Mainframe, MVS and zOS Discussion

CHAP_2.14.3 Record Layout XREF Dataset




A record layout cross reference (XREF) dataset contains information created using option 7, XREF. XREF datasets are used in the following File-AID functions:
Formatted and vertical formatted mode of browse and edit

Formatted selection criteria definitions

Formatted print

Formatted compare criteria.
If you specify an XREF dataset and an X in Record layout usage on a dataset specification screen without specifying a member, File-AID displays a list of members. You can select an XREF member with the S (Select) line or primary command. For an XREF dataset, the dataset organization must be partitioned (DSORG=PO). The record format must be variable-blocked (RECFM=VB). The logical record length must be 300 (LRECL=300). And the XREF dataset must have a minimum block size of 304 (BLKSIZE=304). XREF and selection criteria members can be stored in the same dataset. You create record layout XREF members to communicate information about the COBOL or PL/I record layout dataset to File-AID in the following situations:
The data file you want to process contains more than one type of record, where each type of record requires a different layout to define it. The XREF member contains the location and values in the record type fields and the corresponding record layout members that define the data records with those values.

The record layout(s) you want File-AID to use are stored in a source library member containing multiple record layouts.

The record layout(s) you want File-AID to use are imbedded in a COBOL or PL/I program.