Data File Information Gathering
Create and Leverage a File Properties Repository

When technology complements business

Table of Contents

Version 10.11.01

	Introduction
	Collecting and Saving non-Relational Data Information
	Application Analysis Tools
	Scan the JCL, PROC's and Control Files
	LISTCAT Information
	Spread Sheet Information
	Micro Focus Catalog Extract
	Ongoing Growth of FPMASTER.DAT
	Online Access/Update of FPMASTER.DAT
	Building a Catalog for Micro Focus
	Exporting/Importing with an Excel Spread Sheet
	Create Catalog Entries for PDS's, GDG's, Files and VSAM Clusters
	Create the Catalog Entries for PDS's
	Create the Catalog Entries for GDG's
	Create the Catalog Entries for Sequential Files
	Create the Catalog Entries for VSAM Data Sets
	The Copy File for the Repository Record Structure
	Summary
	Software Agreement and Disclaimer
	Downloads and Links to Similar Pages
	Downloads and Links, Internet Access Required
	Downloads and Links, Local Access
	Glossary of Terms
	Comments, Suggestions or Feedback
	Company Overview

The SimoTime Home Page

Introduction
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Creating and maintaining an inventory of data files can be a challenge. The challenge is not with the degree of difficulty or complexity. The challenge is with the realization of the value, a commitment to the task and elevating the priority of doing a very boring task. However, once it is accomplished it becomes a very worthwhile repository of information that can be used in the planning, development, testing and production environments.

Information about the characteristic (or properties) of a Data File, Data Structure (such as a PDS or GDG) or VSAM Data Set is not always readily available. In today's world when application processing is being moved between systems and data is being transferred, shared, converted and compared an inventory of data files can be quite helpful.

This example will use a Windows System running Micro Focus Enterprise Studio to create a Key-Sequenced-Data-Set (or VSAM, KSDS) containing an inventory of Partitioned Data Sets, Generation Data Groups, Sequential Files and VSAM Data Sets. Once the inventory of data sets has been created it will be possible to use this information to build a catalog for Micro Focus Mainframe Express or Micro Focus Studio/Server environments.

Note: This document is currently a Work in Progress

Collecting and Saving non-Relational Data Information
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There are numerous ways to gather information about the existance of files and the file properties. This section will discuss various methods for collecting information about files used by an application.

1	Create a Spreadsheet for the Inventory of the Partitioned Data Sets (PDS's)
2	Create a Spreadsheet for the Inventory of the Generation Data Groups (GDG's)
3	Create a Spreadsheet for the Inventory of the Sequential Files
4	Create a Spreadsheet for the Inventory of the VSAM Data Sets

Build Four Excel Spreadsheets for the Data Set Inventory and Associated Properties

Application Analysis Tools
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WIP2

Scan the JCL, PROC's and Control Files
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WIP2

LISTCAT Information
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

WIP2

Spread Sheet Information
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

WIP2

Micro Focus Catalog Extract
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WIP2

Ongoing Growth of FPMASTER.DAT
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

WIP2

Online Access/Update of FPMASTER.DAT
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WIP2

Building a Catalog for Micro Focus
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A program is provided that will access the File Properties repository (FPMASTER.DAT) and generate the necessary JCL. The JCL is then submitted via the Internal Reader to create a catalog entry for a sequential file or to Define a Cluster for a VSAM data set. Refer to the Document for Building a Micro Focus Catalog for additional information.

Exporting/Importing with an Excel Spread Sheet
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The following is the column structure for an Excel spreadsheet to be used as a starting point to populate the catalog.

Column - Label

Description

A - Level Number

This should be a "1" for the primary file definition information. A zero (0) is used to define the row that is used for column headers.

B -DSN

This is a text string with a maximum length of forty-four (44) characters. It is the fully-qualified MVS Data Set Name (DSN) or VSAM Cluster Name

C - DD Name

This is a text string with a maximum length of eight (8) characters. It is the DD Name.

D - DSORG

This is the Data Set Organization.

E - RECFM

This is the Record Format.

F - lrecl-MIN

This is a numeric string with a maximum length of five (5) digits. It is the minimum or average record length.

G - lrecl-MAX

This is a numeric string with a maximum length of five (5) digits. It is the maximum record length.

H - KeyPos

This is a numeric string with a maximum length of five (5) digits. It is the key starting position. The first position in a record is 1

I - KeyLen

This is a numeric string with a maximum length of five (5) digits. It is for the length of the key.

J - VSAM Data Name

This is a text string with a maximum length of forty-four (44) characters. It is the VSAM Data Name for KSDS and ESDS

K -VSAM Index Name

This is a text string with a maximum length of forty-four (44) characters. It is the VSAM Index Name for KSDS

L - Override Job

This is a text string with a maximum length of eight (8) characters. It is the JCL Member name that will be used to override the generated JCL that is used to create the catalog entry.

M - User Job 1

This is a text string with a maximum length of eight (8) characters. It is the JCL Member name for a job that will be submitted to the internal reader after the catalog creation process is complete.

N - User Job 2

This is a text string with a maximum length of eight (8) characters. It is the JCL Member name for a job that will be submitted to the internal reader after the previous steps are completed.

O - Extended S1

This is a text string with a maximum length of four (4) characters. The content varies.
If DSORG=PO then this field contains the extension of the PDSM that is used for a dynamic PDS.

P - Extended S2

This is a text string with a maximum length of four (4) characters. The content varies.

Q - Extended M1

This is a text string with a maximum length of sixteen (16) characters. The content varies, refer to Note-1

R - Extended M2

This is a text string with a maximum length of sixteen (16) characters. The content varies, refer to Note-1

S - Extended M3

This is a text string with a maximum length of sixteen (16) characters. The content varies, refer to Note-1

T - Extended M4

This is a text string with a maximum length of sixteen (16) characters. The content varies, refer to Note-1

U - Extended X1

This is a text string with a maximum length of 256 characters. It is the path to the directory that contains the Members for a Job Override, User Job 1 and/or User Job 2.

V - Extended X2

This is a text string with a maximum length of 256 characters. The content varies.
If DSORG=PO then this field contains the path to the directory that contains the PDS Members.

Note-1:

The Extended M1 trhough M4 fields are sixteen (16) byte fields. The content varies.

If	DSORG=GDG the following values are accepted:
	LIMIT(nnn) where nnn is the number of active generations
	SCRATCH or NOSCRATCH, SCRATCH will physically delete the generation, NOSCRATCH will uncatalog the latest generation
	NOEMPTY or EMPTY, This specifies, what action is to be taken when the GDG becomes full base on the number in the LIMIT.

Format of an Excel Spread Sheet

Create Catalog Entries for PDS's, GDG's, Files and VSAM Clusters
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WIP1

Create the Catalog Entries for PDS's
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WIP2

Create the Catalog Entries for GDG's
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

WIP2

Create the Catalog Entries for Sequential Files
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

WIP2

Create the Catalog Entries for VSAM Data Sets
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WIP2

The Copy File for the Repository Record Structure
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WIP1

Summary
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The purpose of this document is to assist as a tutorial for new programmers or as a quick reference for experienced programmers. In the world of programming there are many ways to solve a problem. This document and the links to other documents are intended to provide a choice of alternatives.

Software Agreement and Disclaimer
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Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software, documentation or training material for any purpose requires a fee to be paid to SimoTime Enterprises. Once the fee is received by SimoTime the latest version of the software, documentation or training material will be delivered and a license will be granted for use within an enterprise, provided the SimoTime copyright notice appear on all copies of the software. The SimoTime name or Logo may not be used in any advertising or publicity pertaining to the use of the software without the written permission of SimoTime Enterprises.

SimoTime Enterprises makes no warranty or representations about the suitability of the software, documentation or learning material for any purpose. It is provided "AS IS" without any expressed or implied warranty, including the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. SimoTime Enterprises shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from the loss of use, data or projects, whether in an action of contract or tort, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of this software, documentation or training material.

Downloads and Links to Similar Pages
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This section includes links to documents with additional information that is beyond the scope and purpose of this document. The first sub-section requires an internet connection, the second sub-section references locally available documents.

Note: A SimoTime License is required for the items to be made available on a local server.

Downloads and Links, Internet Access Required
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The following links will require an internet connect.

A good place to start is The SimoTime Home Page for access to white papers, program examples and product information.

This suite of programs and documentation is available for download. Link to an Evaluation zPAK Option that includes the program members, documentation and control files.

Explore The ASCII and EBCDIC translation tables. These tables are provided for individuals that need to better understand the bit structures and differences of the encoding formats.

Explore The File Status Return Codes to interpret the results of accessing VSAM data sets and QSAM files.

Explore The Micro Focus Web Site for more information about products and services available from Micro Focus.

Downloads and Links, Local Access
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The following links may be accessible without an internet connection.

Explore The File Status Return Codes to interpret the results of accessing VSAM data sets and QSAM files.

Glossary of Terms
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Check out The SimoTime Glossary for a list of terms and definitions used in the documents provided by SimoTime.

Comments, Suggestions or Feedback
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This document was created and is maintained by SimoTime Enterprises.

If you have any questions, suggestions, comments or feedback please call or send an e-mail to: helpdesk@simotime.com

We appreciate hearing from you.

Company Overview
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Founded in 1987, SimoTime Enterprises is a privately owned company. We specialize in the creation and deployment of business applications using new or existing technologies and services. We have a team of individuals that understand the broad range of technologies being used in today's environments. This includes the smallest thin client using the Internet and the very large mainframe systems. There is more to making the Internet work for your company's business than just having a nice looking WEB site. It is about combining the latest technologies and existing technologies with practical business experience. It's about the business of doing business and looking good in the process. Quite often, to reach larger markets or provide a higher level of service to existing customers it requires the newer Internet technologies to work in a complementary manner with existing corporate mainframe systems.

Whether you want to use the Internet to expand into new market segments or as a delivery vehicle for existing business functions simply give us a call or check the web site at http://www.simotime.com

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Data File Information Gathering, Create and Leverage a File Properties Repository

When technology complements business

http://www.simotime.com

Introduction (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Collecting and Saving non-Relational Data Information (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Application Analysis Tools (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Scan the JCL, PROC's and Control Files (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

LISTCAT Information (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Spread Sheet Information (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Micro Focus Catalog Extract (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Ongoing Growth of FPMASTER.DAT (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Online Access/Update of FPMASTER.DAT (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Building a Catalog for Micro Focus (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Exporting/Importing with an Excel Spread Sheet (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Create Catalog Entries for PDS's, GDG's, Files and VSAM Clusters (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Create the Catalog Entries for PDS's (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Create the Catalog Entries for GDG's (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Create the Catalog Entries for Sequential Files (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Create the Catalog Entries for VSAM Data Sets (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

The Copy File for the Repository Record Structure (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Summary (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Software Agreement and Disclaimer (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Downloads and Links to Similar Pages (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Downloads and Links, Internet Access Required (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Downloads and Links, Local Access (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Glossary of Terms (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Comments, Suggestions or Feedback (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Company Overview (Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Introduction
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Collecting and Saving non-Relational Data Information
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Application Analysis Tools
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Scan the JCL, PROC's and Control Files
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

LISTCAT Information
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Spread Sheet Information
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Micro Focus Catalog Extract
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Ongoing Growth of FPMASTER.DAT
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Online Access/Update of FPMASTER.DAT
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Building a Catalog for Micro Focus
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Exporting/Importing with an Excel Spread Sheet
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Create Catalog Entries for PDS's, GDG's, Files and VSAM Clusters
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Create the Catalog Entries for PDS's
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Create the Catalog Entries for GDG's
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Create the Catalog Entries for Sequential Files
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Create the Catalog Entries for VSAM Data Sets
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

The Copy File for the Repository Record Structure
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Summary
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Software Agreement and Disclaimer
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Downloads and Links to Similar Pages
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Downloads and Links, Internet Access Required
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Downloads and Links, Local Access
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Glossary of Terms
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Comments, Suggestions or Feedback
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)

Company Overview
(Next) (Previous) (Table-of-Contents)