After completing this course, the student should be able to:
 

	Explain the use of permanent data sets
	Describe cataloging data sets and the catalog structure on MVS
	Explain the use of temporary data sets
	Discuss how to pass permanent, temporary and tape data sets
	Identify rules for concatenating sequential data sets
	Describe the use of generation data sets
	Calculate the space requirements for both tape and disk data sets
	Explain special considerations for magnetic tapes

Course Overview
Introduces topics covered and syntax conventions used.  Reviews information about data sets and DD statements.
 

	Topics and Conventions Course topics. Syntax conventions used in parameter and statement examples.
	Review of Data Sets and DD Statements Concepts from prior JCL knowledge.

Using Permanent Data Sets
Covers sequential, direct, partitioned (PDSs and PDSEs) and VSAM data sets.
 

	Naming Permanent Data Sets Unqualified and qualified names.  Referring to a KSDS and to a member of a PDS or PDSE.
	Disposition of Permanent Data Sets DISP parameter.  Appropriate dispositions for various data sets.

Cataloging Data Sets
Examines information contained in interactive catalog facility (ICF) catalogs, VSAM catalogs and CVOLs.
 

	The Catalog Structure Catalog entries for VSAM and non-VSAM data sets.  Cataloging SMS- and non-SMS-managed data sets.
	Cataloged Data Sets Using SMS-managed data sets.  Cataloging non-SMS-managed data sets.  Accessing a cataloged data set.

Using Temporary Data Sets
Covers the rules and reasons for using temporary and virtual I/O data sets.
 

	Temporary Data Sets Assigning names.  Automatically generated names.  Making the data set available to subsequent job steps.
	Using VIO Data Sets Features.  Creating SMS- and non-SMS-managed VIO data sets.

Passing Data Sets
Examines passing permanent, temporary and tape data sets.
 

	Passing Permanent Data Sets PASS subparameter.  Parameters for passing non-cataloged data sets.
	Passing Temporary Data Sets Effect of KEEP or CATLG.  Referback.
	Passing Tape Data Sets RETAIN subparameter.

Concatenating Data Sets
Shows how to concatenate sequential non-VSAM data sets, PDSs and PDSEs.
 

Concatenation Features and rules.

Generation Data Sets
Covers what generation data sets are and how to define, create and use them.
 

	Defining a GDG Base Entry Purpose and features.  GDG base entries in ICF catalogs, VSAM catalogs and CVOLs.
	Creating Generation Data Sets Relative generation numbers.  SMS- and non-SMS-managed data sets.  Referring to a model DSCB or copying attributes.
	Using Generation Data Sets Relative generation numbers throughout a job.  Absolute generation numbers.

Space Allocation
Covers how to calculate the space requirements for both tapes and disks.
 

	Estimating Tape Requirements Formula.  Increasing block size and density.
	Estimating Disk Space Rules for estimating.  Finding how many blocks fit on a track.

Considerations for Tapes
Covers unlabeled and labeled tapes; data protection options; JCL parameters that affect the mounting of tapes.
 

	Tape Labels Unlabeled and labeled tapes.  Bypass label processing.
	Data Set Protection EXPDT and RETPD parameters.  PASSWORD subparameter.
	Mounting Tapes DEFER and AFF subparameters.  JES2 /*SETUP statement.