Background:
You will learn more about the JCL DD, Data Definition operation
In challenge #05 you were introduced to JCL.
You learned about the relationship between a program file name and the DDNAME.
Bottom line
A program file name must be spelled the same as the DDNAME for the system to locate the physical inputs and outputs.
In challenge #06 you are introduced to JCL DD operation parameters which are used to
describe the program inputs and outputs.
Helpful Information about JCL DD Operation
Many JCL DD parameters exist which can appear confusing. However, learning the most common parameters is pretty easy.
Most common JCL DD parameters include:
- DSNAME=
Data Set Name of the physical resource, typically DSN= abbreviation is coded
z/OS has several Data Set Name types and DSN= handles all Data Set Name types
More about the different Data Set Name types later in the contest - DISP=
DISPOSITION of the DSNAME physical resource
DISP=SHR -- resource exists and program will share access with others
DISP=NEW -- resource is created for program output
DISP=OLD -- resource exists and program wants exclusive access - PATH=
Unix file name path of the physical resource
Enclosed in quote marks - reason:
Unix file names and file path are case sensitive where JCL is normally UPPERCASE - PATHOPTS=
Access file options and Status file options
More about the PATHOPTS= Access and Status file options later - * (asterisk)
What follows the asterisk ' * ' is data - NOT JCL
The data in the JCL stream will be understood by the program
The program is looking for the DDNAME to read followed by the data lines
The data lines are read until the next JCL statement is found - SYSOUT=*
Write the data to the system JES spool data set
The JES spool data set is what SDSF is viewing - which you have already done.
Useful Information
From SDSF status panel, entering ' p ' to the left of any SORT05 JOBNAME will purge unwanted output.
Challenge:
Edit, modify, and submit JCL using different SORT control input
Enter dslist command from ISPF as follows to display Data Sets Matching Z#####.JCL
Reminder - substitute your ID for Z#####


Enter 's' to left of member name CH05JCL.

Enter ISPF commands as displayed below to remove ==MSG> lines and hilite JCL reserved words.

Line 000007 is data read by SORT program.
Program SORT is looking for SYSIN DDNAME to provide sort control instructions.
The control statement instructs the program to sort the data from SORTIN starting
in column 1 for a length of 5 using character CH format and ascending A order.
Helpful Trick:
Enter bd over top of line number 000004 or 000005 to browse the data in the data set name member.
F3 will return you back to the ISPF edit session.
- While browsing 'bd' SORTIN data, enter cols to view column numbers
Locate column number of last name, then F3 to return to SORT05 edit session - Modify SORTOUT member name from #05 to #06
IMPORTANT: If not done, then you will replace the valid challenge #05 answer
Rerun of challenge #05 would be necessary to correct #05 - Modify sort control statement using column number of last name
Sort length, character format, and order can remain the same
- Submit the JCL with the modified sort control statement and review the output
You practiced what you learned in the previous challenge,
"how to submit JCL and view the JCL JOBNAME output"
Feel free to check your P2.OUTPUT(#06) written by SORT program based upon your control statement change, then move on to the next challenge!