The VSAM-QSAM-SORT Connection When technology complements business   File Accessing Methods

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Introduction
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The VSAM-QSAM-SORT Connection provides a suite of sample programs and reference documentation for managing VSAM Data Sets or flat, sequential files (QSAM). Techniques for creating, deleting or updating are included for both VSAM and QSAM. The sample members are written to run as MVS batch jobs on an IBM mainframe or as a project with Micro Focus Mainframe Express (MFE) running on a PC with Windows (refer to http://www.microfocus.com ). If a technique is used that is unique to the mainframe and not supported by Mainframe Express it will be noted.

Status Codes and Common Utility Programs
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This section is intended for individuals that are learning, creating or maintaining applications that access VSAM Data Sets. Sample programs are provided and most samples will run on an IBM Mainframe or Micro Focus Mainframe Express platform.

File Status Codes, Reference Document
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This document provides a quick summary of the  File Status Key  for VSAM data sets and QSAM files. The File Status Key is a two character data item. The first character of the status key is known as status key 1; the second character is known as status key 2.

File Status Codes, Program Example, Format and Display
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This COBOL programming example will show how to display the file status code by converting the two byte file status code that may contain binary data to a four byte numeric value. This example contains two COBOL programs. The first is a demonstration program that generates various two byte, file status codes. The second COBOL routine does the actual conversion to a four byte, numeric value that may be displayed. A brief description of the file status code is also provided. Sample mainframe JCL and a sample COBOL programs are included. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

Common Utility Programs - Create, Update or Delete a File or VSAM Data Set
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This suite of programs will create, populate and delete the QSAM file and the VSAM, KSDS data set used by many of the sample programs. Sample mainframe JCL and a sample COBOL program are included. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

VSAM Programming Examples
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This section is intended for individuals that are learning, creating or maintaining applications that access VSAM Data Sets. Sample programs are provided and most samples will run on an IBM Mainframe or Micro Focus Mainframe Express platform.

VSAM, Keyed Sequential Data Sets (KSDS), Programming Examples
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The following describes how to create or maintain applications that access VSAM Key Sequenced Data Sets (KSDS). Sample programs are provided and most samples will run on an IBM Mainframe or Micro Focus Mainframe Express platform.

VSAM, KSDS processing with a Single COBOL Program
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This program suite provides an example of how a single COBOL program is used to access a VSAM data set. The COBOL programs are written using COBOL/2 dialect but also works with COBOL for MVS and COBOL/370. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

VSAM, KSDS processing using COBOL with a COBOL I/O Routine
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This program suite provides an example of how a mainline COBOL program calls a mainframe COBOL I/O routine to access a VSAM data set. The I/O routine will also display the file status codes when an I/O error occurs. The COBOL programs are written using the COBOL/2 dialect but also work with COBOL for MVS and COBOL/370. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

VSAM, KSDS processing using COBOL with an Assembler I/O Routine
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This program suite provides an example of how a mainline COBOL program calls a mainframe Assembler I/O routine to access a VSAM data set. The COBOL program is written using the COBOL/2 dialect but also work with COBOL for MVS and COBOL/370. The assembler IO routine is written in IBM Mainframe Assembler, it will compile using Assembler/H or HLASM. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

VSAM, Entry Sequenced Data Sets (ESDS), Programming Examples
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The following describes how to create or maintain applications that access VSAM Entry Sequenced Data Sets (KSDS). Sample programs are provided and most samples will run on an IBM Mainframe or Micro Focus Mainframe Express platform.

VSAM, ESDS Delete, Define with JCL & Add Records using COBOL
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This program suite provides an example of how to delete and define a new Entry Sequenced Data Set (ESDS) using Mainframe JCL. Once the new ESDS is created a COBOL program is used to add records to the data set. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

QSAM Programming Examples
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This section is intended for individuals that are learning, creating or maintaining applications that access QSAM Files. Sample programs are provided and most samples will run on an IBM Mainframe or Micro Focus Mainframe Express platform.

QSAM processing with a Single COBOL Program
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This program suite provides an example of how a single COBOL program is used to access a QSAM or Sequential file. The COBOL programs are written using COBOL/2 dialect but also works with COBOL for MVS and COBOL/370. Simply click on one of the following items to   learn more  or   download  this sample set of programs.

QSAM File processing using COBOL with a COBOL I/O Routine
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This program suite provides an example of how a mainline COBOL program calls a mainframe COBOL I/O routine to access a QSAM or Sequential file. The I/O routine will also display the file status codes when an I/O error occurs. The COBOL programs are written using the COBOL/2 dialect but also work with COBOL for MVS and COBOL/370. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

QSAM processing using COBOL with an Assembler I/O Routine
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This program suite provides an example of how a mainline COBOL program calls a mainframe Assembler I/O routine to access a QSAM sequential file. The COBOL program is written using the COBOL/2 dialect but also work with COBOL for MVS and COBOL/370. The assembler IO routine is written in IBM Mainframe Assembler, it will compile using Assembler/H or HLASM. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

Sort a File
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This section provides information and links to white papers and examples for using the SORT on an IBM Mainframe System or a Micro Focus environment running on a Windows or UNIX System.

SORT, Mainframe Example using JCL
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This suite of programs provides an example of how to do syntax checking of a JCL member without executing the job steps. The first two JOB steps use IEFBR14 to delete previously created files and then uses IEBGENER to create a new file. The next two JOB steps use the SORT utility to copy a file and to sort a file. A job step is included that will do a case insensitive sort. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

SORT, Mailing Labels, Postal Code Sequence
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This suite of programs provides an example of how a mainline application processes a VSAM, KSDS or Indexed File containing Name, Address information and creates a sorted (by postal code sequence) sequential file containing mailing labels that are formatted with 1, 2, 3 or 4 labels across of six lines for each label. This example uses a two-dimensional array to build the label-printing output. The COBOL programs are written using the COBOL/2 dialect but also work with COBOL for MVS and COBOL/370. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

SORT, Simple Examples for Mainframe and Micro Focus
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This suite of programs will describe how to do use the Micro Focus SORT program with a Windows command line or Mainframe JCL. The Mainframe JCL will execute on a Mainframe System with ZOS. A small sequential file is created and then sorted. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

The SimoCARD Series, Sequential File Access, 80-Bytes
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The  SimoCARD suite of programs  will provide read and write access to Record Sequential and Line Sequential data files consisting of eighty (80) byte records that have been downloaded from a mainframe using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP). The Record Sequential files are usually downloaded in BINARY mode and contain EBCDIC encoded data. The Line Sequential files are usually downloaded in ASCII mode and contain ASCII encoded data. In addition to the four I/O routines a fifth callable routine is provided that will convert eighty (80) byte text strings between ASCII and EBCDIC.

Note: A Line Sequential file may also be referred to as an ASCII/Text file

Alternate Index for VSAM, KSDS
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This program suite provides an example of how a COBOL program can process a VSAM, Keyed Sequential Data Set (KSDS) with a primary key and an alternate index. The COBOL programs are written using the COBOL/2 dialect but work with COBOL for MVS and COBOL/370. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

Generation Data Groups (GDG's)
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This suite of sample programs describes how to define a Generation Data Group (GDG). Once the GDG is defined the creation of a Generation Date Set (referred to as a generation or GDS) within the group is discussed. The COBOL program is written using the COBOL/2 dialect but works with COBOL for MVS and COBOL/370. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

Convert between Line & Record Sequential, EBCDIC & ASCII
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This suite of sample programs will show an approach to the task of File format conversion between Line Sequential and Record Sequential files. Also, file content conversion between ASCII and EBCDIC will be discussed. This example uses sequential files with 80-byte records. Simply click on one of the following items to  learn more by viewing the documentation  or  download an evaluation copy  of this sample set of programs.

Data Management Series
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This section provides examples and links to documents that describe the management of data sharing or application migration between an IBM Mainframe System and a Windows System using Micro Focus. The information provided will cover data file transfer, conversion and comparison of non-relation or traditional sequential files and VSAM, Keyed Sequential Data Sets (KSDS). Click here for  a consolidated look at the white papers and sample programs  provided by the Data Management Series.

Data File Abstract
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This is a link to a white paper that provides a quick overview of the data management tasks required to migrate or share data between a Mainframe system and a Windows or UNIX system.

Data File Transfer
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This is a link to a white paper that provides a quick overview of the data file transfer options available when transferring or sharing data between a Mainframe system and a Windows or UNIX system.

Data File Conversion
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This is a link to a white paper that provides a quick overview of the possible data file conversion options available when migrating or sharing data between a Mainframe system and a Windows or UNIX system.

Data File Comparison (or Validation)
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This is a link to a white paper that provides a quick overview of the possible data file comparison options available when testing an application or data that has been moved between a Mainframe system and a Windows or UNIX system.

File Formats for Micro Focus
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This is a link to a white paper that provides a quick overview of the various Micro Focus File Formats provided for the Windows and UNIX environments supported by Micro Focus

Data File Transfer, Share, Convert or Compare
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This section provides examples and links to documents that describes the data file transfer, convert or compare of non-relation or traditional sequential files and keyed sequential data sets.

There are many options available when moving and converting data between an IBM Mainframe and a Windows or UNIX environment. This link provides an overview of the processes for file transfer and conversion an overview of the processes for file transfer and conversion with an example of how to convert a VSAM data set to a flat Sequential file on the mainframe, download the flat sequential file from the mainframe to the PC and create a new file of a compatible format of ASCII or EBCDIC content on the PC.

This link provides detailed examples for file transfer and conversion processes. The examples cover the three commonly used file formats. The formats are a sequential file with fixed length records, a sequential file with variable length records and a keyed sequential data set.

A Simple EBCDIC to ASCII File Content Conversion
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This link provides A Simple Example of a Data File Conversion that reads an EBCDIC-encoded file of eighty (80) byte records and creates a new file of ASCII-encoded, eighty (80) byte records.

A File Format Conversion from Indexed to Comma-Separated-Values (CSV)
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This link provides an example of Reading an Indexed File and Creating a Comma Separated Values (CSV) File that may be easily imported into an excel spreadsheet.

A File Format Conversion from Mainframe Image with Variable Length Records
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This link provides an example of how to Convert a Mainframe Formatted File with Variable Length Records to a Micro Focus File with Variable Length Records. The objective of this suite of programs and documentation is to provide a solution for using FTP to download a mainframe sequential file with variable length records to a system that is running Microsoft Windows and Micro Focus COBOL and convert the file format to a Micro Focus sequential file with variable length records.

A Data File Transition Cycle with Various Convert and Compare Processes
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This link provides an example of the  various conversion and comparison processes  that move data from EBCDIC encoded environments to ASCII encoded environments and from a Mainframe format to a format that may be easily imported into an excel spreadsheet. This suite of sample programs and documentation may be downloaded for training and evaluation purposes.

Sequential Files with Variable Length Records
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This program suite provides an example of how to create and access a sequential file containing variable length records. The COBOL programs are written using the COBOL/2 dialect but also works with COBOL for MVS and COBOL/370. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

Variable Length Records (process using Standard COBOL)
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This program suite provides an example of how to create and access a sequential file containing variable length records using standard SELECT and FD statements. The COBOL programs are written using the COBOL/2 dialect but also works with COBOL for MVS and COBOL/370. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

Variable Length Records (using Byte-Stream I/O)
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This program suite provides an example of how to transfer and convert a sequential file containing variable length records. The example includes a description of how to use FTP to download a file without doing a conversion on the Mainframe System. The COBOL programs are written using the Micro Focus dialect and requires Micro Focus Net Express or Micro Focus Mainframe Express. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

Variable Length Records (Transfer, Share, Convert, Compare)
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This program suite provides an example of how to Transfer, Share, Convert and Compare record and line sequential files containing variable length records. The example includes a description of how to use FTP to download a file without doing a conversion on the Mainframe System. The COBOL programs are written using the Micro Focus dialect and requires Micro Focus Net Express. Simply click on one of the following items to learn more or download this sample set of programs.

Large Files with Micro Focus (greater than 2-gig)
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This program suite provides an example of how to create or access data files that exceed two gigabytes in size. Micro Focus provides support for files that exceed two gigabytes but the capability must be configured. The COBOL program is written using the COBOL/2 dialect but also work with COBOL for MVS and COBOL/370. Simply click on one of the following items to  learn more  or  download  this sample set of programs.

The Customer Master File
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On the IBM Mainframe the Customer Master File is a VSAM Keyed Sequential Data Set (referred to as KSDS). On a Windows or UNIX System using Micro Focus the Customer Master File is an Indexed File or Key Sequenced File.

The Customer Master file contains variable length records with the minimum and average record length being the same length of 512 bytes. The key starts in the first position of the record and is 12 bytes in length. The record layout is defined in a COBOL copy file and contains text strings and various numeric formats including zoned-decimal, packed and binary.

Customer Master, Create and Populate, Small Test File
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This program suite provides an example of how to create and populate a Customer Master File. On the Mainframe System the file is a VSAM, Key-Sequenced-Data-Set (or KSDS). On a Windows or UNIX System the Micro Focus Indexed File format is used. The file contains 512 byte records and the key (or customer number) is twelve (12) bytes starting in the first position of each record. Simply click on one of the following items to  learn more or download this sample set of programs.

Customer Master, Extract and Format Data for Excel
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This is actually two COBOL programs. The first program does the File I/O of reading the Customer Master File and writing reformatted records to a sequential file. The File I/O program calls the second program to do the record formatting that expands the numeric fields and does blank truncation on the text fields and then places a comma between the fields as the field delimiter. This link is provided to  view the file extract programs  that are provided in a separate document.

Customer Master, Convert between EBCDIC and ASCII
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This is actually two COBOL programs. The first program does the File I/O of reading the Customer Master File and writing reformatted records to a sequential file. The File I/O program calls the second program to do the record formatting that expands the numeric fields and does blank truncation on the text fields and then places a comma between the fields as the field delimiter. This link is provided to  view the file content conversion programs  that are provided in a separate document.

Customer Master, Create and Populate, Generic Name and Address
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This program suite provides an example of how to create and populate a Customer Master File. The number of records in the file is determined by a parameter in a configuration file. The individual names (both first and last), the street name and the city, state are obtained from separate data files. On the Mainframe System the file is a VSAM, Key-Sequenced-Data-Set (or KSDS). On a Windows or UNIX System the Micro Focus Indexed File format is used. The file contains 512 byte records and the key (or customer number) is twelve (12) bytes starting in the first position of each record. Simply click on one of the following items to  learn more or download this sample set of programs.

The Item Master File
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On the IBM Mainframe the Item Master File is a VSAM Keyed Sequential Data Set (referred to as KSDS). On a Windows or UNIX System using Micro Focus the Item Master File is an Indexed File or Key Sequenced File.

The Item Master file contains variable length records with the minimum and average record length being the same length of 512 bytes. The key starts in the first position of the record and is 12 bytes in length. The record layout is defined in a COBOL copy file and contains text strings and various numeric formats including zoned-decimal, packed and binary.

Item Master, Create and Populate
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This program suite provides an example of how to create and populate the Item Master File. On the Mainframe System the file is a VSAM, Key-Sequenced-Data-Set (or KSDS). On a Windows or UNIX System the Micro Focus Indexed File format is used. The file contains 512 byte records and the key (or item number) is twelve (12) bytes starting in the first position of each record. Simply click on one of the following items to  learn more  or  download  this sample set of programs.

Item Master, Extract and Format Data for Excel
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This is actually two COBOL programs. The first program does the File I/O of reading the Item Master File and writing reformatted records to a sequential file. The File I/O program calls the second program to do the record formatting that expands the numeric fields and does blank truncation on the text fields and then places a comma between the fields as the field delimiter. This link is provided to  view the file extract programs  that are provided in a separate document.

Item Master, Convert between EBCDIC and ASCII
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This is actually two COBOL programs. The first program does the File I/O of reading the Item Master File and writing reformatted records to a sequential file. The File I/O program calls the second program to do the record formatting that expands the numeric fields and does blank truncation on the text fields and then places a comma between the fields as the field delimiter. This link is provided to  view the file content conversion programs  that are provided in a separate document.

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. These sample programs are made available on an "as-is" basis and may be downloaded in accordance with the Software Agreement and Disclaimer that is explained in the following section of this document. As always, it is the programmer's responsibility to thoroughly test all programs.

Software Agreement and Disclaimer
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Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software for any commercial purpose requires a fee to be paid to SimoTime Enterprises. Once the fee is received by SimoTime the latest version of the software 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.

Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software for a non-commercial purpose and without fee is hereby granted, 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 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.

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 the VSAM-QSAM examples at http://www.simotime.com/sim4dzip.htm#ZipsforVSAMQSAM as a Z-Packs. 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.

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

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

Check out The JCL Connection for more mainframe JCL examples.

Check out The SQL Connection in the SimoTime Library for more mainframe SQL examples.

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.

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 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, LLC
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Founded in 1987, SimoTime Enterprises is a privately owned, Limited Liability Corporation located in Novato, California. 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 .