IBM Mainframe Utility Programs - History/Common JCL

History/Common JCL

Many of these utilities were designed by IBM users, through the group SHARE, and then modified or extended by IBM from versions originally written by a user.

These utilities are usually invoked via Job Control Language (JCL). They tend to use common JCL DD identifiers for their data sets:

  • SYSIN — input file for the 'commands' for the utility. Often set to DUMMY if the default action is desired.
  • SYSUT1 — input file.
  • SYSUT2 — output file.
  • SYSUT3 — work (spill) file for input (SYSUT1) (often not used).
  • SYSUT4 — work (spill) file for output (SYSUT2) (often not used).
  • SYSPRINT — output file for printed output from the utility.
  • SYSOUT — output file for messages from the utility.
  • SYSUDUMP — output file for a system 'dump' if the program fails.

Read more about this topic:  IBM Mainframe Utility Programs

Famous quotes containing the words history and/or common:

    There is no history of how bad became better.
    Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)

    As to what we call the masses, and common men;Mthere are no common men. All men are at last of a size; and true art is only possible, on the conviction that every talent has its apotheosis somewhere. Fair play, and an open field, and freshest laurels to all who have won them!
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)