The DEST parameter in JCL specifies the destination for a SYSOUT dataset. It allows you to route job output (like reports or logs) to specific devices, such as printers, remote terminals, or even other user IDs.
DEST is commonly used on DD statements defining SYSOUT datasets (e.g., SYSOUT=*) but can also appear on OUTPUT JCL statements to set default destinations.
1//ddname DD SYSOUT=class,DEST=destination
The destination value depends on the type of target device and JES subsystem (JES2 or JES3).
1//outdef OUTPUT DEST=destination
Sets a default destination for SYSOUT datasets referencing this OUTPUT statement.
| Format | JES | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| nodename.userid | JES2/JES3 | Route to a user ID at a specific node. | DEST=NODE1.USER01 |
| userid | JES2/JES3 | Route to a user ID at the local node. | DEST=TSU001 |
| Nnnnn | Rmmmm | RMmmmm | RMTmmmm | JES2 | Route to a local (N) or remote (R, RM, RMT) workstation/printer. | DEST=N10, DEST=R5 |
| Unnnn | JES2 | Route to a special local device. | DEST=U20 |
| (node,userid) | JES2 | Alternative format for node and user ID. | DEST=(NODE1,USER01) |
| devicename | groupname | JES3 | Route to a specific JES3 device name or group. | DEST=PRINTER1 |
| LOCAL | JES2/JES3 | Route to any local output device. | DEST=LOCAL |
| nodename | JES2/JES3 | Route to a specific node (JES selects device). | DEST=CENTRAL |
Note: Specific formats and device names are installation-dependent. Consult your local documentation.
1//REPORT1 DD SYSOUT=A,DEST=N15
Sends SYSOUT class A output to the local printer defined as N15 in JES2.
1//NOTIFY DD SYSOUT=*,DEST=REMOTE1.SMITHJ
Sends output (using the job's MSGCLASS) to user SMITHJ at node REMOTE1.
123//PRT1 OUTPUT DEST=DEPTXYZ //RPTA DD SYSOUT=A,OUTPUT=*.PRT1 //RPTB DD SYSOUT=A,OUTPUT=*.PRT1
Defines an OUTPUT statement named PRT1 that defaults the destination to DEPTXYZ. Both RPTA and RPTB SYSOUT datasets will be routed to DEPTXYZ.
1//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=P,DEST=PRT42
Sends SYSOUT class P output to the specific JES3 printer named PRT42.
Write a DD statement to route SYSOUT class X output to your own user ID at the local node.
Create an OUTPUT JCL statement that sets the default destination to a specific remote printer (e.g., RMT01). Then, create two DD statements that use this OUTPUT statement.
The behavior depends on the JES configuration. JES might hold the output in a default queue, reroute it to a default destination, or issue an error message and potentially fail the job step.
You cannot specify multiple destinations directly on a single DEST parameter. However, you can achieve this by defining multiple DD statements for the same report, each with a different DEST parameter, or by using OUTPUT JCL statements with multiple copies specified (e.g., using the COPIES parameter on the OUTPUT statement).
MSGCLASS on the JOB statement specifies the output class for job log messages (JESMSGLG, JESJCL, JESYSMSG). DEST on a DD statement specifies the destination for a specific SYSOUT dataset defined within a job step. If a DD statement uses SYSOUT=* (referencing the JOB's MSGCLASS), DEST can override the default destination associated with that MSGCLASS.
1. What is the primary purpose of the JCL DEST parameter?
2. Which format is commonly used to send output to user TSU123 at node CHICAGO in JES2/JES3?
3. On which JCL statement(s) can the DEST parameter be coded?
4. In JES2, what does DEST=R10 typically signify?
5. If a DD statement has DEST=LOCPRT and also OUTPUT=*.OUT1, and the OUT1 OUTPUT statement has DEST=REMOTE, where will the output go?