALIAS: is retained even if table or tablespace is dropped. ALIAS can be created even if

the table does not exist. It is used mainly in distributed environment to hide the location

info from programs. Alias is a global object & is available to all.

How does DB2 store NULL physically?

High Values

How do you concatenate the FIRSTNAME and LASTNAME from EMP table to give a

complete name?

SELECT FIRSTNAME || ‘ ‘ || LASTNAME FROM EMP;

What is the use of VALUE function?

Avoid handling Nullable fields. It assigns a default of 0 to numeric fields which are

NULL

Page 62 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

FETCH FIRST n ROWS ONLY

Fetching a limited number of rows: FETCH FIRST n ROWS ONLY

In some applications, you execute queries that can return a large number of rows, but you

need only a small subset of those rows. Retrieving the entire result table from the query

can be inefficient. You can specify the FETCH FIRST n ROWS ONLY clause in a

SELECT statement to limit the number of rows in the result table of a query to n rows.

Example: Suppose that you write an application that requires information on only the 20

employees with the highest salaries. To return only the rows of the employee table for

those 20 employees, you can write a query like this:

SELECT LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME, EMPNO, SALARY

FROM EMP

ORDER BY SALARY DESC

FETCH FIRST 20 ROWS ONLY;

OPTIMIZE FOR n ROWS

Minimizing overhead for retrieving few rows: OPTIMIZE FOR n ROWS

When an application executes a SELECT statement, DB2 assumes that the application

will retrieve all the qualifying rows. This assumption is most appropriate for batch

environments. However, for interactive SQL applications, such as SPUFI, it is common

for a query to define a very large potential result set but retrieve only the first few rows.

The access path that DB2 chooses might not be optimal for those interactive applications.

What OPTIMIZE FOR n ROWS does: The OPTIMIZE FOR n ROWS clause lets an

application declare its intent to do either of these things:

 Retrieve only a subset of the result set

 Give priority to the retrieval of the first few rows

DB2 uses the OPTIMIZE FOR n ROWS clause to choose access paths that minimize the

response time for retrieving the first few rows.

Use OPTIMIZE FOR 1 ROW to avoid sorts: You can influence the access path most

by using OPTIMIZE FOR 1 ROW. OPTIMIZE FOR 1 ROW tells DB2 to select an

access path that returns the first qualifying row quickly. This means that whenever

possible, DB2 avoids any access path that involves a sort. If you specify a value for n that

Page 63 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

is anything but 1, DB2 chooses an access path based on cost, and you won't necessarily

avoid sorts.

How many rows you can retrieve with OPTIMIZE FOR n ROWS: The OPTIMIZE

FOR n ROWS clause does not prevent you from retrieving all the qualifying rows.

However, if you use OPTIMIZE FOR n ROWS, the total elapsed time to retrieve all the

qualifying rows might be significantly greater than if DB2 had optimized for the entire

result set.

When OPTIMIZE FOR n ROWS is effective: OPTIMIZE FOR n ROWS is effective

only on queries that can be performed incrementally. If the query causes DB2 to gather

the whole result set before returning the first row, DB2 ignores the OPTIMIZE FOR n

ROWS clause, as in the following situations:

 The query uses SELECT DISTINCT or a set function distinct, such as

COUNT(DISTINCT C1).

 Either GROUP BY or ORDER BY is used, and no index can give the necessary

ordering.
 An aggregate function and no GROUP BY clause is used.

 The query uses UNION.

Page 64 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Example: Suppose that you query the employee table regularly to determine the

employees with the highest salaries. You might use a query like this:

SELECT LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME, EMPNO, SALARY

FROM EMP

ORDER BY SALARY DESC;

An index is defined on column EMPNO, so employee records are ordered by EMPNO. If

you have also defined a descending index on column SALARY, that index is likely to be

very poorly clustered. To avoid many random, synchronous I/O operations, DB2 would

most likely use a table space scan, then sort the rows on SALARY. This technique can

cause a delay before the first qualifying rows can be returned to the application.

If you add the OPTIMIZE FOR n ROWS clause to the statement, DB2 will probably use

the SALARY index directly because you have indicated that you expect to retrieve the

salaries of only the 20 most highly paid employees.

Example: The following statement uses that strategy to avoid a costly sort operation:

SELECT LASTNAME,FIRSTNAME,EMPNO,SALARY

FROM EMP

ORDER BY SALARY DESC

OPTIMIZE FOR 20 ROWS;

Effects of using OPTIMIZE FOR n ROWS:

 The join method could change. Nested loop join is the most likely choice, because it

has low overhead cost and appears to be more efficient if you want to retrieve only

one row.

 An index that matches the ORDER BY clause is more likely to be picked. This is

because no sort would be needed for the ORDER BY.

 List prefetch is less likely to be picked.

 Sequential prefetch is less likely to be requested by DB2 because it infers that you

only want to see a small number of rows.

 In a join query, the table with the columns in the ORDER BY clause is likely to be

picked as the outer table if there is an index on that outer table that gives the ordering

needed for the ORDER BY clause.

Page 65 of 104
Tips for Mainframe Programmers

RUNSTATS

RUNSTATS is a DB2 utility to collect statistics about the data values in tables which can

be used by the optimizer to decide the access path. These statistics are stored in DB2

catalog tables and is critical in determining access paths for an SQL statement.

IMAGECOPY

IMAGECOPY is a full backup of a DB2 table which can be used in recovery.

DECIMAL(n,m)

For SQL declaration of DECIMAL(n,m), the COBOL equivalent generated is

PIC S9(n-m)V9(m) COMP-3

COALESCE Function in DB2.

The COALESCE function avoids the use of nulls in the result column of OUTER JOIN

statements. Consider the following query

SELECT EMP.EMPNO, EMP.WORKDEPT, DEPT.DEPTNAME

FROM EMP FULL OUTER JOIN DEPT

ON EMP.WORKDEPT = DEPT.DEPTNO;

Let us say the result of this query looks as follows:

EMPNO WORKDEPT DEPTNAME

3089 S12 SOFTWARE

QUALITY

7654 A09 CORPORATE ADMIN

.... ... TRAINING DEPT

It can be seen that the TRAINING DEPT's WORKDEPT is not shown in the table

because the query selects WORKDEPT from EMP, not the DEPTNO column from

DEPT. This can be rectified using the COALESCE function. The COALESCE function

notifies DB2 to look for a value in the listed columns, one from each table in the outer

join. If this value is found in either of the table it can be returned as a result. The

following example depicts the use of COALESCE

Page 66 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

SELECT EMP.EMPNO

COALESCE(EMP.WORKDEPT, DEPT.DEPTNO) AS DEPTNUM,

DEPT.DEPTNAME

FROM EMP FULL OUTER JOIN DEPT

ON EMP.WORKDEPT = DEPT.DEPTNO;
The O/P for the above query would be now shown as follows...

EMPNO DEPTNUM DEPTNAME

3089 S12 SOFTWARE

QUALITY

7654 A09 CORPORATE ADMIN

.... T01 TRAINING DEPT

We can see that the COALESCE function determines that the department code is stored

in the DEPT.DEPTNO column and returns that value instead of the null because there is

no corresponding WORKDEPT number.

QMF (Query Management Facility)

You can access QMF either through TSOA or TSOB. TSOA is test/development region

and TSOB is production region. That is if you access DB2 through TSOB, you will be

directly accessing production data (that is by default, the system will be pointing to

production databases)

· You can set the profile by selecting PF 11 from the QMF main panel. One

important setting is the CONFIRM, if you set it to YES, the system will ask for a

confirmation before you delete a table/proc etc… Printer is the 4 character Printer

ID installed in the Mainframe system and the user can direct the output of a query

to the printer using the 4=Print option in the query panel (by PF4). Other options

include Upper/Lower case, Space (the name of DB2 DATABASE or

TABLESPACE in which tables will be saved by the SAVE DATA command –

explained later) etc..

· Draw function enables the user to list all the fields in a table by entering the table

name in the command area (in the query panel) and by selecting the Draw option

(PF 6). For example, if you enter the table name ABCD.CUSTOMER_INFO in

the command line and press the PF 6 option, it will list a SELECT statement with

all the fields in the table without a where clause. This option is useful when you

Page 67 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

don’t know the fields in the table. If you want to delete a line from the listing thus

obtained, you can do so by selecting the line and by pressing PF 11. To insert a

new line (for example to add where clause) you can place the cursor at the bottom

of the query and press PF 10.

· Save Query As - You can save a query for future reference by the option SAVE

QUERY AS <query name>. Another option with saving a query is SAVE

QUERY AS <query name> (SHARE = ALL). If you use this option, the query

will be available to other users also. To do this, after typing the query, issue the

save query as command. To View the query you have just saved, you can issue

the command LIST QUERIES (OWNER = <your id>).

· Once you have saved the query, you can retrieve using LIST QUERIES (OWNER

= <your id>) from the QMF main panel. This will list all the queries under your

id.

o Use DIS option to display a query

o Run option to run the query

o ERASE option to erase the query from the system

· Forms to format the output of a query

We can use the FORM option to format the output of a QMF Query. Press PF 9

after a query has run. This will show the default form for that query. Where you

can change the form and use this while running your query. A sample form is

given below

Page 68 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

FORM.MAIN

COLUMNS: Total Width of Report Columns: 346

NUM COLUMN HEADING USAGE INDENT WIDTH EDIT SEQ

--- ---------------------------------------- ------- ------ ----- ----- ---

1 N_EMPL_INIT_TEST 2 4 C 1

2 N_EMPL_LST_RSLV 2 14 C 2

3 I_DSCRP 2 10 L 3

4 C_DSCRP_PRTY_TEST 2 5 C 4

5 N_TEST_CASE_NO 2 7 C 5

6 D_EST_DLVRY 2 10 TD 6

7 T_DSCRP_ABBR_DESC 2 40 C 7

8 T_DSCRP_DESC 2 240 C 8

*** END ***

PAGE: HEADING ===>

FOOTING ===>

FINAL: TEXT ===>

BREAK1: NEW PAGE FOR BREAK? ===> NO

FOOTING ===>
BREAK2: NEW PAGE FOR BREAK? ===> NO

FOOTING ===>

OPTIONS: OUTLINE? ===> YES DEFAULT BREAK TEXT? ===> YES

1=Help 2=Check 3=End 4=Show 5=Chart 6=Query

7=Backward 8=Forward 9= 10=Insert 11=Delete 12=Report

OK, FORM is displayed.

COMMAND ===> SAVE FORM AS DSCRP_FORM SCROLL ===> PAGE

Here also you can use the SHARE=Y option to make it available for all the users. Later

you can use the LIST ALL option to get this form and modify it according to your

requirement. The modified form can be saved by using the SAVE option.

While selecting the query to run, you can specify the form option in the command line to

get your display formatted according to your form (as shown below)

SQL QUERY T30831.DSCRP LINE 1

SELECT N_EMPL_INIT_TEST,

N_EMPL_LST_RSLV, I_DSCRP, C_DSCRP_PRTY_TEST,

N_TEST_CASE_NO,D_EST_DLVRY,T_DSCRP_ABBR_DESC, T_DSCRP_DESC

FROM DB27.TCSS_DSCRP

Page 69 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

*** END ***

1=Help 2=Run 3=End 4=Print 5=Chart 6=Draw

7=Backward 8=Forward 9=Form 10=Insert 11=Delete 12=Report

OK, T30831.DSCRP is displayed.

COMMAND ===> (F=DSCRP_FORM) SCROLL ===> PAGE

You can change the width, indent etc… with Forms

More on FORMS

See the output display in QMF

Page 70 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

REPORT LINE 73370 POS 1 79

NNCNT

EMPL EMPL DSCRP TEST D DSCRP

INIT LST I PRTY CASE EST ABBR

TEST RSLV DSCRP TEST NO DLVRY DESC

+----+--------------+----------+-----+-------+----------+----------------------
*1

G 28445 1 PRODX - P35A697R-MISSING A COD

--------------

*1

G CLARK 28446 2 R2 02/28/2006 J MEMBER/C MEMBER DON'

--------------

*1

J ESTIMATED 28447 1 EMER - CHNG WRKF DEST TABLE F

--------------

*1

C SGRIMES 28448 1 R15 - STL EQPT CHG

--------------

*1

S BRYAN 28449 3 EMER 03/02/2006 CODE TABLE REQUEST

--------------

*1

M 28450 2 PRODX - PSI RATE REFUND PROCES

J 28451 2 - ELEC PMCHG CD CHKER NE

--------------

*2

==============

28,449

*** END ***

1=Help 2= 3=End 4=Print 5=Chart 6=Query

7=Backward 8=Forward 9=Form 10=Left 11=Right 12=

OK, FORWARD performed. Please proceed.

COMMAND ===> SCROLL ===> PAGE

Here, there is a break on the N_TEST_CASE_NO and a count on N_EMPL_LST_RSLV.

This can be obtained by specifying a form shown in the next page

Page 71 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

FORM.MAIN T30831.DSCRP_FORM

COLUMNS: Total Width of Report Columns: 338

NUM COLUMN HEADING USAGE INDENT WIDTH EDIT SEQ

--- ---------------------------------------- ------- ------ ----- ----- ---

1 N_EMPL_INIT_TEST 1 4 C 1

2 N_EMPL_LST_RSLV COUNT 1 14 C 2

3 I_DSCRP 1 10 L 3

4 C_DSCRP_PRTY_TEST 1 5 C 4

5 N_TEST_CASE_NO BREAK1 1 7 C 5

6 D_EST_DLVRY 1 10 TD 6

7 T_DSCRP_ABBR_DESC 1 40 C 7

8 T_DSCRP_DESC 1 240 C 8

*** END ***

PAGE: HEADING ===>

FOOTING ===>

FINAL: TEXT ===>

BREAK1: NEW PAGE FOR BREAK? ===> NO

FOOTING ===>

BREAK2: NEW PAGE FOR BREAK? ===> NO

FOOTING ===>

OPTIONS: OUTLINE? ===> YES DEFAULT BREAK TEXT? ===> YES

1=Help 2=Check 3=End 4=Show 5=Chart 6=Query

7=Backward 8=Forward 9= 10=Insert 11=Delete 12=Report

OK, T30831.DSCRP_FORM is displayed.

COMMAND ===> SCROLL ===> PAGE

You can also change the width of a field to format the display. SUM, AVERAGE also

can be used to format the output for numeric items.

To list all the forms, you can use LIST FORMS or LIST FORMS (OWNER = <your

id>). You can use ERASE option to delete it.

Saving the output of a Query

The output of a query can be saved as a table name and you can use the same in another

query instead of a table.

This can be done by using the option SAVE DATA AS <table name>. To view all the

tables that you have saved, you can use the option LIST TABLES option from the QMF

main panel.

Page 72 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Additional Information

· You can use wild card characters while using the LIST option. For example you
can use LIST QUERIES (NAME = %WEST%). This will list all queries with

‘WEST’ in their name.

· From the QMF main panel, you can issue PF 7 to retrieve the previous

commands. Another way by which you can retrieve the previous commands is by

the use of a Question mark (?) in the command line. You can use more than one

question mark at the same time to skip that many commands.

· You can’t use (SHARE = Y) option with SAVE DATA AS.

· You can use the reset option to clear out the queries/results in the QMF query

panel

· You can use PF 6 to refresh the LIST Object panel

· Even if you have logged on to TSOA, you can access the production version of

the data by using the CONNECT TO <db name> command in the query panel. By

default, TSOA will point to the test region databases, you can use the CONNECT

to make it point to the production version.

· In the QMF query panel, you can issue the EDIT command in the command line

to open up a TSO/ISPF like editor. Where you can use all the line commands to

edit the queries.

· If a query is running for a long time and to cancel the same you can use Shift +

Esc key twice.

· You can give a comment with the query by prefixing it with –

· You can use the short for O instead of OWNER in LIST command

Page 73 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

6. IMS

DEFINING THE IMS DATABASE

In the IMS, this takes the form of a Data Base Description (DBD) step. In this step, one

defines a Data Base Description (DBD), which is processed, and the resulting

information is maintained in an IMS library

A DBD describes the complete structure of a database. An installation must create one

DBD for each DL/I database

Although each database has a single physical structure that’s defined by a DBD, the

application programs that process it can have different views of it. These views, also

called application data structures, specify the databases (one or more) a program can

access, the data elements the program can “see” in those databases, and the processing

the program can do. This information is specified in a PSB (Program Specification
Block)

The DBA codes the assembler language statements necessary to define a DBD or PSB,

then assembles and links them, storing the resulting load module in a PDS. This process

is called control block generation; generating a DBD is usually called a DBDGEN, and

generating a PSB is called PSBGEN.

Let us consider an Inventory Database

The structure of the database is

Page 74 of 104

VENDOR

ITEM

LOCATION

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

DBD

DBD NAME = INDBD

SEGM NAME = INVENSEG, PARENT=0, BYTES = 63

FIELD NAME = (INVENCOD, SEQ), BYTES = 3, START = 1, TYPE = C

FIELD NAME = INVENNAM, BYTES = 30, START = 4, TYPE = C

FIELD NAME = INVENADR, BYTES = 30, START = 34, TYPE = C

SEGM NAME = INITMSEG, PARENT=INVENSEG, BYTES = 44

FIELD NAME = (INITMNUM, SEQ), BYTES = 5, START = 1, TYPE = C

FIELD NAME = INITMDES, BYTES = 35, START = 6, TYPE = C

FIELD NAME = INITMPRC, BYTES = 4, START = 41, TYPE = P

SEGM NAME = INLOCSEG, PARENT=INITMSEG, BYTES = 44

FIELD NAME = (INLOCLOC, SEQ), BYTES = 3, START = 1, TYPE = C

FIELD NAME = INLOCONH, BYTES = 4, START = 4, TYPE = P

FIELD NAME = INLOCROP, BYTES = 4, START = 8, TYPE = P

FIELD NAME = INLOCONO, BYTES = 4, START = 12, TYPE = P

FIELD NAME = INLOCDAT, BYTES = 6, START = 16, TYPE = C

PSB

The first macro in the PSBGEN job stream is PCB (Program Communication Block). The

PCB describes one database. A PSBGEN job contains one PCB macro for each database
the application program can access

A sample PSB for the above DBD is given below

PCB TYPE = DB, DBDNAME = INDBD, KEYLEN = 11, PROCOPT = LS

SENSEG NAME = INVENSEG

SENSEG NAME = INITMSEG, PARENT = INVENSEG

SENSEG NAME = INLOCSEG, PARENT = INITMSEG

The KEYLEN parameter specifies the length of the longest concatenated key the program

can process in the database

PROCOPT specifies the program’s processing options. They indicate what processing the

program is allowed to perform on the database

LS indicate that the program can perform only load operations

The DBA can code the PROCOPT parameter on the SENSEG macro to control access to

the database more selectively than is possible at the database level

Page 75 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

PCB TYPE = DB, DBDNAME = INDBD, KEYLEN = 11

SENSEG NAME = INVENSEG, PROCOPT = K

SENSEG NAME = INITMSEG, PARENT = INVENSEG, PROCOPT = K

SENSEG NAME = INLOCSEG, PARENT = INITMSEG, PROCOPT = G

This means that the user may not access the data within this segment but may use it only

for traversal of the hierarchy. A PROCOPT of K indicates that key sensitivity only. A

GN call with no SSAs can access only data sensitive segments. If a key sensitive segment

is designated for retrieval in an SSA, the segment is not moved to the user’s I/O area. The

key is placed at the appropriate offset in the key feedback area of the PCB.

If there is a difference in the processing options specified on the PCB and SENSEG

statements and the options are compatible, SENSEG PROCOPT overrides the PCB

PROCOPT

IMS DL/I DATA BASE TYPES

During installation, the database administrator (DBA) chooses the type of database to use

for the IMS-DL/I databases. The DBA decides which type of database to use based on

how most of the programs that use an IMS-DL/I database will access the data in the

database. The following is a list of database types that the DBA can use to define an IMSDL/

I database

Data Entry Data Base (DEDB)

It is a direct-access database that consists of one or more areas, with each area containing
both root segments and dependent segments. The database is accessed using VSAM

improved control interval processing (ICIP).

Main Storage Data Base (MSDB)

It is a root-segment database, residing in main storage, which can be accessed to a field

level.

Hierarchical Direct Access Method (HDAM)

It is one of DL/I's two direct-access methods. A direct-access method allows DL/I to

locate any database record, regardless of the record sequence in the database, by using a

randomizing routine or an index. HDAM provides direct access to data through a

randomizing routine. Sequentially accessing an HDAM database, DL/I retrieves data in

the order that the data are physically stored in the database.

Page 76 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Hierarchical Indexed Direct Access Method (HIDAM)

It is one of DL/I's two direct-access methods. HIDAM provides direct access to data

through an index.

Hierarchical Sequential Access Method (HSAM)

It is one of DL/I's sequential-access methods. In a sequential-access database, segments

are stored in a hierarchical sequence, one segment after another. HSAM provides

sequential access to root segments and dependent segments. You can access data in

HSAM databases, but you cannot update any of the data.

Hierarchical Indexed Sequential Access Method (HISAM)

You can processes data sequentially, but it has an index that enables you to directly

access records in the database.

Generalized Sequential Access Method (GSAM)

It allows IMS/ESA batch application programs to access a sequential OS/390 data set

record that is defined as a database record. This database record is handled as one unit,

with no segments, fields, or hierarchical structure. Any records to be added are inserted at

the end of the database. GSAM does not allow you to update or delete records in the

database.

Simple Hierarchical Sequential Access Method (SHSAM)

It is an HSAM database that contains only one segment type, a root segment. Only two

types of calls are valid with SHSAM databases: Get calls to read a database and Insert

calls to load a database. You must reload a database in order to update it.

Simple Hierarchical Indexed Sequential Access Method (SHISAM)

It is a HISAM database with only one segment type, a root segment.

Page 77 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

PROCOPT

It is the parameter keyword for the processing options on sensitive segments declared in

the PCB that you can use in an associated application program.

G Get Function

I Insert Function

R Replace Function, Includes G.

D Delete Function, Includes G.

A All, includes the above four functions. PROCOPT = A is the default setting

P Required if command code D is to be used

O If the O option is used for a PCB, IMS doesn’t check the ownership of the

segments returned. Therefore, the read without integrity program might get a segment

that has been updated by another program. If the updating program abends and backs out,

the read without integrity program will have a segment that doesn’t exist in the database

and never did.

N Reduces the number of abends that read only application programs are subject to.

Read only application programs can reference data being updated by another application

program. When this happens, an invalid pointer to the data might exist. If an invalid

pointer is detected, the read only application program abends. By specifying N, you avoid

this. A GG status code is returned to the program instead. The program must determine

whether to terminate processing, continue processing by reading a different segment, or

access the data using a different path.

T T is the same as the N operand, except that T causes DL/I to automatically retry

the operation. If the retry fails, a GG status code is returned to the application program.

E Enables exclusive use of the database or segment by online programs

L Load function for database loading (except HIDAM)

GS Get Segments in ascending sequence only (HSAM only). If you specify GS for

HSAM databases, they will be read using the Queued Sequential Access Method

(QSAM) instead of the Basic Sequential Access Method (BSAM) in a DL/I IMS region.

LS Segments loaded in ascending sequence only (HIDAM, HDAM). This load option

is required for HIDAM. Because you must specify LS for HIDAM databases, the index

for the root segment sequence field will be created at the time the database is loaded

H Specifies high speed sequential processing for the application program using a
particular PSB. The restrictions for using PROCOPT = H are

It can be used for DEDBs only

It is allowed on the PCB level and not on the segment level.

It must be used with other Fast Path Processing options

Page 78 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

A maximum of four PROCOPT options can be specified, including H

It can only be specified for BMP s

Only one PROCOPT = H PCB per database is allowed

If you don’t specify the PROCOPT operand, it defaults to PROCOPT = A. The replace

and delete functions also imply the get function

In a non-terminal related or fixed terminal related MSDB, only the processing options G

and R are valid

In a dynamic terminal-related MSDB, the processing options G, I, R, D, A or any

combination of G, I, R and D are valid

In a DEDB, the processing options G, I, R, D, A, P, N, T, O and H are valid

Page 79 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

7. TSO ISPF

HRECALL

To recall a dataset that has been migrated without freezing your screen, type HRECALL

next to the dataset name in 3.4

TSO SEND/TRANSMIT

To send short messages, use TSO SEND ‘message’ U(userid). If the person is not logged

on but you want to send a message which he/she can read when he logs on , say

TSO SEND ‘message’ U(userid) LOGON. To send Large information, use TSO

TRANSMIT.

INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR DATASET

To know the percentage free space and other statistics of your data set, go to option 3.1

and select I. 3.1 provides other options also.

SAVING A CERTAIN SEQUENCE OF COMMANDS

The commands you use regularly can be saved as a function key. For example if you

often change a JCL, save it , submit it and then go to the job spool, you could save a PF

key as ‘SAVE;SUB,=IOF’. To do this , type KEYS on command line and make the

necessary entries.
TAPE DATASET.

You can’t Rename/Delete a tape dataset. Only you can uncatalog it.

SB37 WHEN TRIED TO SAVE A FILE.

Your PDS is out of space. Start another session, open this PDS in 3.4 and type Z next to

it, it will compress your PDS. All X37 abends are out of space situations.

NO SPACE IN DIRECTORY

If you get the above error message while creating a member in a PDS, which means your

PDS can no longer accommodate more members in it. You need to increase the directory

blocks. Each directory block can hold at least 4 members.

CREATE AND REPLACE COMMANDS (ISPF).

Suppose that you are editing your component in View mode and you want to save the

changes. In such a case, you can use CREATE or REPLACE. The said example is just an

instance and you can use CREATE/REPLACE for a variety of needs

Page 80 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

CREATE

CREATE creates a member of a PDS or a sequential dataset from the data you are editing

Simplified syntax is

CREATE {member} {range}

Where member is the name of the new member and range is two labels that specify the

group of lines, from beginning to end, which are added to the new member.

Note: CREATE adds a member to a PDS only if a member of the same name doesn’t

already exist.

You have to specify a range of lines from the data you are editing. If you want to use the

entire data you are editing, you can use the system defined labels .ZF and .ZL (stands for

the first and last line) , or you can label the lines according to your needs or you can use

CC/MM to select the lines. But please note the difference between CC/MM.

You can specify the member in the command line or you can give CREATE .ZF .ZL and

press enter, you will get the edit entry panel and you can specify the DSN.

If you want to create a member in the same PDS in which the component you are editing

resides, you can give

CREATE .ZF .ZL NEWCMPNM

If it is in another PDS , you can give a command like

CREATE .ZF .ZL ‘IPHT.XXX.YYY(ABC)’

Or
CREATE .ZF .ZL (or the range that you wish), and press enter; specify the DSN in the

edit entry panel

REPLACE

The REPLACE primary command replaces a sequential data set or a member of a PDS

with the data you are editing. If the member you want to replace doesn’t exist, the editor

creates it.

Simplified Syntax is

REPLACE {member} {range}

The rules for REPLACE are same as that of CREATE

Page 81 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

CUT AND PASTE.

The CUT primary command saves lines to one of eleven named clipboards for later

retrieval by the PASTE command. The lines can be appended to the lines already saved

by a previous CUT command or can replace existing lines in a clipboard.

The syntax of the CUT command is

CUT {line pointer range} {DEFAULT | Clipboard name}

{REPLACE | APPEND} {DISPLAY}

Where,

Line pointer range is

Two line pointers that specify the range of lines in the current member those are to be

added to or replace data in the clipboard. A line pointer can be a label or relative line

number. You must specify both a starting and ending line pointer. If you do not specify a

range of lines, all lines in the edit session are copied to the clipboard.

E.g.: CUT .a .b

Clipboard name is

The name of the clipboard to use. If you omit this parameter, the ISPF default clipboard

(named DEFAULT) is used. You can define up to ten additional clipboards. The size of

the clipboards and number of clipboards might be limited by installation defaults.

E.g.: CUT CUT1

PASTE CUT1

CUT CUT2

PASTE CUT2

REPLACE | APPEND is

Specify REPLACE to replace existing data in the clipboard.

Specify APPEND to add the data to the clipboard. You can select REPLACE or

APPEND as the default by entering the EDITSET command on the editor command line.

The default action depends on the setting specified in the panel displayed by the

EDITSET.

Page 82 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

DISPLAY is

Show a list of existing clipboards. From this list you can browse, edit, clear, or rename

the clipboards.

E.g.: CUT DISPLAY.

Clipboard manager will pop up and will give the options to view, edit …

ISPF EDITOR COMMANDS

To search for a value say ‘0980312’ stored in COMP-3 format, you can use this method

F X ‘0980312’

To do a case sensitive search for a given search string, use this method.

Just enclose the search string within quotes and have the letter C in front

of the string itself.

E.g. F C ‘FindMe’ will find all the ‘FindMe’ strings only if the case

matches

To specify the direction of search i.e., how to search for a string in the backward/ forward

direction (with respect to your current cursor position)?

Direction Keyword Example

Backward PREV F ‘job’ PREV finds for string ‘job’

in backward direction

Forward No need to mention

any keyword. It’s

default direction

F ‘job’ finds for string ‘job’ in

forward direction.

From the beginning

of the file

FIRST F ‘job’ FIRST finds the first

instance of sting ‘job’ in the file.

Count of all

instances in file
ALL F ‘job’ ALL finds the first instance

of sting ‘job’ in the file and gives

total-no-of-instances of sting ‘job’

in the file.

To search for a string that is not prefix/suffix of another word. That is to find for an

instance of a search string that is whole word by itself. To do this, you can use the

following method.

Use the keyword ‘word’ at the end of the find command. That is

F job WORD will find for the whole word job

Page 83 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

To go to a particular line number, we can use the following command

L ‘search string’. This is the Label command.

AUTOCOMPLETE FEATURE

We can have auto complete feature in ISPF like that we have while browsing the internet.

Try the following.

1) Go to ISPF 3.4

2) Enter KEYS in the command line and press enter. The KEYS window will pop

up.

3) Set any key to AUTOTYPE, save and exit. For example set F4 as AUTOTYPE.

4) Now type any dataset partially and press the assigned PF key.

5) You can use the assigned PF key to get the next match.

NOTE: It will not retrieve GDGs and VSAM files

NRETRIEV

This is a way of making the system remember previously typed dataset names.

1) Enter KEYS in the command line, the KEYS window will popup

2) Set any key to NRETRIEV and exit.

3) Now when you are in 3.4 or which ever screen you have set the KEYS option,

press the assigned PF keys.

4) Pressing the assigned PF key will bring up one by one the last 30 accessed

datasets from the REFLIST.

COBOL COMPILER

To know which version of COBOL compiler you are using, look at the first line of your

compilation listing.

COMPARING 2 FILES OF DIFFERENT LAYOUTS

If you want to compare 2 files of different layouts you can use this form of 3.13

Page 84 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Suppose you want to compare the 2978:2979 (start_column:stop_column) of the new file

with the 1565:1566 (start_column:stop_column - 2 Chars) of the old file, then here is the

option that you may use.

Select 3.13

Give new and old DSNs

Point to the Options in the menu bar and press enter

Select Edit Statements (1) option

Give the options like this

CMPCOLMN 2978:2979

CMPCOLMO 1565:1566

The resulting JCL will look like this

//RQ123JOB JOB (00124,'SUPERC'),RJOSEPH,

// CLASS=A,MSGCLASS=Z,REGION=0M,NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//SUPERC EXEC PGM=ISRSUPC,

// PARM=(CHNGL,WORDCMP,

// '',

// '')

//NEWDD DD DSN=ISPS.RJOSEPH.RIJO.WORK(COMP1),

// DISP=SHR

//OLDDD DD DSN=ISPS.RJOSEPH.RIJO.WORK(COMP2),

// DISP=SHR

//OUTDD DD SYSOUT= *

//SYSIN DD *

CMPCOLMN 2978:2979

CMPCOLMO 1565:1566

/*

Note: While comparing using CMPCOLM/ CMPCOLMN / CMPCOLMO, you can’t

give file compare; you can give either line compare or word compare

You can either submit the Comparison operation as online or batch.

COUNTING THE NUMBER OF RECORDS IN A DASD/TAPE DATASET

TAPE DATASET

Suppose that the LRECL is 100 bytes, the block size is 1000 bytes then, if we know the
block count, we can find the approximate number of records in the tape dataset by the

following calculation

Number of records = (Block size * Block count) / (Record size).

Page 85 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

In the above case, if we have only 10 blocks, then

Number of records = (1000* 10)/100

= 100

This is an approximate value because, the last block may not be full.

Note: To get the block count and all the details regarding the tape data set, you can use

the V1.8 option (file aid)

Select V1.8/Select option 1 and give password as user.

Give DSN in the option ‘Inquire/update TMC record by Data Set Name’ without

quotes/Press enter.

This would work for data sets that are not archived.

DASD DATASET

Suppose the allocation for a DASD data set is (TRK(10,2)).

We have the following information

1 Cylinder = 15 Tracks

1 Track = 56,664 bytes

In the above case, the maximum number of records that can be stored is

The total space allocation in the above case is 10+15*2 = 40 Tracks.

That is 40 * 56,664 bytes

Suppose that the LRECL is 80 bytes.

Then the maximum number of records that can be stored is

= (40 * 56664)/80

= 28332

Page 86 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

8. Data Flow Diagrams

What are Data Flow Diagrams

What are Data Flow Diagrams?

Data flow diagrams illustrate how data is processed by a system in terms of inputs and outputs.

Basic Building Blocks

Represents External Entity

Represents Process

Or Represents Source or Destination of data

Labeled arrow represents the data flow

Page 87 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Page 88 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

DFD Levels

DFD levels

The first level DFD shows the main processes within the system. Each of these processes can be broken into

further processes until you reach pseudo code.

An example first-level data flow diagram

The numbering inside the circle may represent process identification number. Usually the

process name is given inside the circle

Page 89 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Context Diagrams

Context Diagrams

A context diagram is a top level (also known as Level 0) data flow diagram. It only contains one process

node (process 0) that generalizes the function of the entire system in relationship to external entities.

Data Flow Diagram Notations

Data Flow Diagram Notations

You can use two different types of notations on your data flow diagrams: Yourdon & Coad or Gane & Sarson.

Page 90 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Process Notations

Yourdon and Coad

Process Notations

Gane and Sarson

Process Notation

Process

A process transforms incoming data flow into outgoing data flow.

Data store Notations

Yourdon and Coad

Data store Notation

Gane and Sarson

Data store Notations

Data Store

Data stores are repositories of data in the system. They are sometimes also

referred to as files.

Dataflow Notations Dataflow

Data flows are pipelines through which packets of information flow. Label the

arrows with the name of the data that moves through it.

Page 91 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Page 92 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

An Example

Page 93 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

9. COMMON ABENDS

JCL error

File attributes don’t match; For example, I have given RECFM=VB, RECLEN is same as

that specified in FD section. Why do I get this error? For variable record format files you

should add 4 bytes to record length in DCB.

S322

Timed out, try changing job class

S806

Load module not found. Check library specified in joblib

S913

Insufficient authority. Check if you have required access to dataset

S878

Region size is not enough. Increase the value you have specified in REGION parameter

of JOB statement or in EXEC step. Or you can give REGION=0M; in this case, the

system will allocate the maximum size available.

S522

Job cancelled by either user or operator.

S0C4

Storage related problem. Check your linkage section, table definition, and FD section.

S013
A file open error.

S722

The Sysout or spool is full. You program is writing too many things to Sysout. Increase

job’s Sysout limit by specifying ‘LINES=(150,WARNING)’ option in job statement and

then retry. This will increase your Sysout limit to ‘150’ thousand lines.

S0C7

Invalid character in COMP/COMP-3 numeric field – check all COMP/COM-3 numeric

fields and arithmetic operations.

S0C7 Abend

S0C7 abend occurs when an invalid character is present in COMP/COMP-3 /numeric

field and you tried to manipulate that field by some arithmetic expressions.

Let us look into the internal details.

Page 94 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

The representation scheme that we use is EBCDIC. This is an 8 byte extension to the

ASCII representation. The following is the EBCDIC representation.

Dec

He

ASCII EBCDIC

0 00

NU

Null

NU

Null

1 01

SO

Start of Heading (CC)

SO

Start of Heading

2 02
ST

Start of Text (CC)

ST

Start of Text

3 03

ET

End of Text (CC)

ET

End of Text

4 04

EO

End of Transmission (CC) PF Punch Off

5 05

EN

Enquiry (CC) HT Horizontal Tab

6 06

AC

Acknowledge (CC) LC Lower Case

7 07

BE

Bell

DE

Delete

8 08 BS Backspace (FE)

9 09 HT Horizontal Tabulation (FE)

10 0A LF Line Feed (FE)

SM

Start of Manual

Message

11 0B VT Vertical Tabulation (FE) VT Vertical Tab

12 0C FF Form Feed (FE) FF Form Feed

13 0D CR Carriage Return (FE) CR Carriage Return

14 0E SO Shift Out SO Shift Out

15 0F SI Shift In SI Shift In

16 10 DL

Data Link Escape (CC) DL

Data Link Escape

17 11 DC

Device Control 1 DC

Device Control 1

18 12 DC

Device Control 2 DC

Device Control 2

19 13 DC

Device Control 3 TM Tape Mark

20 14 DC

Device Control 4 RE

Restore

21 15 NA Negative Acknowledge (CC) NL New Line

Page 95 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

K

22 16 SY

Synchronous Idle (CC) BS Backspace

23 17 ET

End of Transmission Block (CC) IL Idle

24 18 CA

Cancel CA

Cancel

25 19 EM End of Medium EM End of Medium

26 1A

SU

Substitute CC Cursor Control

27 1B

ES

Escape

CU

Customer Use 1

28 1C FS File Separator (IS)

IF

Interchange File

Separator

29 1D GS Group Separator (IS)

IG

Interchange Group

Separator

30 1E RS Record Separator (IS)

IR

Interchange Record

Separator

31 1F US Unit Separator (IS)

IU

Interchange Unit

Separator

32 20 SP Space DS Digit Select

33 21 ! Exclamation Point SO

Start of Significance

34 22 " Quotation Mark FS Field Separator

35 23 #

Number Sign, Octothorpe,

"pound"

36 24 $ Dollar Sign

BY

Bypass

37 25 % Percent LF Line Feed

38 26 & Ampersand ET

End of Transmission

Block

39 27 ' Apostrophe, Prime ES

Escape

40 28 ( Left Parenthesis

41 29 ) Right Parenthesis

42 2A * Asterisk, "star" SM Set Mode

43 2B + Plus Sign

CU

2
Customer Use 2

44 2C , Comma

45 2D - Hyphen, Minus Sign EN

Enquiry

Page 96 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

46 2E . Period, Decimal Point, "dot"

AC

Acknowledge

47 2F / Slash, Virgule

BE

Bell

48 30 0 0

49 31 1 1

50 32 2 2

SY

Synchronous Idle

51 33 3 3

52 34 4 4 PN Punch On

53 35 5 5 RS Reader Stop

54 36 6 6 UC Upper Case

55 37 7 7

EO

End of Transmission

56 38 8 8

57 39 9 9

58 3A : Colon

59 3B ; Semicolon CU

Customer Use 3
60 3C < Less-than Sign DC

Device Control 4

61 3D = Equal Sign NA

Negative Acknowledge

62 3E > Greater-than Sign

63 3F ? Question Mark

SU

Substitute

64 40 @ At Sign SP Space

65 41 A A

66 42 B B

67 43 C C

68 44 D D

69 45 E E

70 46 F F

71 47 G G

72 48 H H

73 49 I I

74 4A J J ¢ Cent Sign

75 4B K K . Period, Decimal Point,

Page 97 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

"dot"

76 4C L L < Less-than Sign

77 4D M M ( Left Parenthesis

78 4E N N + Plus Sign

79 4F O O | Logical OR

80 50 P P & Ampersand

81 51 Q Q

82 52 R R

83 53 S S

84 54 T T
85 55 U U

86 56 V V

87 57 W W

88 58 X X

89 59 Y Y

90 5A Z Z ! Exclamation Point

91 5B [ Opening Bracket $ Dollar Sign

92 5C \ Reverse Slant * Asterisk, "star"

93 5D ] Closing Bracket ) Right Parenthesis

94 5E ^ Circumflex, Caret ; Semicolon

95 5F _ Underline, Underscore ¬ Logical NOT

96 60 ` Grave Accent - Hyphen, Minus Sign

97 61 a a / Slash, Virgule

98 62 b b

99 63 c c

100 64 d d

101 65 e e

102 66 f f

103 67 g g

104 68 h h

105 69 i i

106 6A j j

107 6B k k , Comma

108 6C l l % Percent

109 6D m m _ Underline, Underscore

Page 98 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

110 6E n n > Greater-than Sign

111 6F o o ? Question Mark

112 70 p p

113 71 q q

114 72 r r

115 73 s s

116 74 t t

117 75 u u
118 76 v v

119 77 w w

120 78 x x

121 79 y y

122 7A z z : Colon

123 7B { Opening Brace # Number Sign,

Octothorp, "pound"

124 7C | Vertical Line @ At Sign

125 7D } Closing Brace ' Apostrophe, Prime

126 7E ~ Tilde = Equal Sign

127 7F

DE

Delete " Quotation Mark

128 80 Reserved

129 81 Reserved a a

130 82 Reserved b b

131 83 Reserved c c

132 84

IN

Index (FE) d d

133 85

NE

Next Line (FE) e e

134 86

SS

Start of Selected Area f f

135 87

ES

End of Selected Area g g

136 88
HT

Horizontal Tabulation Set (FE) h h

137 89

HT

Horizontal Tabulation with

Justification (FE)

ii

138 8A

VT

Vertical Tabulation Set (FE)

Page 99 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

139 8B

PL

Partial Line Down (FE)

140 8C

PL

Partial Line Up (FE)

141 8D RI Reverse Index (FE)

142 8E SS

Single Shift Two (1)

143 8F SS

Single Shift Three (1)

144 90 DC

Device Control String (2)

145 91 PU

1
Private Use One j j

146 92 PU

Private Use Two k k

147 93 ST

Set Transmit State l l

148 94 CC

Cancel Character m m

149 95 MW Message Waiting n n

150 96

SP

Start of Protected Area o o

151 97

EP

End of Protected Area p p

152 98 Reserved q q

153 99 Reserved r r

154 9A Reserved

155 9B CS

Control Sequence Introducer (1)

156 9C ST String Terminator (2)

157 9D

OS

Operating System Command (2)

158 9E PM Privacy Message (2)

159 9F AP

Application Program Command (2)

160 A0
161 A1

162 A2 s s

163 A3 t t

164 A4 u u

Page 100 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

165 A5 v v

166 A6 w w

167 A7 x x

168 A8 y y

169 A9 z z

170 AA

171 AB

172 AC

173 AD

174 AE

175 AF

176 B0

177 B1

178 B2

179 B3

180 B4

181 B5

182 B6

183 B7

184 B8

185 B9 ` Grave Accent

186 BA

187 BB

188 BC

189 BD

190 BE

191 BF

192 C0

193 C1 A A
194 C2 B B

195 C3 C C

196 C4 D D

197 C5 E E

198 C6 F F

199 C7 G G

Page 101 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

200 C8 H H

201 C9 I I

202 CA

203 CB

204 CC

205 CD

206 CE

207 CF

208 D0

209 D1 J J

210 D2 K K

211 D3 L L

212 D4 M M

213 D5 N N

214 D6 O O

215 D7 P P

216 D8 Q Q

217 D9 R R

218 DA

219 DB

220 DC

221 DD

222 DE

223 DF

224 E0

225 E1

226 E2 S S
227 E3 T T

228 E4 U U

229 E5 V V

230 E6 W W

231 E7 X X

232 E8 Y Y

233 E9 Z Z

234 EA

Page 102 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

235 EB

236 EC

237 ED

238 EE

239 EF

240 F0 0 0

241 F1 1 1

242 F2 2 2

243 F3 3 3

244 F4 4 4

245 F5 5 5

246 F6 6 6

247 F7 7 7

248 F8 8 8

249 F9 9 9

250 FA

251 FB

252 FC

253 FD

254 FE

255 FF

Look into the HEX column, where numeric 1 is represented as F1 where F is actually the

sequence used to represent the series. For calculation, the system will take only the lower

order nibbles. In this case, it is 1. So, S0C7 will occur only when an invalid value is

present in the lower order nibble. Where invalid value means not simply alphabetic
characters stored in numeric field. This is because, if you try to move 1A to a numeric

field, the COBOL compiler will do an automatic data conversion. 1A will be represented

internally as

1A

FC

11

Here the lower order nibbles contain numeric 11 so if you move 1A to a numeric filed

and try to manipulate that filed, it won’t cause a S0C7 , because it contains 11. Suppose

you are moving 9* to a numeric field. That will be represented internally as

9*

F5

9C

Page 103 of 104

Tips for Mainframe Programmers

Now, the lower order nibbles contain an invalid character C, if you try to manipulate this

field, it would cause a S0C7 abend.

Look at the following program and its output

DATA DIVISION.

WORKING-STORAGE SECTION.

01 SAMPLE PIC X(2) VALUE '9*'.

01 SAMPLE1 PIC 9(2) COMP-3.

01 SAMPLE2 PIC 9(2).

PROCEDURE DIVISION.

MOVE SAMPLE TO SAMPLE1

DISPLAY SAMPLE1 ' IS SAMPLE 1:COMP-3:BEFORE COMPUTATION'

MOVE SAMPLE1 TO SAMPLE2

DISPLAY SAMPLE2 ' IS SAMPLE 2:9(2):MOVED FROM COMP-3'

*********THIS LINE WILL CAUSE A S0C7 ABEND************

ADD 1 TO SAMPLE1

******************************************************

DISPLAY SAMPLE1 ' IS SAMPLE 1:COMP-3:AFTER COMPUTATION'

DISPLAY SAMPLE ' IS SAMPLE: PIC X'

STOP RUN

This program will cause a S0C7 abend.

Its output is
9Ü IS SAMPLE 1:COMP-3:BEFORE COMPUTATION

9Ü IS SAMPLE 2:9(2):MOVED FROM COMP-3

Note that

DISPLAY SAMPLE1 ' IS SAMPLE 1:COMP-3:AFTER COMPUTATION' and

DISPLAY SAMPLE ' IS SAMPLE: PIC X'

Are not executed because just before that the program abended.

This is a possible cause of S0C7 error. For more information on the causes of this error,

see the description of S0C7 in QW.

--------------------------------------------END---------------------------------------------

Page 104 of 104