Refer Back Property in JCl

softwareengineer · New User Joined: 24 Aug 2005 Posts: 24 Location: Hyderabad

Hi,

Can anyone tell me the use of REFER BACK feature in JCL with any examples. Is it possible to refer back entire step(Previous)??

Thnks& rgrds

DavidatK · Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2005 9:17 pm

There are two things ?refer back? may be addressing in JCL.

First I?ll give you the link to the IBM JCL Manual?

[url]

publibfp.boulder.ibm.com/cgi-bin/bookmgr/BOOKS/iea2b650/CCONTENTS

[/url]

The first is in the COND= where you are referring back to a previous steps return code to make a determination whether you want to skip the current step, or execute it.

Look at topic ?16.5 COND Parameter? for an in depth discussion and other links.

The second is a refer back to a previously defined dataset that you can capture the DCB parameters without coding them. In this case, if the ?referred to? datasets DCB parameters change the DCB parameters will also change on the new dataset.

You can do a search for in the JCL manual for REFER BACK, REFDD, and LIKE for a detailed discussion of this option.

A detailed discussion is really to much to go into on the forum, But I?m sure you will fine the link useful

I hope this helps.. If you still don't understand, please come back

appasi · New User Joined: 12 Dec 2005 Posts: 20 Location: Bangalore

Hi,

Refer back can be used in jcl to refer back
only, VOL=SER, DD names, PGM's,RECFM,LRECL,
BLKSIZE. Refer back technique is used to avoid
retyping the same fields and to avoid errors.

please correct me if i am wrong

mmwife · Super Moderator Joined: 30 May 2003 Posts: 1592

The problem w/referback is that it complicates step restarts. That's why you don't see it used much in prod environments. An important point to consider when deciding on its use.

iknow · Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2005 7:34 am

Hi,

Please search our forum for more information. This topic has been come into picture already.

Let me know in case of any concerns.