ISPF Utilities (Option 3) provides a comprehensive set of tools for managing datasets, libraries, and performing system operations. The utility selection panel organizes these tools into an easy-to-navigate menu, allowing you to access powerful utilities for dataset management, member operations, file copying, printing, and more. This tutorial covers the utility selection panel, available utilities, and how to navigate and use the utilities menu.
Understanding ISPF Utilities is essential for efficient dataset management and system operations. These utilities provide graphical interfaces for tasks that would otherwise require complex commands or programs, making mainframe operations more accessible and user-friendly.
Accessing ISPF Utilities
ISPF Utilities are accessed from the Primary Option Menu.
How to Access
To access ISPF Utilities:
From the ISPF Primary Option Menu, select Option 3
Type "3" in the option line
Press Enter
The utility selection panel appears
Access Example
From the Primary Option Menu:
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Option ===> 3
This displays the utility selection panel.
Utility Selection Panel
The utility selection panel is the main menu for ISPF utilities.
Panel Layout
The utility selection panel typically displays:
A list of available utilities
Option numbers for each utility (3.1, 3.2, etc.)
Descriptions of what each utility does
An option line for selecting utilities
Function key labels
Panel Example
A typical utility selection panel might look like:
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ISPF Utilities
Option ===>
1 Library Utility - Work with PDS/PDSE members
2 Data Set Utility - Work with datasets
3 Move/Copy Utility - Copy and move datasets
4 Hardcopy Utility - Print datasets
5 Compress Utility - Compress PDS
6 Outlist Utility - Work with job output
7 SuperC Utility - Compare datasets
8 Search-For Utility - Search datasets
9 Format Utility - Format datasets
A Submit Utility - Submit jobs
B Convert Utility - Convert datasets
C Catalog Utility - Catalog operations
Selecting a Utility
To select a utility:
Type the utility number (e.g., 3.1, 3.2) in the option line
Or type just the number (e.g., 1, 2) if on the utility menu
Press Enter
The selected utility opens
Common Utilities
Here are the most commonly used ISPF utilities.
3.1 - Library Utility
Library Utility provides:
Operations on PDS/PDSE members
Member list browsing
Member copy, move, and delete
Member comparison
Member attribute viewing
Member search operations
3.2 - Data Set Utility
Data Set Utility provides:
Dataset allocation and creation
Dataset renaming and deletion
Dataset attribute viewing and modification
Dataset catalog operations
Dataset information display
Operations on all dataset types
3.3 - Move/Copy Utility
Move/Copy Utility provides:
Copying datasets
Moving datasets
Dataset backup operations
Bulk dataset operations
Dataset migration
3.4 - Hardcopy Utility
Hardcopy Utility provides:
Printing datasets
Printing PDS members
Print job submission
Print formatting options
3.5 - Compress Utility
Compress Utility provides:
Compressing PDS datasets
Recovering PDS space
PDS maintenance
Space optimization
Other Utilities
Additional utilities may be available depending on your ISPF installation.
Additional Common Utilities
Other utilities may include:
Outlist Utility: Work with job output listings
SuperC Utility: Compare datasets and members
Search-For Utility: Search for text in datasets
Format Utility: Format and reformat datasets
Submit Utility: Submit batch jobs
Convert Utility: Convert between dataset formats
Catalog Utility: Catalog and uncatalog datasets
Utility Availability
Note that:
Not all utilities may be available in every installation
Utilities may have different option numbers
Some utilities may require special authorization
Check your utility selection panel for available options
Navigating Utilities
Understanding how to navigate within and between utilities.
Within a Utility
Within utilities, you can typically:
Use function keys for navigation (PF3 to exit, PF1 for help)
Use command lines for operations
Navigate through panels and menus
Perform utility-specific operations
Returning to Utility Menu
To return to the utility selection panel:
Press PF3 (End/Exit)
Or use the END command
Or select the appropriate option
You return to the utility selection panel
Returning to Primary Menu
To return to the Primary Option Menu:
Press PF3 from the utility selection panel
Or type "=" on the command line
You return to the Primary Option Menu
Utility Features
Common features across ISPF utilities.
Common Features
Most utilities provide:
Menu-driven interfaces
Command line options
Function key support
Help facilities (PF1)
Error handling and messages
Confirmation prompts for destructive operations
Function Keys in Utilities
Common function keys in utilities:
PF1: Help
PF3: End/Exit (return to previous menu)
PF7: Scroll up
PF8: Scroll down
Other utility-specific function keys
Best Practices
Following best practices helps you use utilities effectively:
Know Your Utilities: Familiarize yourself with available utilities
Use Help: Use PF1 for help when unsure about a utility
Read Messages: Pay attention to utility messages and prompts
Confirm Destructive Operations: Be careful with delete and move operations
Verify Results: Verify that utility operations completed successfully
Use Appropriate Utilities: Choose the right utility for your task
Navigate Efficiently: Learn navigation shortcuts within utilities
Understand Limitations: Be aware of utility limitations and requirements
Common Workflows
Common workflows using ISPF utilities.
Dataset Management Workflow
For dataset management:
Access Data Set Utility (3.2)
View dataset attributes
Perform dataset operations
Return to utility menu when done
Member Management Workflow
For member management:
Access Library Utility (3.1)
Browse member list
Perform member operations
Return to utility menu when done
File Copying Workflow
For copying files:
Access Move/Copy Utility (3.3)
Specify source and target datasets
Execute copy operation
Verify copy completed successfully
Explain Like I'm 5: ISPF Utilities
Think of ISPF Utilities like a toolbox with different tools:
ISPF Utilities (Option 3) is like a big toolbox. When you open it (select Option 3), you see all the different tools inside, each with a number and a name telling you what it does!
Utility Selection Panel is like the lid of the toolbox that shows you all the tools. It's like a menu that says "Tool 1 does this, Tool 2 does that" so you know which tool to pick!
Each Utility is like a specific tool. Library Utility is like a tool for working with files in folders, Data Set Utility is like a tool for working with files themselves, and Move/Copy Utility is like a tool for copying files. Each tool does a special job!
Selecting a Utility is like picking a tool from the toolbox. You say "I want tool number 1" and that tool comes out ready to use. It's like choosing which tool you need for your job!
So ISPF Utilities is like a toolbox full of special tools for managing files, copying things, printing, and doing other important jobs on the mainframe!
Practice Exercises
Complete these exercises to reinforce your understanding of ISPF utilities:
Exercise 1: Accessing Utilities
Practice accessing utilities: select Option 3 from the Primary Option Menu, view the utility selection panel, identify available utilities, and understand the panel layout. Build familiarity with utility access.
Exercise 2: Navigating Utilities
Practice navigation: select different utilities, navigate within utilities, use PF3 to return to the utility menu, and practice moving between utilities and menus. Master utility navigation.
Exercise 3: Exploring Utilities
Practice exploring: open Library Utility (3.1), Data Set Utility (3.2), and other available utilities, explore their interfaces, use PF1 for help, and understand what each utility does. Learn utility capabilities.
Exercise 4: Utility Selection
Practice selection: identify which utility to use for different tasks (viewing members, copying datasets, etc.), select the appropriate utility, and understand utility selection criteria. Build decision-making skills.
Exercise 5: Utility Workflows
Practice workflows: perform common tasks using utilities (view dataset attributes, browse members, etc.), follow complete workflows, and understand how utilities fit into your work. Integrate utilities into your routine.