ISPF Browse View

ISPF Browse View (also called Browse mode) is a read-only viewing mode that allows you to examine the contents of datasets, members, and job output without the ability to modify them. Browse is one of the most frequently used ISPF functions, providing a safe and efficient way to view files, search for content, and navigate through large datasets. Understanding Browse View is essential for effective mainframe work, as it's the primary method for viewing files when you don't need to make changes.

Browse mode is designed for viewing operations—it's faster than Edit mode, doesn't lock files, and eliminates the risk of accidental modifications. Whether you're examining source code, viewing job output, reading documentation, or checking dataset contents, Browse View provides the tools you need to efficiently view and navigate file contents. This tutorial covers everything you need to know about using ISPF Browse View effectively.

What is ISPF Browse View?

ISPF Browse View is a read-only mode that displays file contents without allowing modifications. It's accessed through Option 1 (View/Browse) from the ISPF Primary Option Menu and provides a streamlined interface focused on viewing and searching file contents.

Browse View Characteristics

Browse View provides several key characteristics:

• Read-Only Access: Browse mode displays file contents but does not allow any modifications. You cannot insert, delete, or change text in Browse mode. This read-only nature makes Browse safe for viewing important files without risk of accidental changes.
• Fast Performance: Browse mode is typically faster than Edit mode because it doesn't need to support write operations, file locking mechanisms, or change tracking. This makes Browse ideal for viewing large files or when you need quick access to file contents.
• No File Locking: Unlike Edit mode, Browse doesn't lock files, allowing multiple users to browse the same file simultaneously. This is particularly useful in team environments where multiple people may need to view the same file at the same time.
• Search Capabilities: Browse provides powerful search functionality, allowing you to find specific text patterns, navigate to search results, and use various search options to locate information efficiently.
• Navigation Features: Browse includes comprehensive navigation tools including scrolling, jumping to specific lines, moving to top or bottom of file, and various movement commands for efficient file navigation.

When to Use Browse View

Browse View is appropriate in many situations:

• Viewing File Contents: When you only need to read or examine file contents without making changes. Browse is perfect for viewing source code, data files, configuration files, or any text-based dataset.
• Examining Job Output: Browse is commonly used to view spooled job output from batch jobs, including system messages, program output, compilation listings, and error messages. This is one of the most frequent uses of Browse mode.
• Reading Documentation: Browse is ideal for reading documentation files, reference materials, or any files where you need to view content without modification.
• Checking File Contents: Before editing a file, you may want to browse it first to understand its contents, structure, or to verify you have the right file. Browse provides a safe way to examine files before deciding whether to edit them.
• Searching for Information: Browse's search capabilities make it excellent for finding specific information within files, such as searching for variable names, function calls, or specific text patterns.
• Viewing Large Files: Browse is efficient for viewing large files because it doesn't need to load the entire file into memory for editing. It can display portions of files as needed, making it suitable for very large datasets.
• Reference Viewing: When you need to reference a file while working on something else, Browse allows you to view the file without the overhead and risk of Edit mode.

Accessing Browse View

There are several ways to access ISPF Browse View, depending on your starting point and what you want to browse.

From the Primary Option Menu

The most common way to access Browse View is from the ISPF Primary Option Menu:

• Select Option 1: From the ISPF Primary Option Menu, select Option 1 (View/Browse) by typing 1 on the command line and pressing Enter.
• Browse Entry Panel: The Browse Entry panel is displayed, prompting you to enter the dataset name and member name (if applicable) that you want to browse.
• Enter Dataset Information: Enter the dataset name in the Data Set Name field. For partitioned datasets (PDS), enter the member name in the Member field. For sequential datasets, leave the Member field blank.
• Press Enter: After entering the dataset information, press Enter to open the file in Browse mode.

From the Edit Entry Panel

You can also access Browse mode from the Edit Entry panel:

• Select Option 2 (Edit): From the Primary Option Menu, select Option 2 (Edit).
• Edit Entry Panel: The Edit Entry panel is displayed.
• Specify Browse Mode: In the Mode field or through panel options, specify that you want to open the file in Browse mode instead of Edit mode.
• Enter Dataset Information: Enter the dataset name and member (if applicable), then press Enter to open in Browse mode.

From Utility Panels

Many ISPF utilities provide browse options:

• Library Utility: From the Library Utility (Option 3.1), you can select members and choose to browse them.
• Dataset Utility: From the Dataset Utility (Option 3.2), you can browse datasets directly.
• DSLIST: From DSLIST (Option 3.4), you can use line commands to browse datasets or members.
• Member Lists: From any member list, you can select members and choose to browse them.

Browse Entry Panel

The Browse Entry panel is the initial screen for accessing Browse View. It collects the information needed to open a file for browsing.

Browse Entry Panel Fields

The Browse Entry panel typically includes these fields:

• Data Set Name: Field where you enter the name of the dataset you want to browse. You can enter a fully qualified dataset name (enclosed in quotes) or use your default prefix. For example, 'USERID.SOURCE.COBOL' or SOURCE.COBOL (if USERID is your default prefix).
• Member Name: If browsing a member in a partitioned dataset (PDS) or PDSE, enter the member name here. Leave blank for sequential datasets. For example, if browsing MEMBER1 in USERID.SOURCE.COBOL, enter USERID.SOURCE.COBOL in the dataset field and MEMBER1 in the member field.
• Volume: Optional field to specify a volume serial if the dataset is not cataloged. This is rarely needed for cataloged datasets but may be required for some uncataloged datasets.
• Other Options: Additional options that may be available depending on your ISPF version, such as specifying starting line numbers or other browse parameters.

Entering Dataset Information

To enter dataset information in the Browse Entry panel:

• Fully Qualified Names: For fully qualified dataset names, enclose them in single quotes: 'USERID.SOURCE.COBOL'. This explicitly specifies the complete dataset name without relying on default prefixes.
• Using Default Prefix: If your TSO user ID is set as the default prefix, you can enter just the low-level qualifiers. For example, if your user ID is USERID, you can enter SOURCE.COBOL instead of 'USERID.SOURCE.COBOL'.
• PDS Members: For partitioned datasets, enter the dataset name in the Data Set Name field and the member name in the Member field. For example, Data Set Name: 'USERID.SOURCE.COBOL', Member: MEMBER1.
• Sequential Datasets: For sequential datasets, enter the dataset name and leave the Member field blank. For example, Data Set Name: 'USERID.DATA.FILE', Member: (blank).
• Press Enter: After entering the information, press Enter to open the file in Browse mode.

Browse View Interface

Understanding the Browse View interface helps you use it effectively. The interface is designed for viewing and navigation, with a layout optimized for reading file contents.

Browse Screen Layout

The Browse screen displays file contents in a structured layout:

• Command Line: Area at the top where you can enter primary commands like FIND, LOCATE, TOP, BOTTOM, and others. The command line is where you type commands that affect the entire browse session or perform file-wide operations.
• Data Area: The main area where file contents are displayed. This is the central part of the screen showing the actual file contents with line numbers on the left side. The data area shows a portion of the file at a time, and you scroll to see different parts.
• Line Numbers: Line numbers are displayed on the left side of each line, showing the relative or absolute line number. Line numbers help you reference specific positions in the file and are used with commands that jump to specific lines.
• Status Line: Information about the current file, including dataset name, member name (if applicable), current line number, total lines (if available), and other status information. The status line helps you understand where you are in the file.
• Function Key Labels: Labels at the bottom of the screen showing what each function key (PF key) does in Browse mode. These labels help you remember available functions and provide quick access to common operations.
• Scroll Indicators: Indicators showing whether there is more content above or below the current view, helping you understand your position in the file.

Function Keys in Browse Mode

Function keys provide quick access to common Browse operations:

• PF1 (Help): Displays help information for Browse mode, including available commands, function keys, and usage instructions. Help is context-sensitive and provides information relevant to your current position.
• PF2 (Split): Splits the screen to show two views simultaneously. This is useful for comparing different parts of a file or viewing multiple files side by side.
• PF3 (End): Exits Browse mode and returns to the previous panel (typically the Browse Entry panel or the panel you came from). PF3 is the standard way to exit Browse.
• PF4 (Return): Returns to the previous panel, similar to PF3 but may have slightly different behavior depending on context.
• PF5 (Rfind): Repeats the last FIND command in the reverse direction, searching backward from the current position. This is useful for finding previous occurrences of search text.
• PF6 (Rchange): In Browse mode, this may have limited functionality since Browse is read-only, but it may repeat previous operations or provide navigation functions.
• PF7 (Up): Scrolls backward (up) through the file, showing previous lines. PF7 is one of the most frequently used keys for navigation in Browse mode.
• PF8 (Down): Scrolls forward (down) through the file, showing subsequent lines. PF8 is the primary key for forward navigation in Browse mode.
• PF9 (Swap): Swaps between split screen views when using split-screen mode. This allows you to switch focus between the two displayed views.
• PF10 (Left): Scrolls left when viewing wide files that extend beyond the screen width. Useful for files with long lines that don't fit on the screen.
• PF11 (Right): Scrolls right when viewing wide files. Used in conjunction with PF10 to navigate horizontally through wide content.
• PF12 (Cancel): Cancels the current operation or exits Browse mode. The exact behavior depends on context and ISPF version.

Note: Function key assignments may vary depending on your ISPF version, terminal emulator settings, and ISPF profile configuration. Check the function key labels at the bottom of your screen for the exact assignments in your environment.

Navigation in Browse Mode

Browse mode provides numerous ways to navigate through files, from simple scrolling to jumping to specific positions. Understanding navigation options helps you efficiently move through file contents.

Basic Scrolling

The most basic navigation method is scrolling:

• PF7 (Up): Scrolls backward through the file, showing lines that appear before the current view. Each press of PF7 moves the view up by a screen or half-screen depending on configuration.
• PF8 (Down): Scrolls forward through the file, showing lines that appear after the current view. PF8 is the primary method for moving forward through file contents.
• PF5/PF6 (Half-Page): Some ISPF configurations allow PF5 and PF6 to scroll by half-pages, providing finer control over navigation. This is useful when you want to move in smaller increments.
• Horizontal Scrolling: PF10 (Left) and PF11 (Right) scroll horizontally when viewing files with wide lines that extend beyond the screen width. This is essential for viewing files with long lines like some JCL or data files.

Jumping to Specific Positions

You can jump directly to specific positions in the file:

• TOP Command: Type TOP on the command line and press Enter to jump to the beginning of the file. This is useful when you're deep in a file and want to return to the start quickly.
• BOTTOM Command: Type BOTTOM on the command line and press Enter to jump to the end of the file. This is useful for viewing the last lines of a file or checking file endings.
• Line Number Navigation: Type a line number on the command line and press Enter to jump directly to that line. For example, typing 100 and pressing Enter jumps to line 100. This is extremely useful for navigating to specific sections of files.
• LOCATE Command: The LOCATE command allows you to jump to a specific line or search for content and jump to it. LOCATE can find lines containing specific text patterns, making it easier to navigate to relevant sections.

Search and Navigation

Search commands help you find and navigate to specific content:

• FIND Command: The FIND command searches for text patterns in the file. Type FIND text on the command line (where "text" is what you're searching for) and press Enter. FIND locates the first occurrence of the text after the current position and highlights it. For example, FIND PROCEDURE searches for the word "PROCEDURE".
• FIND Options: FIND supports various options like case-sensitive matching, whole-word matching, and regular expressions (depending on ISPF version). These options help refine searches to find exactly what you need.
• Repeating Searches: After using FIND, you can use PF5 (Rfind) to repeat the search in the reverse direction, or issue FIND again to find the next occurrence. This allows you to navigate through all occurrences of search text.
• Search Results: When FIND locates text, it highlights the match and positions the view to show the matching line. You can then continue searching forward or backward to find other occurrences.

Searching in Browse Mode

Search capabilities are one of Browse mode's most powerful features, allowing you to quickly locate specific information within files.

Basic FIND Command

The FIND command is the primary search tool in Browse mode:

• Syntax: Type FIND searchtext on the command line, where "searchtext" is the text you want to find. For example, FIND DIVISION searches for the word "DIVISION".
• Case Sensitivity: By default, FIND may be case-insensitive in some ISPF versions, meaning it finds matches regardless of uppercase or lowercase. You can often specify case-sensitive searching with options.
• Search Direction: FIND searches forward from the current position. After finding a match, you can continue searching forward by issuing FIND again, or search backward using PF5 (Rfind) or FIND with reverse options.
• Multiple Occurrences: When searching for text that appears multiple times, each FIND command finds the next occurrence. You can navigate through all occurrences by repeatedly using FIND or Rfind.

FIND Command Options

FIND supports various options to refine searches:

• Case-Sensitive Search: Some ISPF versions allow you to specify case-sensitive searching, where FIND only matches text with the exact same case. This is useful when case matters, such as distinguishing between variable names and keywords.
• Whole-Word Matching: Options may allow whole-word matching, where FIND only matches complete words rather than text that appears as part of larger words. For example, searching for "PROC" with whole-word matching won't match "PROCEDURE".
• Regular Expressions: Advanced ISPF versions may support regular expressions in FIND commands, allowing complex pattern matching. Regular expressions enable sophisticated searches like finding all lines starting with specific text or matching complex patterns.
• Search Scope: Some versions allow specifying search scope, such as searching only in specific columns or within certain line ranges. This helps narrow searches to relevant portions of files.

LOCATE Command

The LOCATE command provides another way to find and navigate to content:

• Line Number Locate: Type LOCATE n where n is a line number to jump directly to that line. For example, LOCATE 500 jumps to line 500. This is equivalent to typing just the line number.
• Text Locate: LOCATE can also search for text patterns, similar to FIND but with potentially different behavior or options. LOCATE may provide additional navigation capabilities beyond basic FIND.
• Pattern Matching: LOCATE may support pattern matching or wildcards depending on your ISPF version, allowing you to find lines matching specific patterns rather than exact text.

Viewing Different Dataset Types

Browse mode works with various dataset types, each with specific characteristics and viewing considerations.

Sequential Datasets

Sequential datasets are the simplest type to browse:

• Structure: Sequential datasets contain records in a linear sequence, from first to last. There are no members or partitions—just a continuous stream of records.
• Browsing: Browse displays sequential datasets from beginning to end. You navigate forward and backward through the records using scrolling or navigation commands.
• Navigation: Use PF7/PF8 to scroll, TOP/BOTTOM to jump to ends, and line numbers to jump to specific positions. FIND works normally to search through the sequential content.
• Common Uses: Sequential datasets are commonly browsed for viewing data files, log files, output files, or any file stored as a sequential dataset.

Partitioned Datasets (PDS)

Partitioned datasets contain multiple members, each browsable separately:

• Member Structure: PDS datasets contain multiple members, each acting like a separate file. When browsing a PDS member, you browse just that member's contents, not the entire PDS.
• Browsing Members: To browse a PDS member, specify both the dataset name and member name in the Browse Entry panel. Browse then displays only that member's contents.
• Member Navigation: While browsing a member, you can only see that member's contents. To browse other members, you must exit Browse and open the other member, or use utilities that allow switching between members.
• Member Lists: You can browse member lists from utilities, but to browse member contents, you open the specific member. Each member is browsed independently.

PDSE (Partitioned Data Set Extended)

PDSE datasets are similar to PDS but with extended capabilities:

• Similar to PDS: PDSE browsing works similarly to PDS browsing—you specify the dataset and member name to browse a specific member.
• Extended Features: PDSE may support additional features or better performance, but browsing functionality is similar to PDS. The interface and commands work the same way.
• Member Browsing: Like PDS, you browse individual members by specifying both dataset and member names. Each member is browsed as a separate entity.

VSAM Datasets

Browse mode supports VSAM datasets with some considerations:

• KSDS (Key-Sequenced Data Set): When browsing KSDS, records are displayed in key sequence order. You can navigate through records sequentially and search for specific keys. Browse displays VSAM records in a readable format.
• ESDS (Entry-Sequenced Data Set): ESDS records are displayed in entry sequence (the order they were written). Browse shows records in this sequence, and you navigate sequentially through them.
• RRDS (Relative Record Data Set): RRDS records are displayed by relative record number. Browse shows records with their record numbers, and you can navigate by record number.
• VSAM Navigation: VSAM browsing may have some limitations compared to sequential datasets, but basic navigation and viewing work similarly. Search capabilities may be limited depending on VSAM type and ISPF version.

Viewing Job Output

One of the most common uses of Browse mode is viewing job output from batch jobs. Job output includes system messages, program output, compilation listings, and error messages.

Accessing Job Output

Job output can be accessed in several ways:

• From SDSF: System Display and Search Facility (SDSF) is the primary tool for viewing job output. From SDSF, you can select jobs and browse their output directly. SDSF integrates with ISPF Browse to display output.
• From Job Lists: Some systems provide job lists or job management interfaces that allow browsing output. These interfaces typically use ISPF Browse to display output content.
• Output Datasets: If jobs write output to datasets (specified in JCL DD statements), you can browse those datasets directly using Browse mode, just like any other dataset.
• Spool Access: Job output stored in spool can be accessed through SDSF or similar tools, which use Browse mode to display the content.

Browsing Job Output

When browsing job output, you can:

• View System Messages: Browse displays system messages, JCL messages, and other system-generated output. These messages provide information about job execution, errors, and system responses.
• View Program Output: Program output written by application programs is displayed in Browse. This includes any output your programs produce, such as reports, data listings, or diagnostic information.
• View Compilation Listings: Compilation listings from compilers show source code, generated code, error messages, warnings, and other compilation information. Browse is ideal for viewing these detailed listings.
• Search for Errors: Use FIND to search for error messages, warning codes, or specific text patterns in job output. This is extremely useful for quickly locating problems in large output files.
• Navigate Output: Use navigation commands to move through output, jump to specific sections, or locate particular types of messages. Navigation helps you efficiently review job output.

Searching Job Output

Searching is particularly valuable when viewing job output:

• Finding Errors: Use FIND to search for error codes, error messages, or keywords that indicate problems. For example, FIND ERROR or FIND ABEND helps locate error conditions quickly.
• Finding Specific Messages: Search for specific message numbers, return codes, or other identifiers. This helps you quickly locate relevant information in large output files.
• Locating Program Output: Search for specific text that your programs produce, such as report headers, data values, or diagnostic messages. This helps you find specific information in program output.
• Reviewing Compilation Results: When viewing compilation listings, search for warnings, errors, or specific source code references. This helps you quickly identify issues in compilation output.

Browse Mode Commands

Browse mode supports various primary commands for file operations and navigation. Understanding these commands helps you use Browse effectively.

Navigation Commands

Navigation commands help you move through files:

• TOP: Jumps to the beginning of the file. Type TOP on the command line and press Enter. This is useful when you're deep in a file and want to return to the start.
• BOTTOM: Jumps to the end of the file. Type BOTTOM on the command line and press Enter. Useful for viewing the last lines of files or checking file endings.
• Line Number: Type a line number (just the number) on the command line and press Enter to jump to that line. For example, typing 1000 jumps to line 1000. This is one of the fastest ways to navigate to specific positions.
• LOCATE n: Similar to typing a line number, LOCATE n jumps to line n. For example, LOCATE 500 jumps to line 500. LOCATE may also support text searching in some ISPF versions.

Search Commands

Search commands help you find content:

• FIND text: Searches for the specified text in the file. Type FIND searchtext on the command line (where "searchtext" is what you're searching for) and press Enter. FIND locates the first occurrence after the current position and highlights it. For example, FIND PROCEDURE searches for "PROCEDURE".
• FIND Options: FIND may support options like case-sensitive matching, whole-word matching, or regular expressions depending on your ISPF version. Check your ISPF documentation for available options.
• Rfind: Repeats the last FIND command in the reverse direction (backward). You can use PF5 or type RFIND on the command line. This is useful for finding previous occurrences of search text.

Display Commands

Display commands control how content is shown:

• HELP: Displays help information for Browse mode. Type HELP or press PF1 to access context-sensitive help. Help provides information about available commands, function keys, and usage instructions.
• PRINT: Prints the current view or specified lines. PRINT commands vary by ISPF version but typically allow printing the current screen, specific line ranges, or the entire file. Check function key labels or help for print options.

Split-Screen Commands

Split-screen commands help you view multiple sections:

• SPLIT: Splits the screen to show two views. Type SPLIT or use PF2 to split the screen. This allows you to view two different parts of the same file or two different files simultaneously.
• SWAP: Swaps between split-screen views. Use PF9 or the SWAP command to switch focus between the two views when using split-screen mode.
• UNSPLIT: Returns to single-screen view. Exit split-screen mode to return to normal single-view browsing.

Best Practices for Browse Mode

Following best practices helps you use Browse mode effectively and efficiently:

• Use Browse for Viewing: Always use Browse mode when you only need to view files without making changes. Browse is faster, safer, and doesn't lock files, making it ideal for viewing operations.
• Use Search Efficiently: Use FIND commands to quickly locate information rather than scrolling through entire files. Search is much faster than manual navigation for finding specific content.
• Learn Navigation Commands: Master navigation commands like TOP, BOTTOM, and line number jumping. These commands save significant time when navigating large files.
• Use Function Keys: Learn and use function keys for common operations. Function keys provide quick access to frequently used functions without typing commands.
• Browse Before Editing: When unsure about a file, browse it first to understand its contents before opening it in Edit mode. This helps you verify you have the right file and understand its structure.
• Use Split-Screen When Helpful: Use split-screen mode when you need to compare different parts of a file or reference one section while viewing another. Split-screen is powerful for reviewing and comparing content.
• Search Job Output: When viewing job output, use FIND to search for errors, warnings, or specific messages rather than reading through entire output. Search makes it much easier to find relevant information in large output files.
• Understand Dataset Types: Understand how different dataset types (sequential, PDS, VSAM) work in Browse mode. This helps you use Browse effectively with different file types.

Explain Like I'm 5: ISPF Browse View

Think of ISPF Browse View like reading a book in a library:

• Browse Mode is like reading a book that's locked in a display case. You can see all the words, turn the pages (scroll), and find specific words (search), but you can't write in the book or change anything. It's safe because you can't accidentally mess up the book, and it's fast because you're just looking, not trying to write.
• The Browse Entry Panel is like telling the librarian which book you want to read. You say "I want to read book number 5" (the dataset name) and maybe "chapter 3" (the member name), and the librarian gets it for you to read.
• Scrolling is like turning pages in the book. PF8 is like turning to the next page, and PF7 is like going back to the previous page. You can see different parts of the book by turning pages.
• Searching (FIND) is like using the index at the back of a book, but even better—you can search for any word and the book automatically shows you where that word appears. It's like having a magic bookmark that jumps to any word you want to find.
• Jumping to Line Numbers is like saying "show me page 50" and the book immediately opens to page 50. You don't have to turn pages one by one—you can jump directly to where you want to go.

So Browse View is like a safe, fast way to read files on the computer. You can look at everything, find specific things quickly, and move around easily, but you can't change anything—which is good because it means you can't accidentally break anything!

Common Browse Scenarios

Understanding common scenarios helps you apply Browse mode effectively in real-world situations.

Scenario 1: Viewing Source Code

When you need to examine source code without editing:

• Access Browse: Select Option 1 (Browse) from the Primary Option Menu and enter the dataset and member name for the source code file.
• Navigate: Use PF7/PF8 to scroll through the code, or use line numbers to jump to specific procedures, functions, or sections.
• Search: Use FIND to locate specific variable names, procedure names, or code patterns. For example, FIND PROCEDURE-DIVISION finds procedure divisions in COBOL code.
• Review: Examine the code structure, logic, and implementation without the risk of accidental modifications.

Scenario 2: Checking Job Output

When reviewing batch job results:

• Access Output: Use SDSF or job management tools to access job output, which opens in Browse mode.
• Search for Errors: Use FIND to search for error codes, ABEND codes, or error keywords. For example, FIND ERROR or FIND ABEND locates error conditions.
• Review Messages: Scroll through system messages, JCL messages, and program output to understand job execution.
• Check Results: Examine output to verify job completion, check return codes, and identify any issues that need attention.

Scenario 3: Reading Documentation

When viewing documentation or reference materials:

• Open Documentation: Browse the documentation dataset or member containing the information you need.
• Navigate Sections: Use TOP/BOTTOM to jump to beginning or end, or use line numbers to jump to specific sections if you know approximate positions.
• Search Content: Use FIND to locate specific topics, keywords, or information. For example, FIND syntax finds syntax-related information.
• Reference While Working: Keep documentation open in Browse mode while working in other ISPF panels, allowing you to reference information as needed.

Scenario 4: Examining Data Files

When viewing data file contents:

• Browse Data File: Open the data file in Browse mode to examine its contents and structure.
• Check Format: Review the data format, record structure, and content to understand the file's organization.
• Search Values: Use FIND to locate specific data values, record types, or patterns within the data file.
• Verify Contents: Examine data to verify correctness, check for expected values, or understand data relationships.

Practice Exercises

Complete these exercises to reinforce your understanding of ISPF Browse View:

Exercise 1: Basic Browse Operations

Practice basic Browse operations: access Browse mode from the Primary Option Menu, open a dataset, use PF7/PF8 to scroll, use TOP and BOTTOM commands, and jump to specific line numbers. Become comfortable with basic navigation in Browse mode.

Exercise 2: Search Practice

Practice searching in Browse mode: use FIND to search for various text patterns, use Rfind to search backward, navigate through multiple search results, and experiment with different search terms. Practice searching in different types of files (source code, data files, job output).

Exercise 3: Viewing Job Output

Practice viewing job output: access job output through SDSF or job management tools, use FIND to search for errors or specific messages, navigate through output, and identify key information. Practice this with both successful and failed jobs to see different types of output.

Exercise 4: Dataset Type Browsing

Practice browsing different dataset types: browse sequential datasets, PDS members, and if available, VSAM datasets. Compare the browsing experience across different types. Practice navigating and searching in each type.

Exercise 5: Split-Screen Usage

Practice using split-screen mode: split the screen to view two different parts of the same file, use SWAP to switch between views, and practice comparing different sections. Experiment with split-screen to understand when it's most useful.

Related Concepts