JCL (z/OS) – Advanced JCL Data Set Use 2.5
Duration
5 hours
Overview
The courses presented to date have concentrated on simple sequential and partitioned data sets. In this course you will look at other types of data that can reside on a mainframe, in particular VSAM data sets and z/OS UNIX files and how they can be accessed. You will also see the benefits of creating generation data sets and the JCL code used to create and reference them. The last module concentrates on placing data onto tape, providing some best practices when dealing with this medium.
Audience
Operators and programmers who need to know how to code and submit JCL batch jobs.
Prerequisites
Completion of the JCL (z/OS) – JCL Coding Basics – JOB and EXEC Statements and JCL (z/OS) – JCL Coding Basics – DD Statements courses, or equivalent knowledge.
Objectives
- After completing this course, the student will be able to:
- Code JCL statements to create and reference generation data sets
- Identify JCL parameters used when dealing with VSAM data sets
- Access and reference z/OS UNIX files using JCL
- Describe how tape stores data and how it can be referenced using JCL
Course Content
Accessing and Creating Generations of Data
Generation Data Set Concepts
Accessing an Existing Generation Data Set
Building a GDG Base Entry
Creating a New Generation of a Data Set
Common GDG Problems
Version 2 PDSE Generations
Dealing with VSAM Data Sets
Difference Between VSAM and Other Data Sets
Referencing an Existing VSAM Data Set
DD Statement Parameters that can be used when Creating VSAM Data Sets
Common Problems when Dealing with VSAM Data Sets
Working with z/OS UNIX Files
Why the Need to Access z/OS UNIX Files?
Accessing an Existing z/OS UNIX File
Creating a New z/OS UNIX File
Common z/OS UNIX Problems
Working with Tape Data Sets
The Need for Tapes
Tape Data Set Recording Formats
DD Statement Parameters used when Referencing Tapes
Common Tape Handling Problems