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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 ANOTHER (which has the text ANOTHER).
  • 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.

Find out which Line command is used to get the expected result as requested below. Use Help panel as and when needed.

  • Display member list of SHRDVXX.PDS.PRACTICE.
  • Open the member list in edit mode.
  • Open the member list in browse mode.
  • Open the member list in view mode.
  • Display short info (no max dir blocks) for SHRDVXX.PDS.PRACTICE.
  • Display detailed info (including max dir blocks and member count) for SHRDVXX.PDS.PRACTICE.
  • Rename SHRDVXX.PDS.PRACTICE to `SHRDVXX.PDS.BACKUP
  • Delete SHRDVXX.PDS.BACKUP.
  • Hides (excludes) SHRDVXX.PDS.PRACTICE from the dataset list
  • 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 single line added.
      • 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 ANOTHER 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 ANOTHER?