Job Submit Fails from ISPF: Diagnosing JCL/Steplib/Alloc Issues

When job submission fails from ISPF, it's usually due to JCL syntax errors, steplib problems, or allocation issues. Understanding these causes and how to diagnose and fix them helps you resolve job submission problems quickly. This tutorial covers each cause in detail, providing step-by-step troubleshooting procedures and solutions for common job submission failures.

Job submission failures can be frustrating, but most problems have identifiable causes and straightforward solutions. This tutorial provides a systematic approach to diagnosing why jobs fail to submit, covering JCL errors, steplib configuration, allocation problems, and their resolutions. Following a structured troubleshooting process helps identify and resolve issues efficiently.

Understanding Job Submission

Job submission involves several components that must all work correctly. Understanding these components helps you identify what's preventing submission.

Job Submission Components

Job submission requires:

• Valid JCL: JCL must have correct syntax and structure
• Accessible Resources: All datasets and libraries must be accessible
• Proper Allocation: Datasets must be allocatable with correct parameters
• Security Access: You must have authority to access all resources
• System Availability: JES2/JES3 and system resources must be available

If any component fails, job submission fails. Understanding which component is failing helps you fix the problem.

JCL Syntax Errors

JCL syntax errors are a common cause of job submission failures. Understanding common JCL errors and how to fix them is essential.

Common JCL Syntax Errors

Common JCL syntax errors include:

• Missing JOB Statement: Every job must start with a JOB statement. Missing JOB statement causes immediate submission failure.
• Missing EXEC Statement: Every step must have an EXEC statement. Missing EXEC statements cause step failures.
• Invalid JOB Card: JOB statement must have valid parameters (accounting information, job name, job class). Invalid parameters cause submission failure.
• Incorrect DD Syntax: DD statements must follow correct syntax. Incorrect syntax causes allocation failures.
• Missing Required DD Statements: Some programs require specific DD statements. Missing required DDs cause program failures.
• Invalid Parameters: Parameters in EXEC or DD statements must be valid. Invalid parameters cause errors.
• Continuation Errors: Continuation lines must be formatted correctly. Incorrect continuation causes syntax errors.
• Statement Order: JCL statements must be in correct order. Incorrect order may cause errors.

These errors prevent JCL from being parsed correctly, causing submission failure.

How to Diagnose JCL Errors

To diagnose JCL errors:

• Check Error Messages: Error messages indicate specific JCL problems
• Verify JCL Structure: Ensure JOB, EXEC, and DD statements are present and correct
• Check Syntax: Verify JCL syntax follows rules (statement format, parameters, continuation)
• Use JCL Checker: Use JCL checker utilities if available to validate syntax
• Review Line by Line: Review JCL line by line for syntax errors
• Compare with Working JCL: Compare with known working JCL to identify differences

Systematic JCL review helps identify syntax problems.

How to Fix JCL Errors

To fix JCL errors:

• Add Missing Statements: Add any missing JOB, EXEC, or required DD statements
• Correct Syntax: Fix syntax errors (parameter formats, statement formats, continuation)
• Verify Parameters: Ensure all parameters are valid and correctly formatted
• Fix Statement Order: Ensure statements are in correct order
• Test Incrementally: Fix errors one at a time and test after each fix
• Use Templates: Use working JCL as templates to ensure correct structure

Fixing JCL errors systematically ensures all problems are resolved.

Example: Common JCL Errors

Example of common JCL errors:

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//BADJOB JOB (ACCT),'DESC'    ← Missing job class
//STEP1 EXEC PGM=PROG1
//DD1 DD DSN=USERID.DATA1,DISP=SHR
//STEP2 EXEC PGM=PROG2    ← Missing DD statements
//OUTPUT DD DSN=USERID.OUTPUT,
//       DISP=(NEW,CATLG),    ← Missing continuation or parameters
//SYSOUT DD SYSOUT=*

Corrected version:

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//GOODJOB JOB (ACCT),'DESC',CLASS=A
//STEP1 EXEC PGM=PROG1
//DD1 DD DSN=USERID.DATA1,DISP=SHR
//STEP2 EXEC PGM=PROG2
//INPUT DD DSN=USERID.INPUT,DISP=SHR
//OUTPUT DD DSN=USERID.OUTPUT,
//       DISP=(NEW,CATLG),
//       SPACE=(TRK,(10,5)),
//       DCB=(LRECL=80,RECFM=FB,BLKSIZE=8000)
//SYSOUT DD SYSOUT=*

Notice the corrections: added job class, added required DD statements, completed continuation lines, and added required parameters.

Steplib Problems

Steplib (STEPLIB) problems prevent programs from being found and executed. Understanding steplib and how to diagnose and fix problems is important.

What is Steplib

STEPLIB is a DD statement that:

• Specifies Libraries: Lists libraries to search for programs executed in the step
• Search Order: Libraries are searched in the order specified
• Program Location: Tells the system where to find programs (PGM=) specified in EXEC statements
• Override System Libraries: Can override system default library search

STEPLIB is required when programs are not in system default libraries or when you need specific program versions.

Common Steplib Problems

Common steplib problems include:

• Steplib Not Specified: Program not in default libraries and steplib not specified
• Incorrect Library Names: Library names are misspelled or incorrect
• Libraries Not Accessible: Libraries exist but cannot be accessed (security, catalog issues)
• Missing Libraries: Required libraries are missing from steplib concatenation
• Wrong Library Order: Libraries in wrong order, causing wrong program version to be used
• Program Not in Libraries: Program doesn't exist in specified libraries

These problems prevent programs from being found, causing step failures.

How to Diagnose Steplib Problems

To diagnose steplib problems:

• Check Error Messages: Error messages like "program not found" indicate steplib problems
• Verify Library Names: Verify steplib library names are correct and exist
• Check Library Access: Verify libraries are accessible (cataloged, security access)
• Verify Program Exists: Verify program exists in steplib libraries
• Check Concatenation: Verify all required libraries are in steplib concatenation
• Verify Library Order: Check library order is correct if program exists in multiple libraries

These steps help identify steplib configuration problems.

How to Fix Steplib Problems

To fix steplib problems:

• Add Steplib: Add STEPLIB DD statement if missing and program not in default libraries
• Correct Library Names: Fix misspelled or incorrect library names
• Fix Access Problems: Resolve security or catalog issues preventing library access
• Add Missing Libraries: Add any missing required libraries to steplib
• Correct Library Order: Ensure libraries are in correct order
• Verify Program Location: Ensure program exists in steplib libraries

Fixing steplib problems ensures programs can be found and executed.

Example: Steplib Configuration

Example steplib configuration:

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//STEP1 EXEC PGM=MYPROG
//STEPLIB DD DSN=USERID.LOADLIB,DISP=SHR
//        DD DSN=PROD.LOADLIB,DISP=SHR
//INPUT DD DSN=USERID.INPUT,DISP=SHR
//OUTPUT DD SYSOUT=*

This steplib searches USERID.LOADLIB first, then PROD.LOADLIB for the program MYPROG. If MYPROG exists in both, the version in USERID.LOADLIB is used.

Allocation Issues

Allocation issues prevent datasets from being allocated for job steps. Understanding allocation problems and how to fix them is important.

Common Allocation Problems

Common allocation problems include:

• Dataset Not Found: Dataset specified in DD statement doesn't exist
• Dataset Not Cataloged: Dataset exists but isn't cataloged, so system cannot find it
• Insufficient Space: Not enough space to allocate new datasets
• Insufficient Authority: Don't have authority to access or allocate datasets
• Volume Not Available: Specified volume is not available or doesn't exist
• Invalid Allocation Parameters: Allocation parameters (SPACE, DCB, etc.) are incorrect
• Dataset in Use: Dataset is locked by another process

These problems prevent datasets from being allocated, causing step failures.

How to Diagnose Allocation Issues

To diagnose allocation issues:

• Check Error Messages: Error messages indicate specific allocation problems
• Verify Dataset Exists: Verify datasets specified in DD statements exist
• Check Catalog Status: Verify datasets are cataloged (or volume specified if not)
• Verify Security Access: Check you have authority to access datasets
• Check Space Availability: Verify sufficient space for new dataset allocation
• Verify Volumes: Check specified volumes are available
• Check Allocation Parameters: Verify allocation parameters are valid

These steps help identify specific allocation problems.

How to Fix Allocation Issues

To fix allocation issues:

• Create Missing Datasets: Create datasets that don't exist (if they should exist)
• Recatalog Datasets: Recatalog datasets that aren't cataloged
• Specify Volume: Specify volume serial for uncataloged datasets
• Request Access: Request security access if you don't have authority
• Free Space: Free space or increase allocation if space is insufficient
• Fix Parameters: Correct invalid allocation parameters
• Wait for Locks: Wait for locks to clear if datasets are in use
• Use Different Volumes: Use different volumes if specified volumes aren't available

Fixing allocation issues ensures datasets can be allocated for job steps.

Systematic Troubleshooting Process

Following a systematic troubleshooting process helps identify and resolve job submission problems efficiently.

Step 1: Check Error Messages

Start by reading error messages carefully:

• Error messages provide specific information about what failed
• Error codes help identify error types
• Context shows which step or statement failed
• Resource names identify what was involved

Error messages are your first clue about what's wrong.

Step 2: Verify JCL Syntax

Check JCL syntax and structure:

• Verify JOB statement is present and correct
• Verify EXEC statements are present for each step
• Check DD statement syntax is correct
• Verify required DD statements are present
• Check parameter formats are correct
• Verify continuation lines are formatted correctly

JCL syntax errors are common and often easy to fix once identified.

Step 3: Verify Dataset Existence

Verify all datasets exist and are accessible:

• Use DSLIST to verify datasets exist
• Check dataset names are spelled correctly
• Verify datasets are cataloged
• Check you have access to datasets

Dataset problems are a common cause of submission failures.

Step 4: Check Steplib Configuration

Verify steplib is configured correctly:

• Check STEPLIB DD statements are present if needed
• Verify library names are correct
• Check libraries are accessible
• Verify programs exist in libraries
• Check library order is correct

Steplib problems prevent programs from being found.

Step 5: Verify Allocation Parameters

Check allocation parameters are correct:

• Verify SPACE parameters for new datasets
• Check DCB parameters are correct
• Verify DISP parameters are appropriate
• Check volume specifications if needed

Incorrect allocation parameters cause allocation failures.

Best Practices

Following best practices helps prevent and resolve job submission problems:

• Use Working JCL as Templates: Start with known working JCL to ensure correct structure
• Test Incrementally: Test JCL changes incrementally to identify problems early
• Verify Before Submitting: Verify JCL syntax, dataset names, and parameters before submitting
• Check Error Messages: Always read error messages carefully for specific problems
• Document Working Configurations: Document working JCL and steplib configurations for reference
• Use JCL Checkers: Use JCL checker utilities when available to catch errors early
• Follow Troubleshooting Process: Follow systematic troubleshooting to identify problems
• Ask for Help: Ask colleagues or support when stuck

Explain Like I'm 5: Job Submission Problems

Think of job submission like sending a package through the mail:

• JCL is like the address label on your package. If the address is wrong or missing information (like JCL syntax errors), the post office (system) can't process it and sends it back!
• Steplib is like telling the delivery person where to find special tools they need. If you give the wrong address for the tools (wrong steplib), they can't find them and can't do their job!
• Allocation is like making sure there's a place to put the package when it arrives. If the address doesn't exist, or the mailbox is full, or you don't have permission to use that mailbox (allocation problems), the package can't be delivered!
• Troubleshooting is like being a detective. You check each part - is the address correct? Are the tools in the right place? Is there a place to deliver the package? - until you figure out what's preventing delivery!

So when a job won't submit, it's like a package that can't be sent because something is wrong with the address (JCL), the tools can't be found (steplib), or there's no place to deliver it (allocation). You just need to figure out which problem it is and fix it!

Practice Exercises

Practice troubleshooting job submission problems:

Exercise 1: JCL Syntax Troubleshooting

Objective: Practice identifying and fixing JCL syntax errors.

Steps:

• Create a JCL with intentional syntax errors (missing JOB class, incorrect DD syntax)
• Attempt to submit the job
• Note the error messages
• Identify the syntax errors
• Fix the errors
• Resubmit and verify it works

Exercise 2: Steplib Troubleshooting

Objective: Practice diagnosing steplib problems.

Steps:

• Create a JCL that requires steplib
• Submit without steplib (or with incorrect steplib)
• Note the error message
• Identify it's a steplib problem
• Add correct steplib
• Resubmit and verify it works

Exercise 3: Allocation Troubleshooting

Objective: Practice diagnosing allocation problems.

Steps:

• Create a JCL with a dataset that doesn't exist
• Attempt to submit
• Note the allocation error
• Create the missing dataset or fix the dataset name
• Resubmit and verify it works

Related Concepts