Data File Information Gathering  Create and Leverage a File Properties Repository http://www.simotime.com

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 file 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 a Micro Focus sub-system to create a Key-Sequenced-Data-set containing an inventory of traditional sequential files and VSAM Data Sets. Once the inventory of files 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 item is currently a Work in Progress

Collecting Information about the Files
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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 meyhods for collecting information about files used by an application.

Application Analysis Tools
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Scan the JCL, PROC's and Control Files
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LISTCAT Information
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Spread Sheet Information
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Micro Focus Catalog Extract
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Ongoing Growth of FPMASTER.DAT
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Online Access/Update of FPMASTER.DAT
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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 startting point to populate the catalog.

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Create Catalog Entries for Files, PDS's and VSAM Clusters
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Defining a VSAM Cluster
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Creating a Catalog Entry for Sequential Files
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The Copy File for the Linkage Data Areas
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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 suite of programs is provided as a COBOL programming example of one of the possible solutions to the problem of managing an inventory of data files.

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 express 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.

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

Downloads and Links to Similar Pages
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You may download this example at  http://www.simotime.com/sim4dzip.htm#zPackdatrak01  as a Z-Pack. The Z-Packs provide individual programming examples, documentation and test data files in a single package. The Z-Packs are usually in zip format to reduce the amount of time to download.

Please view the complete list of SimoTime Z-Pack Examples at  http://www.simotime.com/sim4dzip.htm .

Note: You must be attached to the Internet to download a Z-Pack or view the list.

The  hexadecimal dump  of the parameter-buffer uses the same technique as describe in another SimoTime example that describes the dumping of a data string using COBOL. The name of the member that does the actual hexadecimal dump is called SimoDUMP. A copy file (PASSDUMP.CPY) is provided for defining the pass area.

The  SimoZAPS Utility Program  has the capability of generating a COBOL program that will do the conversion of sequential and VSAM (KSDS) files between EBCDIC and ASCII. SimoZAPS can also read a sequential file in EBCDIC format and create an ASCII/CRLF file or VSAM KSDS file in ASCII format. The conversion tables may be viewed or modified to meet unique requirements. The Hexcess/2 function provides the capability of viewing, finding or patching the contents of a file in hexadecimal.

Check out  The COBOL Connection  for more examples of mainframe COBOL coding techniques and sample code.

Check out  The SimoTime Library  for a wide range of topics for Programmers, Project Managers and Software Developers.

To review all the information available on this site start at  The SimoTime Home Page .

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

About SimoTime Enterprises
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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.