TSO Command Quick Reference: Essential Commands

This quick reference provides essential TSO commands at a glance. Use this as a cheat sheet for the most commonly used TSO commands for dataset management, job operations, and system interaction. For detailed explanations and advanced usage, refer to the comprehensive TSO command tutorials.

TSO (Time Sharing Option) commands are entered at the TSO READY prompt or from within ISPF. They perform system operations like dataset management, job submission, and system queries. This reference consolidates the most important commands for quick lookup.

Dataset Management Commands

Commands for managing datasets:

Dataset Information

Dataset Operations

Job Management Commands

Commands for submitting and managing jobs:

System and Utility Commands

Commands for system interaction and utilities:

Command Usage Tips

Tips for using TSO commands effectively:

• Dataset Names: Enclose dataset names in single quotes: 'USERID.DATASET.NAME'
• PDS Members: Specify members as 'DATASET.NAME(MEMBER)'
• Wildcards: Use * for wildcards in LISTCAT: 'USERID.*'
• Command Continuation: Use + at end of line to continue commands
• Command History: Use command history to recall previous commands
• Help: Use HELP commandname for command help
• Abbreviation: Many commands can be abbreviated (e.g., LISTCAT can be LC)

Explain Like I'm 5: TSO Commands

Think of TSO commands like instructions you give to the mainframe:

• TSO Commands are like telling the mainframe what to do. You type a command (like "show me my files" or "create a new file"), and the mainframe does it for you!
• Dataset Commands are like file management instructions. "LISTCAT" is like asking "show me all my files," "ALLOCATE" is like saying "create a new file," and "DELETE" is like saying "delete this file"!
• Job Commands are like instructions for running programs. "SUBMIT" is like saying "run this program," and "STATUS" is like asking "how is my program doing?"!
• Command Syntax is like using the right words in the right order. Just like you need to say "please open the door" not "door open please," TSO commands need to be in the right format!

So TSO commands are like instructions you give to the mainframe to tell it what to do - manage files, run programs, or check on things!

Practice Exercises

Practice using TSO commands from this quick reference:

Exercise 1: Dataset Information

Objective: Practice listing dataset information.

Steps:

• Use LISTCAT to list your datasets
• Use LISTDS to get detailed information about a dataset
• Use LISTALC to see currently allocated datasets
• Practice with different dataset name patterns

Exercise 2: Dataset Operations

Objective: Practice dataset operations.

Steps:

• Use ALLOCATE to create a test dataset
• Use COPY to copy a dataset
• Use RENAME to rename a test dataset
• Use DELETE to delete a test dataset

Exercise 3: Job Operations

Objective: Practice job submission and status checking.

Steps:

• Use SUBMIT to submit a test job
• Use STATUS to check job status
• Use CANCEL if needed to cancel a job
• Practice monitoring job execution

Related Concepts