Introduction

In IBM z/OS, TSO (Time Sharing Option) and ISPF (Interactive System Productivity Facility) are the two main ways users interact with the system. TSO provides a command-line interface allowing users to enter commands directly, while ISPF offers a menu-driven interface that simplifies common tasks like editing datasets or navigating system resources.

Most users log into z/OS through TSO and then start ISPF to perform daily activities. ISPF builds on top of TSO and offers a more structured and user-friendly environment. Understanding both is essential for navigating the mainframe effectively.

Here are some reference material:

• IBM Docs - TSO
• IBM Docs - ISPF

Difference between TSO and ISPF

New users often hear about TSO and ISPF but don’t fully understand how they relate or differ.

Term	What it is	How it looks/works
TSO (Time Sharing Option)	A core component of z/OS that lets users log in and issue system commands.	A logon screen and command prompt.
TSO Native Mode	TSO without any menu or panels—just commands like ALLOC, DELETE, etc.	Command-line only (like DOS or Bash).
ISPF (Interactive System Productivity Facility)	A full-screen, menu-based interface built on top of TSO. Makes everything easier.	Menu panels, full-screen editor, color UI.

What Can You Do with Them?

Task	TSO Native Mode	ISPF (via Menus)
Allocate or delete datasets	✅ (via commands)	✅ (via panels like 3.2)
Edit datasets	❌ (limited line editor)	✅ (ISPF editor)
Submit JCL	✅ (SUBMIT)	✅ (e.g., from Edit or 3.4)
Browse datasets	❌	✅
Use tools like SDSF	❌	✅
Run CLIST or REXX scripts	✅	✅

Key Concepts to Remember

• TSO is the base; ISPF runs on top of TSO.
• Native TSO is useful for scripting and automation.
• ISPF makes it easy to do complex tasks without remembering commands.
• If you don’t auto-start in ISPF, type ISPF at the TSO prompt.
• =3.4, =6, =X, RETURN, SWAP are quick ways to navigate ISPF.
• You can use ; to stack commands in ISPF (e.g., =6;TSO SUBMIT JOB1).

ISPF

ISPF (Interactive System Productivity Facility) is a key interface in the z/OS environment. While it’s powerful and feature-rich, beginners often find it overwhelming. This handout simplifies ISPF concepts to make navigation easy and clear.

IBM Docs - Panel Format

Here are some key Features to Remember.

Action Bar

IBM Docs - Action Bar

• Located at the top with options like File, Edit, View.
• Use TAB to navigate and ENTER to open menus.

Settings (Option 0 or SETTINGS)

IBM Docs - Settings Panel

Some Commonly updated settings are:

• Command line at bottom - To set primary option position.
• Screen format – To Set screen size.
• Command delimiter – Enable command stacking with ;.

Primary Command Line

• Found at the top/bottom depending on settings (===>).

• Common commands:

  • PFSHOW – Toggle function keys
  • SWAPBAR ON – Enable screen tabs
  • START 3.4 – Open option 3.4 in a new tab
  • SWAP – Switch between screens

Line Commands

• Found on the left of list/edit panels:
  • \ → To open a popup with allowed line command options
  • E → Edit
  • S → Select
  • D → Delete

Function Keys (PF Keys)

IBM Docs - Function Keys

• Available Function keys are present at the bottom (if PFSHOW is ON).
• Common PF Keys:
  • PF1 → IBM Docs - Help panel
  • PF3 → Exit/End
  • PF7/PF8 → Scroll Up/Down
  • PF10/PF11 → Scroll Left/Right
  • PF9 → Swap Screens

Example: Dataset Allocation

• In Native TSO ALLOC DSN(USER01.TEST.FILE) NEW SPACE(1,1) TRACKS LRECL(80) RECFM(F) DSORG(PS).
• In ISPF Go to Option "3.2" → Fill in the form to allocate a new dataset.