How to specify VSAM file to accept input from panel

sreenivasreddyg · New User Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Posts: 39 Location: delhi

I have little knowledge on REXX so your help is highly appreciated.

I want to design a utility like below.

A panel should accept name and identifier as input. I want a VSAM file to be read to get the data based on the input and display on panel. I was thinking about using CALL command to invoke the COBOL module LINKMVS to display on panel. But I am not sure how and where I can specify my VSAM file? Can you please let me know how can I achieve this and is my design workable?

superk · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 1:02 am

OK. Dumb question time. Why REXX? Instead of calling a COBOL routine, why not just write the whole thing in COBOL?

But, to answer your question, your VSAM dataset would be allocated via a standard TSO/E ALLOCATE command.

And instead of LINKMVS you can use just a standard TSO/E CALL command or ISPF SELECT Service.

*UPDATE*

I just noticed another topic of yours with a SAS question. If not COBOL, then why not maybe write this whole thing in SAS?

sreenivasreddyg · New User Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Posts: 39 Location: delhi

Thanks for the information.

I wanted to try this in REXX so that I can learn REXX.

superk · Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 1:44 am

OK. Certainly doable.

ofer71 · Posted: Sun Mar 01, 2009 11:54 am

Tip: If you want to read a record from a VSAM file based on a key using REXX, it's better to invoke IDCAMS REPRO with FROMKEY-TOKEY operands from within your REXX.

In addition, there are some free functions for REXX/VSAM. Please check CBTTAPE site.

O.