Opening Members and Datasets for Edit

Opening files for editing is one of the most fundamental ISPF operations. The Edit Entry panel is your gateway to the ISPF Editor, where you specify which dataset or member you want to edit. Understanding how to use the Edit Entry panel effectively is essential for efficient mainframe work. This tutorial covers how to open datasets and PDS members for editing, including detailed usage of the Edit Entry panel.

The Edit Entry panel appears when you select Edit (Option 2) from the ISPF Primary Option Menu. It collects the information needed to open a file: the dataset name, member name (if editing a PDS member), and optionally the mode in which to open it. Mastering the Edit Entry panel makes opening files quick and efficient.

Accessing the Edit Entry Panel

The Edit Entry panel is accessed through the ISPF Primary Option Menu.

From the Primary Option Menu

To access the Edit Entry panel:

• From the ISPF Primary Option Menu, select Option 2 (Edit)
• Type 2 on the command line and press Enter
• The Edit Entry panel is displayed
• Enter the dataset information
• Press Enter to open the file

Edit Entry Panel Appearance

The Edit Entry panel typically displays:

• Panel Title: "EDIT - Edit Entry Panel" or similar, identifying this as the Edit Entry panel
• Data Set Name Field: A field where you enter the dataset name
• Member Field: A field for entering the member name (if editing a PDS member)
• Volume Field: Optional field for volume serial (if dataset is not cataloged)
• Mode Field: Optional field or option to specify Edit, Browse, or View mode
• Other Options: Additional fields or options depending on your ISPF version
• Function Key Labels: Labels showing available function keys

Opening Sequential Datasets

Sequential datasets are single-file datasets that don't contain members. Opening them is straightforward.

Entering Sequential Dataset Names

To open a sequential dataset:

• In the Data Set Name field, enter the dataset name
• For fully qualified names, use quotes: 'USERID.SOURCE.DATA'
• If using your default prefix, you may enter just low-level qualifiers: SOURCE.DATA
• Leave the Member field blank (sequential datasets don't have members)
• Press Enter to open the dataset

Sequential Dataset Examples

Examples of opening sequential datasets:

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Data Set Name ===> 'USERID.SOURCE.DATA'
Member          ===> 
Volume          ===> 
Mode            ===> EDIT

Or using default prefix:

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Data Set Name ===> SOURCE.DATA
Member          ===> 
Volume          ===> 
Mode            ===> EDIT

Sequential Dataset Considerations

When opening sequential datasets:

• No Member Field: Leave the member field blank—sequential datasets don't have members
• Full File: The entire dataset is opened for editing
• Dataset Must Exist: The dataset must exist (or you'll be prompted to create it)
• Quotes for Qualified Names: Use quotes for fully qualified dataset names

Opening PDS Members

Partitioned Data Sets (PDS) contain multiple members, each acting like a separate file. Opening a member requires specifying both the dataset name and the member name.

Entering PDS Member Information

To open a PDS member:

• In the Data Set Name field, enter the PDS dataset name
• In the Member field, enter the member name you want to edit
• For fully qualified dataset names, use quotes: 'USERID.SOURCE.COBOL'
• Member names are typically entered without quotes: MEMBER1
• Press Enter to open the member

PDS Member Examples

Examples of opening PDS members:

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Data Set Name ===> 'USERID.SOURCE.COBOL'
Member          ===> MEMBER1
Volume          ===> 
Mode            ===> EDIT

Or using default prefix:

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Data Set Name ===> SOURCE.COBOL
Member          ===> PROG01
Volume          ===> 
Mode            ===> EDIT

PDS Member Considerations

When opening PDS members:

• Both Fields Required: You must specify both the dataset name and member name
• Member Must Exist: The member must exist in the PDS (or you'll create a new member)
• Creating New Members: If the member doesn't exist, ISPF may prompt you or create it automatically
• Member Names: Member names are typically 1-8 characters and follow naming conventions
• Case Sensitivity: Member names may be case-sensitive or case-insensitive depending on system configuration

Using Default Dataset Prefix

ISPF allows you to use a default dataset prefix, which simplifies entering dataset names.

How Default Prefix Works

The default prefix is typically your userid or a prefix configured in your TSO profile:

• If your default prefix is USERID, you can enter SOURCE.COBOL instead of 'USERID.SOURCE.COBOL'
• ISPF automatically prepends your default prefix to unqualified dataset names
• This saves typing and reduces errors
• You can still use fully qualified names with quotes when needed

When to Use Default Prefix

Use default prefix when:

• You're working with datasets that use your default prefix
• You want to save typing
• The dataset is in your standard naming structure

Use fully qualified names when:

• You're accessing datasets with different high-level qualifiers
• You want to be explicit about the dataset name
• You're working with shared or system datasets

Specifying Mode

The Edit Entry panel allows you to specify the mode in which to open the file.

Mode Options

You can typically specify:

• EDIT: Opens in Edit mode, allowing full editing capabilities
• BROWSE: Opens in Browse mode, providing read-only access
• VIEW: Opens in View mode, providing read-only access with enhanced display
• Default: If not specified, typically defaults to Edit mode

Specifying Mode in Edit Entry

To specify mode:

• Look for a Mode field or option in the Edit Entry panel
• Enter EDIT, BROWSE, or VIEW as desired
• Or leave it blank to use the default (typically Edit)
• Some systems may use different field names or methods

Mode Selection Examples

Examples of specifying mode:

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Data Set Name ===> 'USERID.SOURCE.COBOL'
Member          ===> MEMBER1
Mode            ===> EDIT

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Data Set Name ===> 'USERID.OUTPUT.LOG'
Member          ===> 
Mode            ===> BROWSE

Handling Non-Existent Datasets

If you enter a dataset name that doesn't exist, ISPF may prompt you to create it.

Dataset Creation Prompt

When a dataset doesn't exist:

• ISPF may display a message indicating the dataset doesn't exist
• You may be prompted to create the dataset
• You'll need to provide dataset attributes
• After providing attributes, ISPF creates the dataset and opens it

Required Attributes for New Datasets

When creating a new dataset, you typically need to specify:

• Record Format (RECFM): The record format (F, V, U, FB, VB, etc.)
• Record Length (LRECL): The logical record length in bytes
• Block Size (BLKSIZE): The block size, typically a multiple of LRECL
• Space Allocation: Primary and secondary space quantities
• Organization: Sequential (PS) or Partitioned (PO) organization
• Directory Blocks: For PDS, the number of directory blocks

Creating New PDS Members

When opening a member that doesn't exist:

• ISPF may automatically create the member
• The member is created as an empty file
• You can then add content to the new member
• The member is saved when you save and exit the editor

Using Volume Serial

If a dataset is not cataloged, you may need to specify the volume serial.

When Volume Serial is Needed

Specify volume serial when:

• The dataset is not cataloged
• You know the specific volume where the dataset resides
• ISPF cannot find the dataset through the catalog
• You're accessing datasets on specific volumes

Entering Volume Serial

To specify volume serial:

• Enter the volume serial in the Volume field
• Volume serials are typically 6 characters
• You may need to specify volume for uncataloged datasets
• Most cataloged datasets don't require volume specification

Edit Entry Panel Best Practices

Following best practices helps you use the Edit Entry panel effectively:

• Use Quotes for Qualified Names: Use quotes for fully qualified dataset names to ensure they're handled correctly
• Specify Mode When Needed: Specify Browse or View mode when you only need to view files
• Verify Dataset Names: Double-check dataset names before pressing Enter to avoid opening the wrong file
• Use Default Prefix When Appropriate: Use default prefix to save typing for your standard datasets
• Know Member Names: For PDS, know the exact member name you want to edit
• Handle Creation Prompts: Be prepared to provide dataset attributes if creating new datasets
• Use Browse First: When unsure, use Browse mode first to examine files before editing
• Check for Errors: Read any error messages if the dataset doesn't open and address issues

Common Edit Entry Panel Scenarios

Here are common scenarios and how to handle them in the Edit Entry panel.

Scenario 1: Editing a Sequential Dataset

To edit a sequential dataset:

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Data Set Name ===> 'USERID.SOURCE.DATA'
Member          ===> 
Mode            ===> EDIT

Enter the dataset name, leave member blank, specify Edit mode, and press Enter.

Scenario 2: Editing a PDS Member

To edit a PDS member:

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Data Set Name ===> 'USERID.SOURCE.COBOL'
Member          ===> PROG01
Mode            ===> EDIT

Enter both dataset name and member name, specify Edit mode, and press Enter.

Scenario 3: Browsing a File

To browse a file (read-only):

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Data Set Name ===> 'USERID.OUTPUT.LOG'
Member          ===> 
Mode            ===> BROWSE

Enter the dataset name, specify Browse mode, and press Enter.

Scenario 4: Creating a New Member

To create a new PDS member:

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Data Set Name ===> 'USERID.SOURCE.COBOL'
Member          ===> NEWMEM
Mode            ===> EDIT

Enter the PDS name and a new member name. ISPF creates the member if it doesn't exist.

Error Handling

Understanding common errors helps you resolve issues when opening files.

Dataset Not Found

If you get a "dataset not found" error:

• Verify the dataset name is correct
• Check spelling and qualifiers
• Verify the dataset exists (use LISTCAT or utilities to check)
• Check if you need to specify a volume serial
• Verify you have access permissions to the dataset

Member Not Found

If you get a "member not found" error:

• Verify the member name is correct
• Check the member exists in the PDS (use Library Utility to list members)
• Verify spelling and case (member names may be case-sensitive)
• If creating a new member, ensure the member name follows naming conventions

Access Denied

If you get an "access denied" or permission error:

• Verify you have read access (for Browse/View) or write access (for Edit)
• Check security system permissions (RACF, ACF2, TopSecret)
• Contact your system administrator if you need access
• Try Browse mode if Edit mode is denied

Explain Like I'm 5: Opening Files in ISPF

Think of the Edit Entry panel like a form you fill out to get a book from the library:

• Data Set Name is like writing which bookshelf the book is on. You write "Shelf A, Row 3" (like 'USERID.SOURCE.COBOL') so the librarian knows where to look.
• Member Name is like writing which specific book you want. If the shelf has many books (like a PDS has many members), you need to say "I want book number 5" (like MEMBER1).
• Mode is like saying how you want to use the book. "I want to write in it" (Edit), "I just want to read it" (Browse), or "I want to read it with special glasses" (View).
• Pressing Enter is like giving the form to the librarian. They go get the book (open the file) and give it to you in the way you asked (in the mode you specified).
• If the book doesn't exist, the librarian might ask "Do you want me to create a new blank book with that name?" and you can say yes and tell them what kind of book you want.

So the Edit Entry panel is like a form that tells the computer exactly which file you want and how you want to use it!

Practice Exercises

Complete these exercises to reinforce your understanding of opening files in ISPF:

Exercise 1: Sequential Dataset Practice

Practice opening sequential datasets: use the Edit Entry panel to open various sequential datasets. Try fully qualified names with quotes and names using your default prefix. Practice with different modes (Edit, Browse, View). Document your experiences and any issues encountered.

Exercise 2: PDS Member Practice

Practice opening PDS members: use the Edit Entry panel to open various PDS members. Enter both dataset names and member names correctly. Practice creating new members by entering member names that don't exist. Document the process and outcomes.

Exercise 3: Mode Selection Practice

Practice opening the same file in different modes: open a file in Edit mode, then exit and open it in Browse mode, then in View mode. Compare the interfaces and capabilities in each mode. Document the differences and when each mode is most appropriate.

Exercise 4: Error Handling Practice

Practice handling common errors: try opening non-existent datasets, incorrect member names, and files you don't have access to. Observe the error messages and learn how to resolve them. Document common errors and their solutions.

Exercise 5: Edit Entry Panel Mastery

Master the Edit Entry panel: practice opening files until the process becomes automatic. Time yourself opening files and work on speed and accuracy. Create a reference guide of common dataset names and members you work with. Practice until Edit Entry panel usage is second nature.

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