VSAM, KSDS Share
Run Book, Convert or Review
  Table of Contents  v-23.01.01 - tcksdsrb.htm 
  Introduction
  Goal
  Requirements
  Objectives
  Execute the Convert Process
  Obtain EBCDIC Input Data
  Convert/Review, EBC to ASC
  Convert/Review, RSEQ to KSDS
  Extract, KSDS to LCSV
  Technical Details
  COBOL Copy File for Convert
  Summary
  Software Agreement and Disclaimer
  Downloads and Links
  Current Server or Internet Access
  Internet Access Required
  Glossary of Terms
  Comments or Feedback
  Company Overview
The SimoTime Home Page 

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Introduction

This Test Case will describe and demonstrate the process and technologies used to copy, convert and review the data that is stored in an EBCDIC-encoded VSAM, Key Sequenced Data Set (KSDS) on an IBM Mainframe to a ASCII-encoded Indexed File on a Windows or Linux System.

Note: This Test Case is being updated and should be considered a Work In Progress (WIP).

This document will describe and demonstrate the execution processes of transferring, converting and reviewing data that is currently stored on an IBM Mainframe System to a Windows or Linux System. The convert process includes file format, record content and field format conversion. The content of text fields may be converted between EBCDIC and ASCII. The format of numeric fields may be maintain in their current format or converted between Binary, Packed Decimal and Zoned Decimal to a text-oriented format.

In many cases a user request to convert data between EBCDIC and ASCII will expand into a request to convert a file format (typically a record sequential file) and its record content from a mainframe-oriented, EBCDIC-encoded record structure to a file format and ASCII-encoded, record structure that may be easily imported and accessed from within a relational data base or a spread sheet using Excel or LibreOffice Calc. This expanded request will involve more than a simple conversion between the EBCDIC and ASCII encoding schemas.

This is the Run Book for the TCKSDS01 Test Case. This test case will describe and demonstrate the process of converting an EBCDIC-encoded, Record Sequential file to an ASCII/Text file. The convert process includes file format, record content and field format conversion. The tasks within this conversion process are executed as separate steps to allow a user to review the results. The steps may be consolidated into a single job.

The following provides an overview of the numeric data structures commonly used on an IBM Mainframe System and supported by the COBOL programming Language.

1. The Input file for this test case is a Record Sequential (RSEQ) File.
1.1. Each record contains Text strings that may be ASCII or EBCDIC-encoded.
1.2. Each record contains Numeric values that may be stored in a Binary (COMP), Packed-Decimal (COMP-3) or Zoned-Decimal format.
1.2.1. A numeric structure using a Binary (or COMP) format
1.2.2. A numeric structure using a Packed-Decimal (COMP-3) format
1.2.3. A numeric structure using a Zoned-Decimal format
1.3. The record structure is a Fixed-Field-Length (FFL) format. The record size is a fixed length of 512 bytes.
1.3.1. The record structure is defined within a COBOL Copy File.
1.4. The programs used in this test case for the convert, compare and review functions are generated COBOL programs.
1.4.1. The program generation process is described in the System Preparation Guide.

 

Hyperlink Navigation: The hyperlinks in the text strings of the preceding overview will access the SimoTime Web Site server and requires an internet connection. If the outline level number is highlighted the hyperlink will access the Current Browser Site.

The COBOL conversion programs used within this test case are generated using SimoTime Technologies. The generation process to create the programs will require a Windows or Linux System with a COBOL compiler and the SimoTime Library.

The generated COBOL programs may be compiled and executed on other systems that have a COBOL Compiler that is compatible with ANSI 2002 or later. Depending on the options used at program generation time a copy of the SimoTime Library may be required.

The remaining sections in this Run Book will describe how to use Job Scripts that will map physical file names to program file names and execute the generated programs.

Explore the SIMOTIME Web Site for additional information about the technologies and services that are available.


We have made a significant effort to ensure the documents and software technologies are correct and accurate. We reserve the right to make changes without notice at any time. The function delivered in this version is based upon the enhancement requests from a specific group of users. The intent is to provide changes as the need arises and in a timeframe that is dependent upon the availability of resources.

Copyright © 1987-2023
SimoTime Technologies and Services
All Rights Reserved

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Goal

This Test Case will describe and demonstrate the process and technologies used to copy, convert and review the data that is stored in an EBCDIC-encoded VSAM, Key Sequenced Data Set (KSDS) on an IBM Mainframe to an ASCII-encoded Indexed File on a Windows or Linux System.

1. The Input file for this test case is an EBCDIC-encoded, VSAM, Keyed Sequenced Data Set KSDS).
1.1. The record structure is a Fixed-Field-Length (FFL) format. The record size is a fixed length of 512 bytes.
1.2. Contains Text fields that are EBCDIC-encoded.
1.3. Contains Numeric fields that are stored in a Packed-Decimal (or COMP-3) format.
2. The Output file for this test case is an ASCII-encoded, VSAM, Keyed Sequenced Data Set KSDS).
2.1. The Text fields are ASCII-encoded.
2.2. The Numeric fields that are stored in a Binary (or COMP) format will be maintained in their current format.
2.3. The Numeric fields that are stored in a Packed-Decimal (or COMP-3) format will be maintained in their current format.
2.4. The Numeric fields that are stored in a Zoned-Decimal (or USAGE is DISPLAY) format will be converted from EBCDIC to ASCII.

 

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Requirements

This Test Case or the individual Unit Test modules will run on the following platforms.

1. Executes on Windows/7, Windows/10 and/or Windows Server using Micro Focus Technologies.
2. May be ported to run on a Linux platform supported by Micro Focus COBOL or GnuCOBOL.
3. The generated COBOL Member may be transferred, compiled and executed on an IBM Mainframe System with ZOS or a Windows System using Micro Focus Enterprise Developer.

 

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Objectives

This Test Case or the individual Unit Test modules will perform the following functions.

1. Provide a process to create test data
2. Provide individual Unit Test Members to convert files between file formats, record structures and record content
3. Provide individual Unit Test Members to observe file content
4. Provide individual Unit Test Members to validate numeric integrity for numeric values that are stored in a Binary, Packed-Decimal or Zoned-Decimal format.
5. Provide individual Unit Test Members to compare the content of two data files.
6. Provide a capability to view the record content via Human Observation.
7. Provide a capability to validate numeric integrity.

 

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Execute the Convert Process

WIP

The following two sections will describe and demonstrate how to obtain, convert and review the test data that is used within this test case.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Obtain EBCDIC Input Data

For this test case there are three (3) methods available for obtaining the EBCDIC Input Data

1. Download a copy of the data from the IBM Mainframe System.
1.1. WIP
1.2. Review the documentation that will describe and demonstrate a file transfer between an IBM Mainframe Hosting System and a Windows or Linux Client using the File Transfer Protocol (FTP).
2. Restore a copy of the data from a previously downloaded data file.
3. Create a new test data file on a Windows or Linux System.
3.1. WIP

 

Once the EBCDIC Data has been obtained proceed to the next section of this document.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Convert/Review, EBC to ASC

The record structure for the VSAM, KSDS's and the Record Sequential Files (RSEQ) are the same. This is possible because we are maintaining the numeric integrity by maintaining the current numeric formats. Only the fields identified as text or text-oriented fields will be converted between EBCDIC and ASCII encoding schemas.

The following outline illustrates the following primary convert and review functions.

1. Execute the EBCDIC to ASCII Convert Programs - Execute a user defined job script that will define the environment and execute the convert programs.
1.1. Review the content of the Job Script (TCKE2AW2.cmd) that will convert a file containing embedded text strings from EBCDIC to ASCII.
1.1.1. Access - %BASELIB1%\DEVL\DATA\EBC1\TCNTXTD1.dat
1.1.2. Convert embedded text strings from EBCDIC to ASCII
1.1.3. Maintain numeric (or arithmetic) integrity for packed-decimal and binary strings that contain numeric values.
1.1.4. Create - %BASELIB1%\DEVL\DATA\ASC1\TCNTXTD1.dat
2. Review the EBCDIC to ASCII Convert Results - Execute a user defined job script that will define the environment and execute the Hexadecimal Dump program.
2.1. Review the content of the Job Script (TCKHXEW1.cmd) that will present the content of the EBCDIC-encoded Input file using Hex Notation with a possible display of EBCDIC Symbols.
2.1.1. Review the Record Content of the EBCDIC File, this job script will present each record using hexadecimal notation. This will allow the user to determine the binary structure of the data. This can be very helpful when a file contains numeric values that are stored in a Binary, Packed-Decimal or Zoned-Decimal format.
2.2. Review the content of the Job Script (TCKHXAW1.cmd) that will present the content of the ASCII-encoded Input file using Hex Notation with a possible display of ASCII Symbols.
2.2.1. Review the Record Content of the ASCII File, this job script will present each record using hexadecimal notation. This will allow the user to determine the binary structure of the data. This can be very helpful when a file contains numeric values that are stored in a Binary, Packed-Decimal or Zoned-Decimal format.
2.3. Review the content of the Job Script (TCKPKAW1.cmd) that will present the content of the ASCII-encoded Output file using Hex Notation with a possible display of ASCII Symbols.
2.3.1. Review the Field Content of the ASCII-encoded, output file, this job script will present each field within a record using hexadecimal notation. This will allow the user to determine the binary structure of the data. This can be very helpful when a file contains numeric values that are stored in a Binary, Packed-Decimal or Zoned-Decimal format.

 

Once the ASCII-encoded Data has been created proceed to the next section of this document.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Convert/Review, RSEQ to KSDS

WIP

The following outline illustrates the file format convert and review functions for this task.

1. Execute the File Format (RSEQ to KSDS) Convert Programs - Execute a user defined job script that will define the environment and execute the convert programs.
1.1. Review the content of the Job Script (TCKKSDW8.cmd) that will convert a file format between RSEQ to KSDS (or Indexed File).
1.1.1. Access - %BASELIB1%\DEVL\DATA\EBC1\TCKRSAD1.dat
1.1.2. Copy record content from RSEQ to KSDS.
1.1.3. Maintain numeric (or arithmetic) integrity for packed-decimal and binary strings that contain numeric values.
1.1.4. Create - %BASELIB1%\DEVL\DATA\ASC1\TCKKSDD1.dat
2. Review the RSEQ to KSDS Convert Results - Execute a user defined job script that will define the environment and execute the Hexadecimal Dump program.
2.1. Review the content of the Job Script (TCKHXEW1.cmd) that will present the content of the EBCDIC-encoded Input file using Hex Notation with a possible display of EBCDIC Symbols.
2.1.1. Review the Record Content of the EBCDIC File, this job script will present each record using hexadecimal notation. This will allow the user to determine the binary structure of the data. This can be very helpful when a file contains numeric values that are stored in a Binary, Packed-Decimal or Zoned-Decimal format.
2.2. Review the content of the Job Script (TCKHXAW1.cmd) that will present the content of the ASCII-encoded Input file using Hex Notation with a possible display of ASCII Symbols.
2.2.1. Review the Record Content of the ASCII File, this job script will present each record using hexadecimal notation. This will allow the user to determine the binary structure of the data. This can be very helpful when a file contains numeric values that are stored in a Binary, Packed-Decimal or Zoned-Decimal format.
2.3. Review the content of the Job Script (TCKPKAW1.cmd) that will present the content of the ASCII-encoded Output file using Hex Notation with a possible display of ASCII Symbols.
2.3.1. Review the Field Content of the ASCII-encoded, output file, this job script will present the arithmetic value of each field within a record along with the physical content using hexadecimal notation. This will allow the user to determine the binary structure of the data. This can be very helpful when a file contains numeric values that are stored in a Binary, Packed-Decimal or Zoned-Decimal format.

 

Once the ASCII-encoded KSDS File has been created proceed to the next section of this document.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Extract, KSDS to LCSV

WIP

The following outline illustrates the file format convert and review functions for this task.

1. Extract Fields from KSDS to LCSV - Execute a user defined job script that will define the environment and execute the convert programs.
1.1. Review the content of the Job Script (TCKKSDW8.cmd) that will convert a file format between RSEQ to KSDS (or Indexed File).
1.1.1. Access - %BASELIB1%\DEVL\DATA\EBC1\TCKRSAD1.dat
1.1.2. Copy record content from RSEQ to KSDS.
1.1.3. Maintain numeric (or arithmetic) integrity for packed-decimal and binary strings that contain numeric values.
1.1.4. Create - %BASELIB1%\DEVL\DATA\ASC1\TCKKSDD1.dat

 

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Technical Details

This section provides additional technical details about the modules that are included in this test case.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section COBOL Copy File for Convert

The record structure for the VSAM, KSDS's and the Record Sequential Files (RSEQ) are the same. This is possible because we are maintaining the numeric integrity by maintaining the current numeric formats. For the text or text-oriented fields we are only changing between EBCDIC and ASCII encoding schemas.

The following links provides a description of the COBOL Copy File that defines the record structure for the files involved in the primary conversion from an EBCDIC to ASCII encoded VSAM, KSDS.

To review the field definitions of a data structure click on one of the following to link via the Current Browser Site or the SimoTime Web Site.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Summary

This document and referenced programs describes and demonstrates the process of converting an EBCDIC-encoded, Record Sequential file to an ASCII/Text file. Also, the convert process includes a file format, record content and field format conversion that will expand the numeric values that are stored in a Zoned-Decimal or Packed-Decimal format. This document may be used to assist as a tutorial for new programmers or as a quick reference for experienced programmers. The document has focused on the processing techniques used to address technical and business requirements in a multi-system environment. As always, it is the programmer's responsibility to thoroughly test all programs.

In the world of programming there are many ways to solve a problem. This documentation and software were developed and tested on systems that are configured for a SIMOTIME environment based on the hardware, operating systems, user requirements and security requirements. Therefore, adjustments may be needed to execute the jobs and programs when transferred to a system of a different architecture or configuration.

SIMOTIME Services has experience in moving or sharing data or application processing across a variety of systems. For additional information about SIMOTIME Services or Technologies please contact us using the information in the  Contact, Comment or Feedback  section of this document.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Software Agreement and Disclaimer

Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software, documentation or training material for any purpose requires a fee to be paid to SimoTime Technologies. 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 Technologies.

SimoTime Technologies 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 Technologies 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.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Downloads and Links

This section includes links to documents with additional information that are beyond the scope and purpose of this document. The first group of documents may be available from a local system or via an internet connection, the second group of documents will require an internet connection.

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

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Current Server or Internet Access

The following links may be to the current server or to the Internet.

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore the System Preparation Document that will describe and demonstrate the preparation processes of transferring, converting and reviewing an EBCDIC-encoded, VSAM KSDS that is currently stored on an IBM Mainframe System to aa ASCII-encoded Indexed File that will be located on a Windows or Linux System. The convert process includes file format, record content and field format conversion. The content of text fields may be converted between EBCDIC and ASCII. The format of numeric fields may be maintain in their current format or converted between Binary, Packed Decimal and Zoned Decimal to a text-oriented format.

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore the non-Relational Data Connection for more examples of accessing methodologies and coding techniques for Data Files and VSAM Data Sets.

Link to Internet   Link to Server   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.

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore The File Status Return Codes that are used to interpret the results of accessing VSAM data sets and/or QSAM files.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Internet Access Required

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 link requires an Internet Connection

Explore The Micro Focus Web Site for more information about products (including Micro Focus COBOL) and services available from Micro Focus. This link requires an Internet Connection.

Explore the GnuCOBOL Technologies available from SourceForge. SourceForge is an Open Source community resource dedicated to helping open source projects be as successful as possible. GnuCOBOL (formerly OpenCOBOL) is a COBOL compiler with run time support. The compiler (cobc) translates COBOL source to executable using intermediate C, designated C compiler and linker. This link will require an Internet Connection.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Glossary of Terms

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore the Glossary of Terms for a list of terms and definitions used in this suite of documents and white papers.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Comments or Feedback

This document was created and is maintained by SimoTime Technologies. If you have any questions, suggestions, comments or feedback please use the following contact information.

1. Send an e-mail to our helpdesk.
1.1. helpdesk@simotime.com.
2. Our telephone numbers are as follows.
2.1. 1 415 763-9430 office-helpdesk
2.2. 1 415 827-7045 mobile

 

We appreciate hearing from you.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Company Overview

SimoTime Technologies was founded in 1987 and 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. Our customers include small businesses using Internet technologies to corporations using very large mainframe systems.

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. We specialize in preparing applications and the associated data that are currently residing on a single platform to be distributed across a variety of platforms.

Preparing the application programs will require the transfer of source members that will be compiled and deployed on the target platform. The data will need to be transferred between the systems and may need to be converted and validated at various stages within the process. SimoTime has the technology, services and experience to assist in the application and data management tasks involved with doing business in a multi-system environment.

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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