Can we 'refer back' VSAM files?

[Vijay Ingle]

Hi,

As we could be able to do a refer back on the DCB of the input file to catalog a new output file for any PS dataset or a GDG as given below

Code: Select all

//SYSUT1 DD DSN=ABCD.TEST.INFILE, DISP=SHR 
//SYSUT2 DD DSN=TEST.OUTFILE, 
// DISP=(,CATLG,DELETE),UNIT=DISK, 
// SPACE=(CYL,(10,1),RLSE), 
// DCB=*.SYSUT1 

Similar way, is it possible to create a VSAM to VSAM file, using refer back option? And this way, the new VSAM file shall get cataloged using the in VSAM file properties, of the Input VSAM file along with the data copied.

Regards,

[Robert Sample]

A VSAM data set does not have a DCB -- VSAM uses ACB instead. Hence it is not possible to create a new VSAM data set in JCL by using a backward reference. IDCAMS is the way to define new VSAM data sets.

[Vijay Ingle]

Thanks. I just read about ACB a bit. Is ACB a macro from operating system point of view?

[Robert Sample]

Just as DCB is a macro, so is ACB.

[Vijay Ingle]

Thanks Robert. I never thought that they are called as macros....thanks.