Access a VSAM file from CICS using the alternate key

ashwinjeerigi · New User Joined: 20 Jun 2004 Posts: 12 Location: BANGALORE

Hi all,

How do I access a VSAM file from CICS using the alternate key for that file.

We use RIDFLD to specify the primary key. How do I do it for Alternate key.

Pls reply soon

regards
Ashwin

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

Hi Ashwin,

When creating a file w/an alt index a PATH must be created for each alt index.

In CICS you would use the name of this path in the FILE clause of the CICS I/O stmt, NOT the base file name. The RIDFLD should contain the value of the alt key you want to reference.

Regards, Jack.

ashwinjeerigi · New User Joined: 20 Jun 2004 Posts: 12 Location: BANGALORE

Hi Jack,

Thanx for the reply. Do I register the Path name in FCT. If so then does it take the base KSDS name automatically. Pls reply.

regards
Ashwin

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

Hi Ashwin,

I'm not sure how (if) the FCT relates to the path name. I do know that a path is created via IDCAMS (it is NOT done automatically) as part of building the AIX.

You can check the cntl card library for the path name. It usually contains the 1st 7 chars of the DDNAME of the base file and uses the 8th position to make the name unique.

That's about all I can suggest. Maybe someone else has more specific info.

Another thought:

If you have access to the CICS proc, you can look for the DDNAMES associated w/the base cluster and the AIX. Use the DDNAME of the AIX for the I/O cmds referencing the AIX. If the file is used in batch, check out that JCL too.

Regards, Jack