what is the point of WRITE KEYTO?

[peeterjoot]

I understand the point of the KEYFROM option in WRITE. For example I could do a VSAM write using:

WRITE FILE(myfile) KEYFROM(mykey) FROM(myrecord)

The Enterprise PL/I for z/OS Language Reference manual also specifies that a KEYTO() option is allowed for WRITE. What would that be used for?

[Akatsukami]

The Language Reference does not state that KEYTO can be used with WRITE, but rather with READ; see page 299.

[Robert Sample]

From the version 5.1 Programming Guide page 295:

You can obtain the RBA for a record by using the KEYTO option, either on a WRITE statement when you are loading or extending the data set, or on a READ statement when the data set is being read. You can subsequently use an RBA obtained in either of these ways in the KEY option of a READ or REWRITE statement.

[peeterjoot]

The Language Reference does not state that KEYTO can be used with WRITE, but rather with READ; see page 299.

On page 313, the syntax diagram shows:

►► WRITE FILE (file-reference) FROM (reference) ►
►
KEYFROM(expression)
KEYTO(reference)