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Introduction​

Once a PDS (Partitioned Dataset) is opened using the M, E, B, or V line command from the dataset list, you are taken to the member list panel. This view lets you interact with individual members using line commands like E (Edit), B (Browse), V (View), and S (Select).

You can also use primary commands such as SORT to organize the member list based on various attributes like name, size, or last changed date. In this exercise, you'll practice navigating, creating, editing, sorting, and interpreting member statistics within a PDS.

note

Replace SHRDVXX with your assigned user id wherever applicable.

Exercises: Dataset‑List Panel Line Commands (PDS)​

Preparation​

  • Allocate a PDS called SHRDVXX.PDS.PRACTICE (≥ 5 dir blocks) containing members M1, M2, M3, and TODO (which has the text TODO).
  • Edit M1 twice (add & delete lines) so there’s reclaimable space.
  • Enter ISPF 3.4, list datasets with your prefix off (put 'SHRDVXX.PDS.PRACTICE' in Dsname Level), Include Additional Qualifiers on.

Here are the list of question. Perform the action as requested and get the answer. Use Help panel as and when needed.

  • Which line command on SHRDVXX.PDS.PRACTICE displays its member list?
  • Which line command on the PDS name opens the member list in edit mode?
  • Which line command opens the member list in browse mode?
  • Which line command opens the member list in view mode?
  • Which line command shows short info (no max dir blocks) for SHRDVXX.PDS.PRACTICE?
  • Which line command shows detailed info (including max dir blocks and member count)?
  • Which line command renames SHRDVXX.PDS.PRACTICE to SHRDVXX.PDS.BACKUP?
  • Which line command deletes SHRDVXX.PDS.BACKUP?
  • Which line command hides (excludes) SHRDVXX.PDS.PRACTICE from the dataset list?
  • Which line command reclaims “gas” (deleted‑member space) in SHRDVXX.PDS.PRACTICE? How can we check if the space is recovered?

Exercises: Inside the PDS Member List​

Prerequisite: On the dataset list, use M to display the members of SHRDVXX.PDS.PRACTICE.

Here are the list of question. Perform the action as requested and get the answer. Use Help panel as and when needed.

  • Which primary command sorts the member list by member name ascending?
  • Which primary command sorts the member list by last changed date descending?
  • How do you scroll right (which function key) to display the SIZE, INIT, and VERSN columns?
  • After each save, what values appear in the SIZE, INIT, and VERSN columns?
    • Prerequisite & Action:
      • On member list, enter E M1 and add one line → save.
      • Enter E M1 again, delete that line → save.
      • Enter E M1, add two lines, saving after each.
      • Enter E M1, just modify the content of existing line -> save.
  • On the member list, which line command opens member M2 in edit mode?
  • On the member list, which line command opens member M3 in browse mode?
  • On the member list, which line command opens member TODO in view mode?
  • On the member list, what happens when you use S next to a member? What mode does it follow?
  • Which primary command sorts the members by SIZE in descending order?
  • Which primary command sorts members by INIT column in ascending order?
  • In the member list, how do you create a new member named NEW1 using the primary command line?
  • On the ISPF 3.4 dataset list, how can you create a new member NEW2 directly without opening the member list?
  • What happens if you open a new member, write a few lines, and then exit without saving?
  • How does the VERSN value change in the member list after each edit-save cycle?
    • Prerequisite: Edit any member multiple times, saving after each change.
  • On the member list, which line command deletes member TODO?