ISPF Utility Option Quick Guide: 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4

ISPF utilities (Option 3) provide powerful tools for dataset and library management. This quick guide provides essential information about the four main utility options: 3.1 (Library Utility), 3.2 (Dataset Utility), 3.3 (Move/Copy Utility), and 3.4 (Data Set List Utility). Use this as a quick reference for choosing the right utility and understanding what each one does.

Each utility serves a specific purpose in dataset management. Understanding when to use each utility helps you work efficiently. This guide provides quick reference information - for detailed explanations, refer to the comprehensive utility tutorials.

Option 3.1: Library Utility

Library Utility manages members within partitioned datasets (PDS).

Purpose

Option 3.1 is for working with PDS members:

• Browse, edit, delete, rename, and copy members
• View member lists and information
• Manage source code libraries, JCL libraries, and other PDS datasets
• Perform member-level operations

When to Use

• Working with members in a specific PDS
• Managing source code or JCL libraries
• Performing member-level operations
• Viewing or editing individual members

Key Operations

Option 3.2: Dataset Utility

Dataset Utility manages datasets at the dataset level.

Purpose

Option 3.2 is for dataset management:

• Allocate (create) new datasets
• Delete datasets
• Rename datasets
• Catalog and uncatalog datasets
• View and modify dataset attributes

When to Use

• Creating new datasets
• Deleting or renaming datasets
• Managing dataset attributes
• Catalog management

Key Operations

Option 3.3: Move/Copy Utility

Move/Copy Utility copies and moves datasets and members.

Purpose

Option 3.3 is for data movement:

• Copy datasets
• Move datasets
• Copy PDS members between datasets
• Bulk copy and move operations

When to Use

• Creating dataset backups
• Moving data between datasets
• Copying members between libraries
• Data migration tasks

Key Operations

Option 3.4: Data Set List Utility (DSLIST)

DSLIST lists and manages multiple datasets.

Purpose

Option 3.4 is for dataset discovery and bulk operations:

• List datasets matching patterns
• Sort and filter dataset lists
• View dataset attributes
• Perform operations on multiple datasets
• Manage Personal Lists (Reflists)

When to Use

• Finding datasets by pattern
• Viewing lists of datasets
• Sorting datasets by attributes
• Bulk operations on multiple datasets
• Managing dataset collections

Key Features

Choosing the Right Utility

Choosing the right utility depends on what you need to do:

Decision Guide

• Use 3.1 (Library): When working with members in a specific PDS library
• Use 3.2 (Dataset): When creating, deleting, or managing datasets
• Use 3.3 (Move/Copy): When copying or moving datasets or members
• Use 3.4 (DSLIST): When finding or managing multiple datasets

Common Workflows

Common workflow patterns:

• Finding a Dataset: Use 3.4 to find datasets, then 3.1 or 3.2 to work with them
• Creating and Populating: Use 3.2 to create dataset, then 3.1 to add members
• Backup: Use 3.3 to copy datasets or members
• Member Management: Use 3.1 for member operations within a library

Quick Access Methods

Quick ways to access utilities:

• From Primary Menu: Type "3.1", "3.2", "3.3", or "3.4" directly
• From Utilities Menu: Type "3" then select specific utility
• Command Line: Some utilities can be accessed via command line
• Function Keys: Some utilities have function key shortcuts

Explain Like I'm 5: ISPF Utilities

Think of ISPF utilities like different tools for managing your files:

• 3.1 (Library) is like a filing cabinet organizer. You open one filing cabinet (PDS) and work with the folders (members) inside it. You can look at folders, rename them, copy them, or throw them away - all within that one filing cabinet!
• 3.2 (Dataset) is like a file manager. You can create new filing cabinets (datasets), throw away old ones, rename them, or organize them. It's for managing the filing cabinets themselves, not what's inside them!
• 3.3 (Move/Copy) is like a moving service. You can copy filing cabinets or folders to new places, or move them completely. It's like making backups or reorganizing your storage!
• 3.4 (DSLIST) is like a master list of all your filing cabinets. You can search for filing cabinets, see lists of them, sort them by size or date, and work with many at once. It's like having a directory of all your storage!

So ISPF utilities are like different tools for managing your files - one for working inside filing cabinets, one for managing the cabinets themselves, one for moving things around, and one for finding and listing everything!

Practice Exercises

Practice using each utility:

Exercise 1: Library Utility (3.1)

Objective: Practice managing PDS members.

Steps:

• Access Option 3.1
• Specify a PDS dataset
• List members in the PDS
• Browse a member using line command B
• Practice other member operations

Exercise 2: Dataset Utility (3.2)

Objective: Practice dataset management.

Steps:

• Access Option 3.2
• Use line command A to allocate a test dataset
• View dataset attributes
• Practice other dataset operations

Exercise 3: DSLIST (3.4)

Objective: Practice finding and listing datasets.

Steps:

• Access Option 3.4
• Enter a dataset pattern (e.g., USERID.*)
• View the dataset list
• Use SORT to sort by different attributes
• Try different view modes

Related Concepts