Vsam 1.0

Mainframe Refresher Part-1 VSAM-Page:1
VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method)
History
Access Method is an interface between the application program and physical
operation of storage devices. It is a component of operating system. VSAM is the
first access method that efficiently uses the virtual storage of MVS. It can manipulate
only the data that resides on a DASD. (Direct access storage device)
IBM introduced VSAM in 1973 as a replacement for several existing access

methods designed by it earlier.
KSDS (Key Sequenced Data Set) replaced ISAM (Indexed Sequential Access Method)
RRDS (Relative Record Data Set) replaced BDAM (Basic Direct Access Method)
ESDS (Entry Sequence Data Set) provide same function as normal sequential QSAM.
(Queued Sequential Access Method).
Initially VSAM had only ESDS and KSDS. RRDS and Alternate Index to KSDS
are introduced in 1979. DF/ EF (Data Facility extended Function) VSAM was
introduced in 1979 with Integrated Catalog Facility (ICF) to replace the old VSAM
catalog of the previous versions.
The latest version of DFP/ VSAM released in 1991 called DFP/VSAM 3.3
contains enhancements like variable record length support for RRDS and added
DFSMS facilities.
Advantages of VSAM over other access methods
1.Data retrieval will be faster because of an efficiently organized index. The index is
small because it uses a key compression algorithm.
2.Insertion of records is easy due to embedded free space in the cluster.
3.Records can be physically deleted and the spaces used by them can be used for
storing other records without reorganization.
4.VSAM datasets can be shared across the regions and systems.
5.Datasets can be physically distributed over various volumes based on key ranges.
6.VSAM is independent of storage device types.
7.Information about VSAM datasets is centrally stored in VSAM catalog.
So referencing of any VSAM dataset need not be detailed in JCL.
Disadvantages of VSAM
1.To allow easy manipulation of records, free space should be left in the dataset and
this increases the spaces required.
2.Integrity of the dataset across the region and system need to be controlled by
user.
CLUSTER
A cluster can be thought of as a logical dataset consisting of two separate
physical datasets:
1 The data component (contains the actual data).
2 The index component (contains the actual index).
All types of VSAM datasets are called clusters even though KSDS is the only
type that fulfills the cluster concept. ESDS and RRDS don’t have Index component.
Data Component.
Control Intervals and Control Areas

VSAM stores records in the data component of the Cluster in units called
control intervals.
The control interval is the VSAM equivalent for a block and it is the unit of
data that is actually transmitted when records are read or written. Thus many logical
records form a control interval and many control intervals form a control area.
The Control Area (CA) is a fixed length unit of contiguous DASD storage
containing a number of CI s. The control area is VSAM internal unit for allocating
space within a cluster. The primary and secondary allocations consist of some
number of CA. Minimum size of control area is 1 track and maximum size is 1
cylinder.
Format of Control Interval

There are four separate areas within a control Interval.
1. Logical Record Area (LRA) that contains the records.
2. Free Space (FSPC). This area can be used for adding new records.
3. Unused Space. As FSPC may not be a multiple of record length, there will be
always some unused space in every CI. This can be minimized for fixed length
records by selecting proper control interval size.
4. Control Fields.
 CIDF – Control Interval Definition Field - 4 bytes field containing information
on free space availability in the control interval. One per control interval.
 RDF – Record Definition Field – 3 bytes field. For fixed length records, there
will be 2 RDF, first contains the number of records in the control interval and
the second contains record length. For variable length records, the number of
RDF can vary depending on how many adjacent records have the same length
in the CI. If no two adjacent records are of the same length, then one RDF is
needed to describe each record.
Index Component (Sequence Set and Index Set)

Besides the data component, VSAM creates an index component. Index
component consists of index set and sequence set. The sequence set is the lowest
level of the index is called the sequence set and it contains primary keys and
pointers to the control intervals of the data component.
There is one sequence set for one control area. The highest record key of
every control interval is stored in sequence set. The highest record key of the
sequence set is stored in first level of index set. Based on the size of control interval
of index component, there will be 1-3 levels of index sets in the index component of
the dataset.
Control Interval and Control Area Split

When a VSAM dataset is created, the free space parameter defined can
specify a percentage of control intervals to be left free during the load of VSAM file.
Later, when you add a record to the VSAM file, according to the key sequence, it is
placed in a specific control interval.
But if the specific control interval is already full, then this cannot be placed in
the sequence. The result is Control Interval split. It moves half of the records in the
filled control interval to any other free control interval available in the control area
and makes room for the new record in the right place.
If there is no free control interval exist in the control area, then half the
control intervals are moved to new control area and this is called control area split.
Example
1. In the example below, there are four control areas and every control area contains
two control intervals. Control fields are not shown in the diagram. There should be
one sequence for every control area. So there are four sequence sets. There are two
levels of index set. The second level of index set contains pointers to sequence set.
2. Control Interval Split: When a record with key 22 is added in the program, it
should physically be stored between the existing records 21 and 23. 21 and 23 are in
the first control interval of control area-3. There is no more space available to store
this record. So control split will occurs. Record 20 and 21 continue to exist in the
current control interval. Records 22 and 23 will be moved to any of the free control
intervals. In our case control interval 2 is free. So they are moved there and index
set is accordingly updated.
3. Control Area Split: When a record with key 3 in the program, it should be placed
between 2 and 4. These records are in first control interval of first control area and
there is no free space. So control interval split is expected. But there is no free
control interval in the control area-1. So control area split occur. New control area is
allocated and half the records of control area-1 will be moved there and indexes are
properly updated.
How index could make the access faster?

I faced an interesting question in an interview. The question follows:
My sequential file has 50 records. To get the 50th record, I have to read 49
data records and bypass. Indexes store primary keys with actual location. So to read
50th record using indexed organization, I have to get the location of 50th record from
index. So I have to read and bypass the location of 49 records. The only difference is
in the second case is I am doing sequential read in index set instead of dataset. How
do you say my index access would be faster?
To answer this question, you should know how indexes are organized and
read. We have already seen how they are organized. In the example below, to read
the 50th record, first root index is read and identified that the record should be in the
right hand side. In the second I-O, I will get the sequence and in third I-O, I will get
the location of the record. I will get my record in the fourth I-O instead 51 I-O. (50
IO in index and 1 I-O for getting the data)
If I am accessing the first record, then sequential read needs only one I-O but
obviously my random read needs more. So we prefer indexed organization only when
the number of records is significant.
* 17 *50 Root Index
First Level
*8 *17 * 23 *50
Index
*4 *8 *14 *17 *23 *35 *50 Sequence set
1 2 4 12 14 20 21 23 33 35
Data Component
5 7 8 17 50
CA-1 CA-2 CA-3 CA-4
Properties of VSAM datasets

Properties of ESDS, KSDS and RRDS are listed a tabular format in the next
page. Though the table says RRDS records should be of fixed length, MVS/DFP VSAM
Version 3.3 allows variable length RRDS. VSAM internally implements it using KSDS.
VSAM LDS Properties: Linear datasets have no records. They are just long strings of
bytes. Since it is a long string of bytes an LDS has no FSPC, US, CIDF and RDF. The
CISZ is always 4k bytes. The main use of LDS is to implement other data access
organizations especially a relational database system like DB2.
As the data in an LDS is manipulated the operating system automatically
pages in and out the portions of the dataset being worked on. The dataset is
addressed by the RBA as if it were in memory and the system pages the needed
pages in and out. Thus the process is very simple and fast.
ESDS differs from QSAM file in the following ways:

1. QSAM can be created over TAPE whereas ESDS cannot reside on TAPE.
2. Alternate Index can be created over ESDS. This alternate index has alternate
key mapped with RBA. So Indexed and Random access are possible using the
alternate Index in ESDS whereas it is not possible with QSAM.
Comparison of ESDS, KSDS and RRDS
Characteristics ESDS KSDS RRDS

Entry Sequence Based on entry Based on collating Based on relative
sequence sequence by key record number
field order
Access Only Sequential Sequential and Can be accessed
access is possible. random access is directly using
possible. Random relative record
access is thru number, which
primary/alternate serves as address.
key.
Alternate INDEX May have one or more May have one or Not applicable
alternate indexes. But more alternate
cannot be used in indexes.
BATCH COBOL. Can
be used in CICS
COBOL.
Location of the A record RBA cannot A record RBA can A relative record
record be changed be changed. number can be
changed.
Free Space Exist at the end of the Distributed free Free slots are
dataset to add space for inserting available for adding
records. records in between records at their
or change the location.
length of existing
record.
Deletion Cannot be deleted. DELETE is possible. DELETE is possible.
REWRITE of same
length is possible.
Record Size Fixed or Variable Fixed or Variable Fixed.
SPANNED Possible Possible Not possible
records
Speciality Occupies less Space Easy RANDOM Fastest access
access and most method.
popular method
Preference Application that Applications that Applications that
require sequential require each record require only direct
access only. to have a key field access. There
Ex: PAYROLL and require both should be a field in
PROCESSING. direct and the record that can
sequential access. be easily mapped
Ex: Banking to RRN.
application
IDC Access Method Services (IDCAMS)

AMS is used to perform various functions on VSAM datasets and catalogs.
AMS has got a utility program called IDCAMS. The functions of AMS are performed
using the different functional commands of IDCAMS. It can be invoked in the
following three ways:
1. Batch mode with JCL statements.

2. Interactively with TSO commands.
3. Calls from an application program.
Important functional commands of IDCAMS are:
1. DEFINE – To create objects – KSDS/ESDS/RRDS/GDG/VSAMSPACE etc

2. ALTER - To alter the parameters of the object already exists.
3. PRINT - To print and view the selected records of dataset.
4. DELETE – Delete the objects.
5. LISTCAT – View the complete information about any object.
6. REPRO - Copy/Restore/Merge Utility for VSAM and NON-VSAM files.
7. EXPORT and IMPORT
– Copy and restore datasets across the system.
8. VERIFY – To properly close the unclosed/ABENDED VSAM dataset.
Sample IDCAMS JCL
//JS10 EXEC PGM=IDCAMS,REGION=1024K, PARM=parameters

//STEPCAT DD DSN=..,DISP=SHR Optional STEPCAT
//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=* IDCAMS Messages
//SYSIN DD *
Control statements
/*
//
Guidelines for coding commands

1. At least one blank space must be there between the command and the object and
between sub parameter values.
2. A space is optional between a parameter and the parenthesis enclosing its values.
3. Sub-parameter values can be separated using a space or a comma.
4. Multiple parameters can be coded on a line but it is better to place each on a line
by itself for better readability.
5. A parameter and a sub-parameter cannot be separated with a hyphen. A plus sign
should be used for this purpose.
Meaning of FILE and DATASET in AMS commands

1. Keyword FILE should point to DDNAME and it is logical. There should be mapping
of the DDNAME with actual dataset. JES allocates the datasets associated with the
file just before the execution of step.
2. Keyword ‘DATASET’ should directly point to the physical dataset and IDCAMS
allocates this file dynamically for operation.
DEFINE CLUSTER
This command is used to create and name a VSAM Cluster.
Basic Parameters for Define Cluster
DEFINE CLUSTER-NAME
This parameter specifies name to the VSAM cluster. The cluster name
becomes the dataset name in any JCL that invokes the cluster
// INPUT DD DSN= SMSXL86.TEST.VSAM, DISP=SHR

The name for a VSAM dataset can include up to 44 alphanumeric characters.
When the data and index parameters are coded to create the data and index
components, the name parameter is coded for them as well. If the name parameter
is omitted for the data and index VSAM tries to append part of .DATA or .INDEX as
appropriate as the low level qualifier depending on how many characters the dataset
name contains already and still staying within the 44 character limit.
If data and index components are named, parameter values can be applied
separately. This gives performance advantages for large datasets.
DEFINE CLUSTER-DATA COMPONENT

The data parameter instructs IDCAMS that a separate data component is to
be created. Data is optional but if coded must follow all parameters that apply to the
cluster as a whole. There are several options for the data parameter but name is the
most common.
DEFINE CLUSTER-INDEX COMPONENT

The index parameter creates a separate index component. Index is optional
but if coded must follow all of the parameters that apply only to the data component.
ESDS and RRDS must not have INDEX part.
DEFINE CLUSTER-SPACE Allocation

A VSAM dataset can have 123 extents in a VOLUME. Primary space is
allocated initially when the dataset is created and based on request secondary space
will be allocated. In the best case, you will get (primary +122 * secondary).
Refer the JCL section-SPACE parameter section for more details on EXTENTS.
VSAM calculates the control area size internally. Control area can of one
cylinder, the largest permitted by VSAM, usually yields the best performance. So it is
always better to allocate space in cylinders because this ensures a CA size of one
cylinder.
The RECORDS parameter is used to allocate space in units of records for small
datasets. When this is done the RECORDSIZE parameter must be specified.
If allocation is specified in units of KILOBYTES or MEGABYTES VSAM reserves space
on the minimum number of tracks it needs to satisfy the request.
Syntax: UNIT(primary secondary)

UNIT can be CYL/CYLINDERS TRK/TRACKS REC/RECORDSD
KB/KILOBYTES MB/MEGABYTES
DEFINE CLUSTER-VOLUMES Parameter

The volumes parameter assigns one or more storage volumes to the dataset.
Multiple volumes can be specified and if so, they must be of the same device type.
The data and index components can be stored in separate volumes to provide a
performance advantage for large datasets.
VOLUMES(volser) OR VOLUMES(volser1 volser2)
DEFINE CLUSTER-RECORDSIZE Parameter (RECSZ)

The record size parameters specify VSAM what records to expect. The AVG
and MAX are the average and maximum values for variable length records. If records
are of fixed length AVG and MAX can be the same. Record size can be assigned at
the cluster or data level.
Syntax: RECORDSIZE(AVG MAX)
DEFINE CLUSTER- KEYS Parameter

The keys parameter defines the length and offset of the primary key in a
KSDS record. The offset is the primary key’s displacement in bytes from the
beginning of the record. This parameter is defined for a KSDS only. Default is
KEYS(64 0).
Syntax: KEYS(length offset)
DEFINE CLUSTER- Dataset Type Parameter

The dataset type parameter specifies whether the dataset is
INDEXED(KSDS) , NONINDEXED(ESDS), NUMBERED(RRDS) OR LINEAR (LDS).
INDEXED (IXD) specifies a KSDS and it is the DEFAULT. When this parameter
is specified VSAM automatically creates and catalogs an index (if other parameters
like keys are valid). Indexed is also used for a variable length RRDS.
NONINDEXED(NIXD) when specified denotes an ESDS. No index is created
and records are accessed sequentially or by their relative byte address (RBA).
NUMBERED (NUMD) specifies an RRDS and LINEAR specifies an LDS.
Performance Parameters For DEFINE CLUSTER

The performance parameters are coded in the DEFINE CLUSTER command to
1. Reduce the amount of physical I-O.
2. Make necessary I-O faster.
3. Optimize disk utilization.
DEFINE CLUSTER- CONTROL INTERVAL SIZE Parameter

The size of the CI is specified by the CISZ parameter. The size of the CI is
specified in bytes and it should be a multiple of 512 or 2048 depending on the type
of catalog (ICF or VSAM) and the length of the record.
For datasets cataloged in ICF catalogs the control interval should be a
multiple of 512 bytes with a range of 512 to 32768 bytes.
For datasets cataloged in VSAM catalogs, the data CISZ must be a multiple of
512 if records are of 8192 bytes or less, and a multiple of 2048 if records are of
more than 8192 bytes. If a CISZ, which is not a multiple of the above two is
assigned VSAM rounds the CISZ value up to the next highest multiple if necessary.
Best control interval size selection

For sequential processing of a KSDS, a relatively large CISZ will reduce
physical I/O by keeping more records accessible in the buffers. On the other hand,
for random processing of a KSDS a smaller CISZ would require lesser data transfer
time and fewer buffers, thus making I/O faster.
For an ESDS (since it is processed sequentially) the CISZ should be relatively large
depending on the size of the record.
Since an RRDS is processed randomly the CISZ should be relatively small.
The FREESPACE Parameter (FSPC)

The FREESPACE parameter is applicable to the KSDS and the variable-length
RRDS only. FREESPACE cannot be assigned to an ESDS because all new records are
added to the end of the dataset.
This parameter allocates some percentage of both the CI and CA for planned
free space, which can be used for adding new records or expanding existing variable
records. The parameter is coded as follows
FREESPACE(ci% ca%)
FREESPACE(ci% ) control interval only
FREESPACE(0 ca%) control area only
FREESPACE(0 0) is the default.
FREESPACE(100 100) means only one record will be loaded in every control interval
and only one control interval will be loaded in every control area.
In order to effectively allocate FREESPACE the following factors have to be taken into
consideration.
1. The expected rate of growth: If even growth is expected apply FREESPACE to both
CI and CA. If uneven growth is expected apply FREESPACE only to the CA.
2. The expected number of records to be deleted.
3. How often the dataset will be reorganized with REPRO.
4. The performance requirements.
The CI FREESPACE allocation should be enough to cover the length of one

record plus any additional RDFs that may result from a variable record length.
DEFINE CLUSTER- SPEED And RECOVERY Parameters

RECOVERY pre formats a VSAM dataset at the time of initial load or resume
load. It takes longer time to load the dataset through RECOVERY than through
SPEED which does not pre format the dataset. However if the load operation is
aborted in the middle, RECOVERY enables resumption immediately after the last
record loaded.
If SPEED is specified load will have to be restarted from the beginning. SPEED
is highly recommended because it will speed up the initial data load.
The BUFFERSPACE Parameter (BUFSP)

By default, VSAM allocates two data buffers for all types of datasets. One data
buffer for processing and reserves the second for potential split activity. In addition
to this, it would allocate one index buffer for a KSDS.
This parameter is used to override the default values. The BUFFERSPACE
parameter represents the amount of storage in bytes required to process the
contents of a minimum of one CI worth of data.
Syntax: BUFFERSPACE(bytes)
For sequential processing more number of data buffers need to be allocated.
For random processing more index buffers may be required, at least one for each
level of the index. For dynamic processing additional data and index buffers are
required in proportion to the ratio of sequential and random processing planned.
The BUFSP value provided gets translated into data buffers for an ESDS or
RRDS. But for a KSDS, VSAM decides on the number of data and index buffers based
on the access method specified in the application program.
If BUFSP is specified in the DEFINE CLUSTER command, all applications that
use the dataset can use only this allocation unless they override it in the BUFSP sub
parameter of the Access Method Parameter of JCL.
DEFINE CLUSTER-SPANNED Parameter (SPND)

The SPANNED parameter allows large records to span more than one CI.
If maximum record length is more than the CI size specified, allocation will fail
unless the SPANNED parameter is specified. However records cannot span across
control areas. The resulting free space in the spanned CI is unusable by other
records even if they fit logically in the unused bytes. NONSPANNED is the default.
It can be specified for ESDS and KSDS only.
DEFINE CLUSTER-The KEYRANGES Parameter (KYRNG)

The KEYRANGES parameter divides a large dataset among several volumes.
The volumes in which the records are to be placed are specified using the VOLUMES
parameter. Unless the KEYRANGES parameter is specified with the ORDERED
parameter, the records are assigned randomly to the volumes. These parameters are
illustrated by the following example
DEFINE CLUSTER -
(NAME(NTCI.V.UE4.W20000.T30.AV.DW200006) -
CYL(5 1) -
KEYS(8 0) -
RECSZ(80 80) -
KEYRANGES ((00000001 2999999) -
(30000000 4700000) -
(47000001 9999999)) -
VOLUMES (NTTSOB -
NTTSOJ -
NTTSO5) -
ORDERED -
NOREUSE -
INDEXED
_ _ _ more parameters
When the ORDERED parameter is coded the number of VOLUMES and KEYRANGES
must be the same.
DEFINE CLUSTER- REUSE Parameter (RUS)

This specifies that a cluster can be opened again and again as a reusable
cluster. It means, whenever you open the dataset in OUTPUT mode, all the records
that are already exist in the dataset are logically deleted. NOREUSE (UNRUS) is the
default and specifies the cluster as non-reusable.
A cluster cannot be reused if
1. KEYRANGES parameter is coded for it
2. An alternate index is built for it
3. The cluster has its own data space in both the VSAM and ICF catalog
environments.
DEFINE CLUSTER-IMBED And REPLICATE Parameters (IMBD/ REPL)

These parameters are applicable to a KSDS only. The IMBED parameter
implies that the sequence set (lowermost level) of the index component of a KSDS
will be placed on the first track of a data component CA and will be duplicated as
many times as possible on that track.
What IMBED does for a sequence set REPLICATE does for an index set. The
REPLICATE parameter forces each CI of the index set of the index component to be
written on a separate track and replicated as many times as possible. This parameter
reduces rotational delay when VSAM is accessing high-level index CI.
The IMBED option reduces the seek time it takes for the read-write head to
move from the index to the data component and the replication factor reduces the
rotational delay of the revolving disk.
NOIMBED(NIMBD) and NOREPLICATE(NREPL) are the defaults.
DEFINE CLUSTER-WRITECHECK Parameter (WCK)

This parameter instructs VSAM to invoke a DASD verify facility whenever a
record is written. NOWRITECHECK (NWCK) is the default and provides no DASD
verification. Since contemporary DASD devices are very reliable and because of the
high performance overhead associated with this parameter it is better to accept the
NOWRITECHECK option.
DEFINE CLUSTER-SHAREOPTIONS Parameter

This parameter specifies how a VSAM dataset can be shared across the
regions and across the system. Default value is (1 3)
Syntax: SHAREOPTIONS(cross-region cross-system)
Type Value Meaning

CR 1 READ and WRITE Integrity. Any number of jobs can read the
dataset OR only one job can write to the dataset.
CR 2 ONLY WRITE Integrity. Any number of jobs can read the dataset
AND one job can write to the dataset.
CR 3 NO Integrity. File is fully shared. It is programmer responsibility to
CS take proper lock over the file before use. Default value for CS.
CS 4 Same as 3 but additionally forces a buffer refresh for each random
access.
DEFINE CLUSTER-ERASE Parameter

The ERASE parameter instructs VSAM to overwrite sensitive data with binary
zeroes when the cluster is deleted. NOERASE is the default and it means that the
deleted cluster is not to be overwritten with binary zeroes. ERASE can be coded at
the cluster or data level.
When applied to the cluster level it refers only to the data component since
the index component contains only keys and not data. ERASE can be specified with
the ALTER and DELETE commands. ERASE provided with DELETE overrides both
DEFINE and ALTER specifications.
Password Protection
VSAM datasets can be password protected at four different levels. Each level
gives a different access capability to the dataset. The levels are
1. READPW- provides read only capability.
2. UPDATEPW- records may be read, updated , added or deleted at this level.
3. CONTROLPW- provides the programmer with the access capabilities of
READPW and UPDATEPW.
4. MASTERPW- all the above operations plus the authority to delete the dataset
is provided.
Passwords provided at the cluster level protect only if access requires using
the cluster’s name as dataset name. Therefore it is advisable to protect the data and
index components using passwords because someone could otherwise access them
by name. Another feature of MVS called Resource Access Control Facility (RACF)
ignores VSAM passwords and imposes its own security and for most VSAM datasets
RACF security is sufficient.
The ATTEMPTS parameter coded with the password parameters specifies the
number of attempts permitted for the operator to enter the password before
abending the step.
The CODE parameter allows for the specification of a code to display to the
operator in place of the entry name prompt.
The AUTHORIZATION parameter provides for additional security by naming an
assembler User Security Verification Routine (USVR). The sub parameter for this
enclosed in parenthesis is the entry point of the routine.
TO And FOR Parameters

When a dataset is allocated by Access Method Services the TO and FOR
parameters are two mutually exclusive parameters given to specify the retention
period of the cluster being defined.
TO(YYDDD) or FOR(nnnn)
YYDDD is Julian date & nnnn can be 1-9999
About CATALOG parameter

Most of the AMS commands provide CATALOG option. If the command is
DEFINE, then the dataset being defined will be placed in the catalog, mentioned in
the CATALOG parameter. Similarly while accessing the dataset,
1. The dataset is first searched in the catalog mentioned in CATALOG parameter.
2. If CATALOG is not coded, then the dataset is searched into the catalog coded in
STEPCAT or JOBCAT catalog.
3. If there is no STEPCAT and JOBCAT, then the dataset is searched in the user
catalog corresponding to the high level qualifier of the dataset.
4. If there is no user catalog found, then the dataset is looked into system catalog.
5. If the dataset is not listed in system catalog also, then you will get the error
message of dataset not found.
There will be one master catalog and n number of user catalogs in the
system. Every user catalog should have an entry in master catalog.
KSDS-ESDS-RRDS-LDS Sample Definitions
KSDS Definition ESDS Definition

//KSDSMAKE EXEC PGM=IDCAMS //ESDSMAKE EXEC PGM=IDCAMS
//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=A //SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=A
//SYSIN DD* //SYSIN DD*
DEFINE CLUSTER - DEFINE CLUSTER -
(NAME(EMPLOYEE.KSDS.CLUSTER) - (NAME (EMPLOYEE.ESDS.CLUSTER) -
VOLUMES(VSAM02) - VOLUMES (VSAM02) -
CYLINDERS(2,1) - CYLINDERS (2,1) -
CONTROL INTERVAL SIZE(4096) - CONTROLINTERVALSIZE (4096) -
FREESPACE(10,20) - RECORDSIZE (50,50) -
KEYS(9,0) - NONINDEXED) -
RECORDSIZE(50,50)) - DATA -
DATA - (NAME (EMPLOYEE.KSDS.DATA)) -
(NAME(EMPLOYEE.KSDS.DATA)) - CATALOG (VSAM.USERCAT.TWO)
INDEX - /*
(NAME(EMPLOYEE.KSDS.INDEX)) -
CONTROL INTERVAL SIZE(1024) -
CATALOG(VSAM.USERCAT.TWO)
/*
RRDS Definition LDS Definition

//RRDSMAKE EXEC PGM=IDCAMS //LDSMAKE EXEC PGM=IDCAMS
//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=A //SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=A
//SYSIN DD* //SYSIN DD*
DEFINE CLUSTER - DEFINE CLUSTER -
(NAME(EMPLOYEE.RRDS.CLUSTER) - (NAME(EMPLOYEE.RRDS.CLUSTER) -
VOLUMES(VSAM02) - VOLUMES(VSAM02) -
CYLINDERS(2,1) - CYLINDERS(2,1) -
CONTROL INTERVAL SIZE(4096) - LINEAR) -
RECORDSIZE(50,50) - DATA -
NUMBERED) - (NAME(EMPLOYEE.KSDS.DATA)) -
DATA - CATALOG(VSAM.USERCAT.TWO)
(NAME(EMPLOYEE.KSDS.DATA)) - /*
CATALOG(VSAM.USERCAT.TWO)
/*
IDCAMS - REPRO command

It is the general-purpose command that can operate on both VSAM and non-
VSAM datasets. It performs three basic functions:
1. It loads an empty VSAM cluster with records. The data and index components for
KSDS are built automatically.
2. It creates a backup of a VSAM dataset on a physical sequential dataset and later
it can be used for restore/rebuild the VSAM dataset.
3. It merges data from two VSAM datasets.
Command Syntax
REPRO -
INFILE(DDNAME) | INDATASET(DATASET-NAME) -
OUTFILE(DDNAME) | OUTDATASET(DATASET-NAME) -
optional parameters
INFILE/INDATASET and OUTFILE/OUTDATASET point to input and output datasets.
When loading a KSDS using REPRO, the input data should be first sorted in
ascending sequence by the field that will become the primary key in the output
dataset. When loading an ESDS the sort step can be eliminated since the records are
loaded in entry sequence. For an RRDS, the records are loaded in relative record
sequence starting with 1. The dataset should be sorted on the field that correlates to
the relative record number.
REPRO Record Selection

REPRO can be used for selective copying.
Where to start REPRO Where to stop REPRO Valid For
FROMKEY(REC-KEY) TOKEY(REC-KEY) KSDS, ISAM
FROMADDRESS(RAB) TOADDRESS(RBA) KSDS, ESDS
FROMNUMBER(RRN) TONUMBER(RRN) RRDS
SKIP(number) COUNT(number) KSDS , ESDS, RRDS
SKIP refers to the number of input records to skip before beginning to copy
and COUNT specifies the number of output records to copy.
The REUSE Parameter With REPRO

The REUSE option of REPRO will logically delete the existing records of a
target KSDS, ESDS or RRDS and add new records from the source dataset as if the
target dataset were empty. In other words REUSE sets the value of the ending RBA
of the Highest Used control area in the data component (HURBA) to zero.
In order to use REUSE with REPRO it is a prerequisite that the target dataset
must have been defined with the REUSE option in the DEFINE CLUSTER command.
Merging DATASETS Using REPRO and REPLACE option

The REPRO command can be used for merging two datasets into one. The
target dataset can be a non-empty KSDS, ESDS or RRDS.
The input dataset can be any organization if the target dataset is a KSDS or
ESDS. However if the target dataset is an RRDS the source dataset has to be an
RRDS. KSDS to KSDS is the most common application of this merge technique.
If the REPLACE option is specified as part of the REPRO command then
records with duplicate primary keys (for a KSDS) and duplicate relative record
numbers (in the case of an RRDS) will be replaced.
IDCAMS - PRINT Command

It is used to print the contents of a dataset. The output can be made available
in various formats. This section deals with the PRINT command and its various
mutually exclusive options.
PRINT INDATASET(data set-name) | INFILE(dd-name)

options
PRINT - CHAR/ HEX/DUMP

This specifies the format in which to print.
CHARACTER(CHAR) prints as EBCDIC, 120 characters per line. This format is
mostly used for alphanumeric data. Any combination of bits that does not correspond
to a printable character will be printed as a period. If length of the record is greater
than 120 characters, it is printed in blocks of 120 characters per line.
HEX format prints each character in the dataset as two hexadecimal digits.
A maximum of 120 hexadecimal digits are printed on each line, an equivalent of 60
characters.
DUMP format is a combination of the character and hex formats. Each

character is printed both as a character and as the corresponding hex
representation. Each print line consists of 64 hex digits and the 32 related
characters. If the record length is greater than 32 characters the rest of the record is
printed in blocks of 64 hex digits and 32 corresponding characters per line.
PRINT – SKIP, COUNT, FROM and TO

The records to be printed can be selected in the same way records are
selected in REPRO to COPY.
Where to start Printing Where to stop Printing Where Used

SKIP(number) COUNT(number) KSDS, ESDS, RRDS,
non-VSAM
FROMKEY(key-value) TOKEY(key-value) KSDS, ALTERNATE INDEX
FROMADDRESS(rba) TOADDRESS(rba) KSDS, ESDS
FROMNUMBER(rrn) TONUMBER(rrn) RRDS
A command that prints records 29, 30, and 31 in character format
PRINT INDATASET(MM01.CUSTOMER.MASTER) -
CHARACTER -
SKIP(28) -
COUNT(3)
Empty file- check

If the file is empty, PRINT COUNT(1) ends with return-code as 4.
PRINT INDATASET(OUTPUT.DSN) CHARACTER COUNT(1)
IDCAMS - DELETE Command

The DELETE command can be used to delete both VSAM and non-VSAM
objects.
Syntax: DELETE ENTRY NAME OBJECT optional-parameters
OBJECT- CLUSTER GDG PATH AIX ALIAS CATALOG NONVSAM SPACE
USERCATALOG
Options – ERASE/NOERASE PURGE/NOPURGE SCRATCH/NOSCRATCH
FILE FORCE/NOFORCE
DELETE- ENTRY NAME

The name of the entry to delete is coded. GENERIC NAMES can be also given.
DELETE - ERASE (ERAS) / NOERASE (NERAS)

When the DELETE command is executed it does not physically delete a
dataset. Only its ICF or VSAM catalog entry is removed making this space available
for future use. The data component remains on the disk until another dataset is
allocated on the same spot.
If the DELETE command is executed with the ERASE option, not only will the
entry be removed from the catalog but also the data component will immediately be
overwritten with binary zeroes. This option is coded for sensitive data files.
DELETE - PURGE(PRG) / NOPURGE (NPRG)

NOPURGE specifies that the entry not to be deleted if the retention period has
not expired. (Default). So DELETE command don’t delete the dataset before expiry
date. PURGE parameter must be coded to delete the dataset before retention period.
DELETE - SCRATCH(SCR) / NOSCRATCH(NSCR)

When a dataset is created, it will be listed in the catalog as well as the VTOC
of the DASD. SCRATCH specifies that the dataset to be removed from VTOC as well
as catalog. NOSCRATCH specifies that the dataset to be removed from the catalog
alone.
DELETE - FORCE(FRC)/NOFORCE(NFRC)
It specifies whether objects that are not empty should be deleted.
FORCE allows you to delete data spaces, generation data groups, and user
catalogs without first ensuring that these objects are empty.
NOFORCE causes the DELETE command to terminate when you request the
deletion of a data space, generation data group, or catalog that is not empty.
DELTE - FILE(DDNAME)
It specifies the name of the DD statement that identifies:
1. The volume that contains a unique data set to be deleted.
2. The partitioned data set from which a member (or members) is to be deleted.
3. The data set to be deleted if ERASE is specified.
4. The volume that contains the data space to be deleted.
5. The catalog recovery volume(s) when the entry being deleted is in a recoverable
catalog. If the volumes are of a different device type, concatenated DD statements
must be used. The catalog recovery volume is the volume whose recovery space
contains a copy of the entry being deleted.
IDCAMS - LISTCAT Command

The output of this command gives an insight into the inner functioning of
VSAM. LISTCAT is used to view dataset attributes, password & security information,
usage statistics, space allocation information, creation and expiration dates and
much more.
LISTCAT stands for LISTing a CATalog entry. It is useful for listing attributes
and characteristics of all VSAM and non-VSAM objects cataloged in a VSAM or ICF
catalog. Such objects can be the catalog itself, its aliases, the volumes it owns,
clusters, alternate indexes, paths, GDG’s, non-VSAM files etc. The listing also
provides statistics about a VSAM object from the time of its allocation, namely the
number of CI and CA splits, the number of I/O on index and data components, the
number of records added, deleted and retrieved besides other useful information.
Syntax:
LISTCAT ENTRIES(OBJECT-NAME) ALL|ALLOCATION|VOLUME|HISTORY|NAME
Parameter Meaning
NAME List the name and type of entry.
HISTORY Lists reference information for the object including name, type of
entry, creation and expiration date and the release of VSAM under
which it was created.
VOLUME Lists the device type and one or more volume serial number of the
storage volumes where the dataset resides. HISTORY information
is also listed.
ALLOCATION Lists information that has been specified for space allocation
including the unit(cylinders, tracks etc.), number of allocated units
of primary and secondary space and actual extents. This is
displayed only for data and index component entries. If
ALLOCATION is specified VOLUME and HISTORY are included.
ALL All the above details are listed
LEVEL Parameter in LISTCAT
LISTCAT ENTRIES(SMSXL86.*) ALL

This will return complete information about all objects having two levels of
qualification and having the first qualifier SMSXL86. But if we require information
about all objects having the high level qualifier SMSXL86, we have to use the LEVEL
parameter. LISTCAT LEVEL(SMSXL86.*) ALL
Example
//SMSXL861 JOB (36512),'MUTHU',NOTIFY=&SYSUID
// LISTCAT EXEC PGM=IDCAMS
//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*
//SYSIN DD *
LISTCAT ENTRIES(SMSXL86.PAYROLL.MASTER) -
GDG -
ALL
/*
IDCAMS - EXPORT and IMPORT commands

The EXPORT / IMPORT commands can be used for
1. Backup and recovery.
2. Exporting a dataset, an alternate index or a catalog to a different (but
compatible) system.
Advantages over REPRO

1. Catalog information is exported along with the data.
2. Cluster deletion and redefinition are not necessary during the import step
because input dataset already contains catalog information.
3. Also since the dataset contains catalog information it can be easily ported
to other systems. An exported dataset has cross-system portability.
But EXPORT / IMPORT can be used with VSAM datasets only and the dataset
created by EXPORT can have only a sequential organization. The dataset created by
the EXPORT step is not process-able until it has gone through a corresponding
IMPORT step. Thus performing an EXPORT/IMPORT takes up more time.
Syntax: EXPORT entry-name OUTFILE(ddname) / OUTDATASET(dsname) -

optional parameters
Entry-name is the name of the object that need to be exported. OUTFILE mention
exported into what name.
EXPORT - INHIBITSOURCE|NOINHIBITSOURCE
It specifies whether the original data records (the data records of the source
cluster or alternate index) can be accessed for any operation other than retrieval
after a copy is exported. This specification can later be altered through the ALTER
command.
INHIBITSOURCE (INHS) - cannot be accessed for any operation other than retrieval.
NOINHIBITSOURCE - original data records in the original system can be accessed for
any kind of operation.
EXPORT - INHIBITTARGET(INHT)/NOINHIBITTARGET (NINHT)

It specifies how the data records copied into the target alternate index or
cluster can be accessed after they have been imported to another system. The
ALTER command is used to alter this parameter.
INHIBITTARGET - cannot be accessed for any operation other than retrieval.
NOINHIBITTARGET - Target object can be accessed for any type of operation after it
has been imported into another system.
EXPORT - TEMPORARY|PERMANENT
It specifies whether the cluster or alternate index to be exported is to
be deleted from the original system.
TEMPORARY specifies that the cluster or alternate index is not to be deleted
from the original system. The object in the original system is marked as temporary
to indicate that another copy exists and that the original copy can be replaced.
PERMANENT specifies that the cluster or alternate index is to be deleted from
the original system. Its storage space is freed. If its retention period has not yet
expired, you must also code PURGE. PERMANENT is the default.
EXPORT - ERASE|NOERASE
This specifies whether the data component of the cluster or alternate index to
be exported is to be erased or not (overwritten with binary zeros).
With ERASE specification, the data component is overwritten with binary
zeros when the cluster or alternate index is deleted.
With NOERASE specification, the data component is not overwritten with
binary zeros when the cluster or alternate index is deleted.
Example:
//EXPORT EXEC PGM=IDCAMS
//DD2 DD DSN=SMSXL86.LIB.KSDS.BACKUP(+!),
// DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),UNIT=TAPE,
// VOL=SER=121212,LABEL=(1,SL),
// DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80)
//SYSIN DD *
EXPORT A2000.LIB.KSDS.CLUSTER -
OUTFILE (DD2)
/*
IDCAMS - IMPORT command

The IMPORT command restores the dataset from a backup copy created by
the EXPORT command. The INFILE parameter specifies the DDNAME that refers to
the backup copy created by the EXPORT command.
IMPORT INFILE(ddname)/ INDATASET(dsname) -

OUTFILE(ddname) / OUTDATASET(dsname) -
optional parameters
IMPORT - INTOEMPTY (IEMPTY)

When this parameter is specified, a previously exported dataset can be
imported into an empty previously defined cluster. If this parameter is not specified
an attempt to import into an empty dataset will fail.
IMPORT - OBJECTS
When the OBJECTS parameter is coded the attributes of the new target
dataset can be changed. These attributes include VOLUMES and KEYRANGES.
IDCAMS-VERIFY Command
If a job terminates abnormally and a VSAM dataset is not closed, the catalog
entry for the dataset is flagged to indicate that the dataset may be corrupt(as the
end of file or last key is not updated in the index properly). In such case you would
get VSAM status code of ‘97’ in the open of the file in the program. Before the
dataset can be opened again, the VERIFY command must be used to correctly
identify the end of the dataset and reset the catalog entry. Alternate solution is open
the file in File-aid in edit mode and just save it. It would update the index with end
of file.
Model syntax for the VERIFY command:

VERIFY {FILE(ddname[/password]) | DATASET(entryname[/password])}
Base cluster and alternate index can be verified. The verification of base cluster does
not verify its alternate indexes so each one of them must be treated separately.
IDCAMS - ALTER Command

The ALTER command is used to change many of the attributes of an existing
VSAM dataset. It is easier doing it this way than to delete the old dataset and to
redefine it with the new attributes. If the latter method is used the data will have to
be backed up before deletion to preserve the records in it and restored after
reallocation.
It is important to note that all the attributes cannot be changed with ALTER.
Few parameters that can’t be altered are: CISZ, Type of Cluster,
IMBED/REPLICATE, REUSE/NOREUSE
Syntax: ALTER entry-name parameters
Frequently ALTER is used for renaming (NEWNAME), altering free space

(FREESPACE), temporarily disabling updates over dataset (INHIBIT) and extend the
generation limit of GDG (LIMIT).
Example
JCL for an AMS job with comments that runs an ALTER command
//SMSXL861 JOB (36512),'Muthu',NOTIFY=&SYSUID

//NEWNAME EXEC PGM=IDCAMS
//SYSIN DD *
ALTER MM01.CUSTOMER.MASTER –
NEWNAME(MM01.CUSTMAST) /* CHANGE NAME */ -
FREESPACE(10 10) /* CHANGE FREESPACE ALLOCATION */
/*
SYSIN for Adding candidate Volumes

ALTER -
EMPLOYEE.KSDS.DATA -
ADDVOLUMES (VSAM03)
IDCAMS - MODAL COMMANDS

Functional commands are used to perform function. Modal commands are
used to test and SET the condition codes returned by the functional commands.
LASTCC contains the return-code of the last executed functional command

and if more than one functional command is executed in single IDCAMS step, then
MAXCC contains the maximum value of condition codes from the previously
executed functional commands. MAXCC is returned as step return code in JCL.
SET command is used to reset the MAXCC or LASTCC within AMS.
IF-THEN-ELSE statements are used to control the command execution
sequence.
In the below example, REPRO command loads data from a sequential dataset
on to a KSDS. Only if the condition code of the REPRO step is zero, the next LISTCAT
step will be executed. Otherwise the KSDS will be deleted. MAXCC is set to zero at
the end to avoid non-zero return code.
//SYSIN DD *
REPRO INDATASET(SMSXL86.DATA.TEST) -
OUTDATASET(SMSXL86.TEST.KSDS) -
IF LASTCC = 0 -
THEN -
LISTCAT -
ENTRIES(SMSXL86.TEST.KSDS) ALL
ELSE -
DELETE SMSXL86.TEST.KSDS
END-IF
SET MAXCC=0
/*
ICAMS step Return codes and meaning
Error Severity Meaning

Code of Error
0 No Error Functional command completed its processing successfully
4 Minor Processing is able to continue, but a minor error occurred, causing
Error a warming message to be issued
8 Major Processing is able to continue, but a more severe error occurred,
Error causing major command specifications to be bypassed
12 Logical Generally, inconsistent parameters are specified, causing the
Error entire command to be bypassed
16 Severe An error of such severity occurred that not only can the command
Error causing the error not be completed, the entire AMS command
stream is flushed
ALTERNATE INDEX
Need for AIX

1. KSDS dataset is currently accessed using a primary key. We want to access

the dataset RANDOMLY with another key.
2. We want to access ESDS file RANDOMLY based on key.
Steps Involved
Step1. Define AIX.

DEFINE ALTERNATEINDEX command defines an alternate index. Important
parameters of this command are:
Parameter Meaning
RELATE Relates AIX with base cluster
NONUNIQUE/ Duplicates are allowed / not allowed in alternate key.
UNIQUE
KEYS Defines the length and offset of alternate key in base cluster
UPGRADE Adds the AIX cluster to the upgrade set of base cluster. Whenever
base is modified, its upgrade set is also modified. UPGRADE is
default. NOUPGRADE didn’t add the AIX to base cluster upgrade set.
RECORDSIZE Specifies the record size of alternate index record. It is calculated
using the formula in the next table.
AIX Record Size Calculation:
UNIQUE Alternate Key NONUNIQUE Alternate Key with

maximum n duplicates
KSDS 5+Alternate Key length 5+Alternate Key length
+Primary Key Length +(n * Primary Key Length)
ESDS 5+Alternate Key length 5+Alternate Key length
+RBA size +(n * RBA size )
(RBA size = 4 bytes) (RBA size = 4 bytes)
Five Byte control information of Alternate Index Record:
Byte-1 Type of Cluster; X’00’ indicates ESDS and X’01’ indicates KSDS.
Byte-2 Length of base cluster pointers in alternate index; Primary key
length for KSDS and X’04’ for ESDS.
Byte-3 Half word binary indicates number of occurrences of primary key pointers
Byte-4 in alternate index record. X’0001’ for unique alternate key.
Byte-5 Length of alternate key.
Step2. BLDINDEX
Alternate index should have all the alternate keys with their corresponding
primary key pointers. After the AIX is defined, this information should be loaded
from base cluster. Then only we can access the records using AIX. BLDINDEX do this
LOAD operation.
Important parameters of this command are:
1. INFILE and OUTFILE points to Base Cluster and Alternate index Cluster.
2. INTERNALSORT, EXTERNALSORT, WORKFILES:

Loaded AIX should have sorted alternate record keys with base cluster
keys. So an intermediate SORT is required in between reading the base cluster and
loading the AIX. We should allocate work datasets IDCUT1 and IDCUT2 for this
SORT.
If INTERNALSORT parameter is coded, then AMS tried to do internal sort if
enough memory is available and it would be fast. If enough space is not available,
then if you have coded IDCUT1 and IDCUT2, it uses that space and does an external
sort.
If you code EXTERNALSORT parameter, then AMS wont try for internal sort.
If you want to give your own DDNAME files for sorting instead IDCUT1 and
IDCUT2, inform it to AMS by WORKFILE(DDNAME1, DDNAME2) parameter. Here,
DDNAME1 and DDNAME2 are allocated instead of IDCUT1 and IDCUT2.
Step3. Define Path

The DEFINE PATH command establishes a bridge between the base cluster and
an alternate index. It does not occupy any space. It is just a catalog entry, which
establishes a link between an alternate index and a base cluster. Important
parameters of this command are:
1. PATHENTRY command relates PATH with AIX.
2. When you open a PATH, respective base cluster will automatically be opened.
UPDATE opens the UPGRADE set of the base cluster also and it is default.
NOUPDATE opens only the base cluster and not its the UPGRADE set.
In BATCH, if you want to access base cluster with alternate key, you should
allocate the PATH in the JCL. The name of the DDNAME for the PATH in JCL is
DDNAME of the base cluster suffixed with 1 for first alternate key and n for nth
alternate key. Refer the COBOL material for more information.
In CICS, if you want access base cluster with alternate key, then you should
register the PATH as FCT entry.
Example:
1.Command that defines an alternate index

DEFINE AIX ( NAME(MMA2.EMPMAST.SSN.AIX) -
RELATE(MMA2.EMPMAST) -
KEYS(9 12) -
UNIQUEKEY -
UPGRADE -
REUSE -
VOLUMES(MPS800) ) -
DATA ( NAME(MMA2.EMPMAST.SSN.AIX.DATA) -
CYLINDERS(1 1) ) -
INDEX ( NAME(MMA2.EMPMAST.SSN.AIX.INDEX) )
2.Command that defines PATH

DEFINE PATH ( NAME(MMA2.EMPMAST.SSN.PATH) -
PATHENTRY(MMA2.EMPMAST.SSN.AIX) -
UPDATE )
3.A job that builds an alternate index

//MM01LC3 JOB (36512),'MUTHU',NOTIFY=&SYSUID
//BLDINDX EXEC PGM=IDCAMS
//IDCUT1 DD UNIT=SYSDA,VOL=SER=MPS800,DISP=OLD
//IDCUT2 DD UNIT=SYSDA,VOL=SER=MPS800,DISP=OLD
//SYSIN DD *
BLDINDEX INDATASET(MMA2.EMPMAST) -
OUTDATASET(MMA2.EMPMAST.SSN.AIX) -
CATALOG(MMA2)
/*
The order of build index and definition of PATH does not matter.
AMP Parameter in JCL

The Access Method Parameter (AMP) completes information in an Access
method Control Block (ACB) for a VSAM data set.
The ACB can be coded for a key-sequenced (KSDS), entry-sequenced (ESDS),
or relative record (RRDS) VSAM data set. AMP is only supported for VSAM data sets.
AMP is most often used to allocate I/O buffers for the index and data components for
optimizing performance.
Syntax: AMP=(sub parameter, sub parameter,)

or
AMP=('sub parameter, sub parameter,')
Single apostrophes are required if the sub parameter(s) contain special characters.
AMORG
This parameter, which stands for Access Method ORGanization, indicates that
the particular DD statement refers to a VSAM dataset.
BUFND
This parameter gives the number of I/O buffers needed for the data
component of the cluster. The size of each buffer is the size of the data CI.
The default value is two data buffers one of which is used only during CI/CA splits.
Therefore the number of data buffers left for normal processing is one.
If more data buffers are allocated, then performance of sequential processing will
improve significantly.
BUFNI
This parameter gives the number of I/O buffers needed for the index
component of the cluster. Each buffer is the size of the index. This sub-parameter
may be coded only for a KSDS because ESDS and RRDS do not have index
components. The default value is one index buffer.
If more index buffers are allocated, then performance of random processing
will improve significantly.
BUFSP
This parameter indicates the number of bytes for data and index component
buffers. If this value is more than the value given in the BUFFERSPACE parameter of
the DEFINE CLUSTER, it overrides the BUFFERSPACE. Otherwise BUFFERSPACE takes
precedence. The value of BUFSP is calculated as
BUFSP = DATA CISIZE x BUFND + INDEX CISIZE x BUFNI
However it is recommended not to code this parameter and let VSAM perform the
calculations from the BUFND and BUFNI values instead.
Other parameters are TRACE, STRNO, RECFM, OPTCD, CROPS.
If SMS is active, then VSAM datasets can be created in JCL without using IDCAMS as
below:
//KSDSFILE DD DSN=DEVI.CUST.MASTER,DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE),
// SPACE=(CYL,(10,10)),
// LRECL=100,KEYOFF=10,KEYLEN=12,RECORG=KS
RECORG can also be ES(for Entry Sequenced Datasets), RR(for Relative Record
datasets) and LS(for Linear Datasets). Other parameters of DEFINE CLUSTER will be
assigned default values or you can additionally mention SMS parameter, DATACLASS
that is defined with predefined values.
INTERVIEW Questions
1. Control interval and Control Ares Split. *****

2. Need for alternate index. Steps involved in creating alternate index. *****
3. Explain the need of PATH. ****
4. Importance of UPGRADE and UPDATE. ***
5. File Status – 21 22 23 24 02 90 92 *****
6. How do we read KSDS using AIX in batch COBOL and CICS? ****
7. Alternate record size calculation. ***
8. Difference between DELETE PURGE ERASE FORCE **
9. Understanding of KEYS parameter. If the key is from 10th byte to 13th byte, how
will you code KEYS parameter? ***
10. IMBED and REPLICATE options DEFINE CLUSTER? ***
11. SPEED/ RECOVERY of DEFINE CLUSTER? **
12. REUSE option of DEFINE CLUSTER? **
13. REPLACE option of REPRO? **
14. Selective copy options of REPRO **
15. How to rename a set of files in one shot? **
16. How do you choose control interval and control area size for your application?
*****
17. How to access ESDS randomly in batch COBOL? ***
18. What is skip-sequential READ and how batch COBOL supports it? **
19. Share options of DEFINE CLUSTER **
20. Familiarity with FILEAID for VSAM operations. **
21. FSPC and its importance. FSPC(0 0), FSPC(100 100) meaning. **
22. How do you check how many records are there in the VSAM cluster and the FSPC
availability for future insertion? **
23. What is VSAM reorganization and how frequently we need to do that? **
24. After the VSAM is created, first operation we should do is, initializing it with
dummy record. True/ False. If I am not initializing, what operation would give me
problem? **
25. Advantages of VSAM over other access methods. **
26. VSAM to DB2 conversion strategy **
27. How do you choose BUFNI, BUFND parameters for better performance? **
28. Can I un-catalog or delete a dataset using DISP parameter of JCL? **
29. What is the LISTCAT level parameter will do? **
30. VSAM dataset is allocated with DISP=SHR option in a JCL step. Does it mean
that the program access the file in READ only mode? ***
31. What are the ways you can get the attributes of VSAM file when you don’t have
VSAM DEFINE card with you? **
32.What are different types of VSAM their properties. There may be lot of questions
in the properties like can I delete ESDS record, Can I have AIX for RRDS etc. So read
the properties table and understand thoroughly. **
NOTES
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Mainframe Refresher Part-1 VSAM-Page:1

VSAM (Virtual Storage Access Method)

IBM introduced VSAM in 1973 as a replacement for several existing access

Advantages of VSAM over other access methods

Control Intervals and Control Areas

Format of Control Interval

Index Component (Sequence Set and Index Set)

Control Interval and Control Area Split

How index could make the access faster?

* 17 *50 Root Index

*4 *8 *14 *17 *23 *35 *50 Sequence set

CA-1 CA-2 CA-3 CA-4

Properties of VSAM datasets

ESDS differs from QSAM file in the following ways:

Comparison of ESDS, KSDS and RRDS

Characteristics ESDS KSDS RRDS

IDC Access Method Services (IDCAMS)

1. Batch mode with JCL statements.

Important functional commands of IDCAMS are:

1. DEFINE – To create objects – KSDS/ESDS/RRDS/GDG/VSAMSPACE etc

Sample IDCAMS JCL

//JS10 EXEC PGM=IDCAMS,REGION=1024K, PARM=parameters

Guidelines for coding commands

Meaning of FILE and DATASET in AMS commands

Basic Parameters for Define Cluster

// INPUT DD DSN= SMSXL86.TEST.VSAM, DISP=SHR

DEFINE CLUSTER-DATA COMPONENT

DEFINE CLUSTER-INDEX COMPONENT

DEFINE CLUSTER-SPACE Allocation

Syntax: UNIT(primary secondary)

DEFINE CLUSTER-VOLUMES Parameter

DEFINE CLUSTER-RECORDSIZE Parameter (RECSZ)

DEFINE CLUSTER- KEYS Parameter

DEFINE CLUSTER- Dataset Type Parameter

Performance Parameters For DEFINE CLUSTER

DEFINE CLUSTER- CONTROL INTERVAL SIZE Parameter

Best control interval size selection

Since an RRDS is processed randomly the CISZ should be relatively small.

The FREESPACE Parameter (FSPC)

The CI FREESPACE allocation should be enough to cover the length of one

DEFINE CLUSTER- SPEED And RECOVERY Parameters

The BUFFERSPACE Parameter (BUFSP)

DEFINE CLUSTER-SPANNED Parameter (SPND)

DEFINE CLUSTER-The KEYRANGES Parameter (KYRNG)

DEFINE CLUSTER- REUSE Parameter (RUS)

DEFINE CLUSTER-IMBED And REPLICATE Parameters (IMBD/ REPL)

DEFINE CLUSTER-WRITECHECK Parameter (WCK)

DEFINE CLUSTER-SHAREOPTIONS Parameter

Syntax: SHAREOPTIONS(cross-region cross-system)

Type Value Meaning

DEFINE CLUSTER-ERASE Parameter

TO And FOR Parameters

About CATALOG parameter

KSDS-ESDS-RRDS-LDS Sample Definitions

KSDS Definition ESDS Definition

RRDS Definition LDS Definition

IDCAMS - REPRO command

INFILE/INDATASET and OUTFILE/OUTDATASET point to input and output datasets.

REPRO Record Selection

4 8 14 17 23 35 *50 Sequence set