Mainframe, MVS and zOS Discussion

Hello All,

I am using file-aid first time and learning how to use XREF? My team ates are not very familiar with this concept of file aid. Can you please help me understanding and using it?

Appreciate your help.

You have the manuals available to you - somewhere. And the F1 key.

I am trying and learning with that also.

XREF is most useful in viewing a data set with multiple record types. You can specify the rules that determine which record layout is used for which record (such as byte 1 being H means display the data using the Header layout, D means display the data using the Detail layout, T means display the data using the Trailer layout).

Reading the manual and experimenting on your own is probably the best way to understand XREF. Use a test data set (or create a test data set) to minimize your impact on production.

As Robert has explained - the XREF function in File-Aid allows File-Aid to automatically load the correct record layout for the record you want to process. Picking example from Robert's post - byte 1 being H means display the data using the Header layout, D means display the data using the Detail layout, T means display the data using the Trailer layout, however, as the user, you have to setup an XREF definition where you must specify the condition (e.g. if RECORD-TYPE=H) and which layout to use if that condition is met.

This is a very useful as most (all?) of our files usually contain multiple record-types.

Thanks Robert and Anuj. Appreciate your explnations.