Data Set List Utility (DSLIST, Option 3.4)

ISPF Data Set List Utility (DSLIST, Option 3.4) is a powerful tool for listing, searching, and managing datasets. It supports pattern-based searches using wildcards, displays VTOC (Volume Table of Contents) information, provides dataset lists with attributes, and supports list-line commands for performing operations on listed datasets. This tutorial covers pattern searches, VTOC operations, list displays, and list-line commands.

Understanding DSLIST is essential for finding datasets, viewing dataset information, and performing bulk operations on multiple datasets. It provides efficient ways to search and manage datasets when you know patterns or want to explore available datasets.

Accessing DSLIST

DSLIST is accessed from the ISPF Utilities menu.

How to Access

To access DSLIST:

• Select Option 3 from the ISPF Primary Option Menu
• Select Option 4 from the utility selection panel
• Or type "3.4" directly from the Primary Option Menu
• The DSLIST panel appears

Access Example

From the Primary Option Menu:

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Option ===> 3.4

Pattern Searches

Pattern searches allow you to find datasets using wildcards.

What are Pattern Searches?

Pattern searches:

• Use wildcards to match dataset names
• Display all datasets matching the pattern
• Help find datasets when you know part of the name
• Are efficient for exploring available datasets
• Support multiple wildcard characters

Wildcard Characters

DSLIST supports wildcards:

• * (asterisk): Matches any number of characters
• % (percent): Matches a single character
• Wildcards can be used in any qualifier position
• Multiple wildcards can be used in one pattern

Pattern Examples

Example patterns:

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USERID.SOURCE.*          (All datasets starting with USERID.SOURCE.)
USERID.*.COBOL         (All datasets with COBOL as last qualifier)
USERID.SOURCE.PROG*   (Datasets starting with PROG in SOURCE library)
USERID.TEST.????      (Datasets with 4-character names in TEST library)

Using Pattern Searches

To search using patterns:

• Enter the pattern in the DSLIST entry field
• Press Enter to execute the search
• DSLIST displays all matching datasets
• You can refine the search or view details

Dataset Lists

DSLIST displays datasets in a list format with information.

List Display

The list typically shows:

• Dataset names
• Command area next to each dataset
• Dataset attributes (organization, format, etc.)
• Volume information
• Space information
• Other dataset metadata

List Example

A typical DSLIST display might look like:

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Command ===> 
     Data Set Name                    Organization  Format  Volume
     USERID.SOURCE.COBOL              PO           FB      VOL001
     USERID.SOURCE.JCL                PO           FB      VOL001
     USERID.DATA.INPUT                PS           FB      VOL002
     USERID.DATA.OUTPUT               PS           FB      VOL002

Navigating Lists

To navigate lists:

• Use PF7 (Up) and PF8 (Down) to scroll
• Use FIND to locate specific datasets in the list
• Use primary commands to filter or sort
• Lists can be long for large pattern matches

List-Line Commands

List-line commands perform operations on datasets in the list.

What are List-Line Commands?

List-line commands:

• Are action codes entered next to dataset names
• Perform operations on specific datasets
• Can be entered for multiple datasets
• Execute when you press Enter
• Are similar to member action codes in Library Utility

Common List-Line Commands

Common commands include:

• B: Browse - View dataset in read-only mode
• E: Edit - Edit dataset in ISPF editor
• D: Delete - Delete the dataset
• R: Rename - Rename the dataset
• C: Copy - Copy the dataset
• I: Information - View detailed dataset information
• P: Print - Print the dataset
• V: View VTOC - View VTOC entry for the dataset

Using List-Line Commands

To use list-line commands:

• Enter the command code in the command area next to the dataset name
• You can enter commands for multiple datasets
• Press Enter to execute all commands
• Some commands may prompt for additional information

List-Line Command Example

Example of using list-line commands:

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Command ===> 
     Data Set Name                    Organization  Format  Volume
B    USERID.SOURCE.COBOL              PO           FB      VOL001
E    USERID.SOURCE.JCL                PO           FB      VOL001
I    USERID.DATA.INPUT                PS           FB      VOL002
D    USERID.DATA.OUTPUT               PS           FB      VOL002

This would browse COBOL, edit JCL, view information for INPUT, and delete OUTPUT.

VTOC Operations

VTOC (Volume Table of Contents) operations show volume-level information.

What is VTOC?

VTOC:

• Stands for Volume Table of Contents
• Is a directory on a disk volume
• Contains information about all datasets on the volume
• Stores dataset attributes and locations
• Is used by the system to locate datasets

Viewing VTOC

To view VTOC information:

• Select VTOC option in DSLIST
• Enter volume serial number
• Press Enter
• VTOC information is displayed

VTOC Information

VTOC displays:

• All datasets on the volume
• Dataset attributes
• Space allocation information
• Volume-level statistics
• Dataset organization on the volume

VTOC Use Cases

VTOC is useful for:

• Finding all datasets on a volume
• Viewing volume space usage
• Understanding dataset distribution
• Volume management and planning

Advanced Search Features

DSLIST provides advanced search and filtering capabilities.

Refining Searches

You can refine searches by:

• Using more specific patterns
• Combining multiple search criteria
• Filtering by attributes
• Using primary commands to filter results

Multiple Patterns

You can search with multiple patterns:

• Enter multiple patterns separated by spaces or commas
• DSLIST displays datasets matching any pattern
• Useful for finding datasets across different categories

Primary Commands in DSLIST

DSLIST supports primary commands for operations.

Common Primary Commands

Common commands include:

• FIND: Find text in the list
• SORT: Sort the list by various criteria
• FILTER: Filter the list by attributes
• RESET: Reset filters and display all
• Other utility-specific commands

Best Practices

Following best practices helps you use DSLIST effectively:

• Use Specific Patterns: Use specific patterns to narrow results
• Verify Before Operations: Verify dataset names before using list-line commands
• Use Information Command: Use I command to view details before operations
• Combine Commands Efficiently: Use multiple list-line commands for bulk operations
• Understand VTOC: Learn VTOC operations for volume management
• Refine Searches: Refine searches to find exactly what you need
• Use Primary Commands: Use primary commands to manage large lists
• Document Patterns: Keep notes on useful search patterns

Common Scenarios

Here are common scenarios for using DSLIST.

Finding All Source Datasets

To find all source datasets:

• Enter pattern: USERID.SOURCE.*
• DSLIST displays all datasets in SOURCE category
• Use list-line commands to operate on them

Finding Datasets by Type

To find datasets by type:

• Enter pattern: USERID.*.COBOL
• DSLIST displays all COBOL datasets
• View or operate on matching datasets

Viewing Volume Contents

To view volume contents:

• Select VTOC option
• Enter volume serial
• View all datasets on the volume
• Understand volume usage

Explain Like I'm 5: DSLIST

Think of DSLIST like a smart search tool for finding files:

• Pattern Search is like using a magic search that can find files even when you only know part of the name. You say "find all files that start with 'My'" and it shows you all files starting with "My"! It's like having a search that can find things with partial names!
• Wildcards are like special symbols that mean "anything." The * means "any letters or numbers," so "My*" means "anything that starts with My." It's like having a magic symbol that can match anything!
• List Display is like a list of all the files you found. It shows you the file names and information about them, like a catalog showing everything that matches your search!
• List-Line Commands are like special buttons next to each file in the list. You can click "B" to look at a file, "E" to edit it, "D" to delete it, all right from the list! It's like having action buttons next to each file!
• VTOC is like a master list of everything on a disk. It's like a big index that shows you all the files on a particular disk, organized and listed out!

So DSLIST is like having a super search tool that can find files using patterns, show you lists of files, and let you do things with them all from one place!

Practice Exercises

Complete these exercises to reinforce your understanding of DSLIST:

Exercise 1: Pattern Searches

Practice pattern searches: use different wildcard patterns to find datasets, understand how * and % work, refine searches, and learn to construct effective patterns. Master pattern searching.

Exercise 2: List Navigation

Practice navigation: scroll through dataset lists, use FIND to locate specific datasets, understand list displays, and learn to navigate large result sets. Master list navigation.

Exercise 3: List-Line Commands

Practice list-line commands: use B, E, I, and other commands on listed datasets, perform operations on multiple datasets, verify results, and understand command execution. Master list-line operations.

Exercise 4: VTOC Operations

Practice VTOC: view VTOC information for volumes, understand VTOC displays, identify datasets on volumes, and learn VTOC concepts. Master VTOC operations.

Exercise 5: Advanced Searches

Practice advanced searches: use multiple patterns, combine search criteria, use primary commands to filter, and build complex searches. Master advanced DSLIST features.

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