Generation Data Groups
Catalog Entries for Enterprise Server
  Table of Contents  v-24.01.01 - gdgjob02.htm 
  Introduction
  Format of the Excel Spreadsheet
  Record Layout of the File List
  Diagram, Make GDG Catalog Entries
  Catalog Entry Jobs, use GDG List
  The CMD File
  The JCL Member
  Summary
  Software Agreement and Disclaimer
  Downloads and Links
  Current Server or Internet Access
  Internet Access Required
  Glossary of Terms
  Contact or Feedback
  Company Overview
The SimoTime Home Page 

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Introduction

This document will describe how to create a list of the Generation Data Groups that are used by an application or group of applications. Once a list is created it will be used to programmatically create the entries in the Micro Focus catalog.

For this example we will use Microsoft Excel to create and maintain the list of names and properties for Generation Data Groups

Acronym Description
LONAP List of Names and Properties
CSV Comma Separated Values
FFL Fixed Field Length
  Glossary of Terms or Acronyms used in this Document

We have made a significant effort to ensure the documents and software technologies are correct and accurate. We reserve the right to make changes without notice at any time. The function delivered in this version is based upon the enhancement requests from a specific group of users. The intent is to provide changes as the need arises and in a timeframe that is dependent upon the availability of resources.

Copyright © 1987-2025
SimoTime Technologies and Services
All Rights Reserved

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Format of the Excel Spreadsheet

The following is the column structure for an Excel spreadsheet to be used as a starting point to populate the catalog.

* HTMGE
Column - Label Description
A - Level Number This should be a "1" for the primary file definition information. A zero (0) is used to define the row that is used for column headers.
B - DSN This is a text string with a maximum length of forty-four (44) characters. It is the fully-qualified MVS Data Set Name (DSN) or VSAM Cluster Name
C - DD Name This is a text string with a maximum length of eight (8) characters. It is the DD Name.
D - DSORG This is the Data Set Organization.
E - RECFM This is the Record Format.
F - lrecl-MIN This is a numeric string with a maximum length of five (5) digits. It is the minimum or average record length.
G - lrecl-MAX This is a numeric string with a maximum length of five (5) digits. It is the maximum record length.
H - KeyPos This is a numeric string with a maximum length of five (5) digits. It is the key starting position. The first position in a record is 1
I - KeyLen This is a numeric string with a maximum length of five (5) digits. It is for the length of the key.
J - VSAM Data Name This is a text string with a maximum length of forty-four (44) characters. It is the VSAM Data Name for KSDS and ESDS
K - VSAM Index Name This is a text string with a maximum length of forty-four (44) characters. It is the VSAM Index Name for KSDS
L - Override Job This is a text string with a maximum length of eight (8) characters. It is the JCL Member name that will be used to override the generated JCL that is used to create the catalog entry.
M - User Job 1 This is a text string with a maximum length of eight (8) characters. It is the JCL Member name for a job that will be submitted to the internal reader after the catalog creation process is complete.
N - User Job 2 This is a text string with a maximum length of eight (8) characters. It is the JCL Member name for a job that will be submitted to the internal reader after the previous steps are completed.
O - Extended S1 This is a text string with a maximum length of four (4) characters. The content varies.
If DSORG=PO then this field contains the extension of the PDSM that is used for a dynamic PDS.
P - Extended S2 This is a text string with a maximum length of four (4) characters. The content varies.
Q - Extended M1 This is a text string with a maximum length of sixteen (16) characters. The content varies, refer to Note-1
R - Extended M2 This is a text string with a maximum length of sixteen (16) characters. The content varies, refer to Note-1
S - Extended M3 This is a text string with a maximum length of sixteen (16) characters. The content varies, refer to Note-1
T - Extended M4 This is a text string with a maximum length of sixteen (16) characters. The content varies, refer to Note-1
U - Extended X1 This is a text string with a maximum length of 256 characters. It is the path to the directory that contains the Members for a Job Override, User Job 1 and/or User Job 2.
V - Extended X2 This is a text string with a maximum length of 256 characters. The content varies.
If DSORG=PO then this field contains the path to the directory that contains the PDS Members.
Note-1: The Extended M1 trhough M4 fields are sixteen (16) byte fields. The content varies.
If DSORG=GDG the following values are accepted:
 LIMIT(nnn) where nnn is the number of active generations
 SCRATCH or NOSCRATCH, SCRATCH will physically delete the generation, NOSCRATCH will uncatalog the latest generation
 NOEMPTY or EMPTY, This specifies, what action is to be taken when the GDG becomes full base on the number in the LIMIT.
  Format of an Excel Spread Sheet

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Record Layout of the File List

The following COBOL Copy File (LONAPFFL.cpy) shows the record layout for the Record Sequential File with a Fixed Field Format

      *****************************************************************
      *               LONAPFFL.CPY - a COBOL Copy File                *
      *     Record Layout for the File Properties Repository          *
      *  The record stucture is a fixed length of 1,024 characters    *
      *         Copyright (C) 1987-2019 SimoTime Technologies         *
      *                     All Rights Reserved                       *
      *              Provided by SimoTime Technologies                *
      *        Our e-mail address is: helpdesk@simotime.com           *
      *     Also, visit our Web Site at http://www.simotime.com       *
      *****************************************************************
      *  The information that is imported into this format originates
      *  from an Excel spreadsheet. The spreadsheet is saved to an
      *  ASCII/Text File with a Comma-Separated-Values (or CSV) record
      *  structure.
      *
      *  LONAP is an acronym for a List Of Names And Properties.
      *  CSV   is an acronym for Comma-Separated-Values.
      *  FFL   is an acronym for Fixed-Field-Length.
      *
      *  A conversion program is used to convert the CSV File to a
      *  Record Sequential File with the following Fixed Field format.
      *
      *  The fields are all fixed length.
      *  Numeric fields are right-adjusted with leading zeroes.
      *  Alpha-numeric fields are left adjusted with trailing spaces.
      *
      *  Positions 73-80 of the following statements are used to
      *  identify the original columns used in the Excel spreadsheet.
      *
       01  LONAPFFL-REC.                                                Excel
           05  LONAPFFL-LEVEL-CHR.
               10  LONAPFFL-LEVEL-NBR      PIC 9(2).                    col-A
           05  LONAPFFL-FILE-INFO.
               10  LONAPFFL-DSN            PIC X(54).                   col-B
               10  LONAPFFL-DD-NAME        PIC X(17).                   col-C
               10  LONAPFFL-DSORG          PIC X(4).                    col-D
               10  LONAPFFL-RECFM          PIC X(4).                    col-E
               10  LONAPFFL-LRECL-MIN      PIC 9(5).                    col-F
               10  LONAPFFL-LRECL-MAX      PIC 9(5).                    col-G
               10  LONAPFFL-KEYPOS         PIC 9(5).                    col-H
               10  LONAPFFL-KEYLEN         PIC 9(5).                    col-I
               10  LONAPFFL-VSAM-DAT       PIC X(58).                   col-J
               10  LONAPFFL-VSAM-IDX       PIC X(58).                   col-K
           05  LONAPFFL-JOB-EXEC.
               10  LONAPFFL-JCL-OVR1       PIC X(8).                    col-L
               10  LONAPFFL-JCL-USR1       PIC X(8).                    col-M
               10  LONAPFFL-JCL-USR2       PIC X(8).                    col-N
           05  LONAP-EXTENDED-GROUP.
               10  LONAPFFL-EXTENDED-S1    PIC X(4).                    col-O
               10  LONAPFFL-EXTENDED-S2    PIC X(4).                    col-P
               10  LONAPFFL-EXTENDED-M1    PIC X(16).                   col-Q
               10  LONAPFFL-EXTENDED-M2    PIC X(16).                   col-R
               10  LONAPFFL-EXTENDED-M3    PIC X(16).                   col-S
               10  LONAPFFL-EXTENDED-M4    PIC X(16).                   col-T
               10  LONAPFFL-EXTENDED-X1    PIC X(256).                  col-U
               10  LONAPFFL-EXTENDED-X2    PIC X(256).                  col-V
           05  FILLER                      PIC X(199).
      *
      ***  LONAPFFL - End-of-Copy File - - - - - - - - - - - LONAPFFL *
      *****************************************************************
      *

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Diagram, Make GDG Catalog Entries

From within Excel save the GDG List of Names and Properties to a CSV file. Execute the command (CATGDGE1.cmd) to convert the Line Sequential file with comma values to a record Sequential file with fixed field lengths. Submit a job (CATGDGJ2.jcl) to the JES Server to create a catalog entry for the new file that contains a list of Generation Data Groups that need to be created.

The following shows the process flow of the CATGDGE2.CMD member.

             
CATGDGE2
cmd
Submit Job to Create the Catalog entries for GDG's defined in the List File
   
CATGDGJ2
jcl
This JCL will Generate and Submit JCL via INTRDR
Create a Catalog entry for GDG's defined in the List File
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
GDGLIST1
rseq
 
 
MFCATPOP
cbl
 
 
SUBTRACE
rseq
Program to Read List, Create a Trace File and Submit JCL to INTRDR
   
   
   
End of File
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
No
Yes
   
INTRDR
MAKEAGDG.jcl
 
 
List Name
catalog entry
   
Create a Catalog entry for a GDG
Refer to Note-1
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
 
 
 
 
   
   
End of Step
 
Note:1 The JCL member (MAKEAGDG.JCL) that is submitted to the Internal Reader is a generated member.
Create Catalog Entries of the Generation Data Groups for a Micro Focus Environment

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Catalog Entry Jobs, use GDG List

The GDG List is a file that contains the names and properties of the GDG's. This file will be used to create (or make) the catalog entries for the GDG's.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section The CMD File

The following member (CATGDGE2.cmd) is the command to create catalog entries using the GDG List File.

@echo OFF
rem  * *******************************************************************
rem  *               CATGDGE2.CMD - a Windows Command File               *
rem  *         This program is provided by SimoTime Technologies         *
rem  *           (C) Copyright 1987-2019 All Rights Reserved             *
rem  *             Web Site URL:   http://www.simotime.com               *
rem  *                   e-mail:   helpdesk@simotime.com                 *
rem  * *******************************************************************
rem  *
rem  * Text   - Read GDG List of Names, create catalog entries for GDG's.
rem  * Author - SimoTime Technologies
rem  * Date   - January 24, 1996
rem  *
rem  * LONAP  - an acronym for a List Of Names And Properties.
rem  * CSV    - an acronym for Comma-Separated-Values.
rem  * FFL    - an acronym for Fixed-Field-Length.
rem  *
rem  * The job will read the file containing a list of GDG Names and
rem  * create a catalog entry for each record in the file.
rem  *
rem  *                    ************
rem  *                    * CATGDGE2 *
rem  *                    ********cmd*
rem  *                         *
rem  *  ************      ************     ************
rem  *  * GDGLIST1 *----- * CATGDGJ2 *-----* GDGENTRY *   CATALOG ENTRIES
rem  *  *******rseq*      ********jcl*     *******rseq*
rem  *                         *
rem  *                    ************
rem  *                    *   EOJ    *
rem  *                    ************
rem  *
rem  *
rem  * *******************************************************************
rem  * Step 1 of 4, Preparation, Set the Environment...
rem  *
     set CmdName=CATGDGE2
     set SERVERNAME=SIMOBATA
     call ..\..\Env1BASE %CmdName%
     if "%SYSLOG%" == "" set syslog=c:\SimoLIBR\LOGS\SimoTime.LOG
rem  *
     call SimoNOTE "*******************************************************%CmdName%"
     call SimoNOTE "Starting CmdName %CmdName%, Server is %JESSERVERNAME%"
rem  *
     call SimoNOTE "StepInfo Define Catalog entries using the GDGLIST File"
     call SYS1SCHEDULE %JESSERVERNAME% CATGDGJ2
     if not "%ERRORLEVEL%" == "0" set JobStatus=0030
     if not %JobStatus% == 0000 goto :EojNok
:EojAok
     call SimoNOTE "Finished JobName %CmdName%, Server is %JESSERVERNAME%, Job Status is %JobStatus% "
     goto :End
:EojNok
     call SimoNOTE "ABENDING JobName %CmdName%, Server is %JESSERVERNAME%, Job Status is %JobStatus% "
:End
     if not "%1" == "NOPAUSE" PAUSE

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section The JCL Member

This job (CATGDGJ2.jcl) will add a catalog entry for each Generation Data Group specified in the GDG List File. A program is executed that reads the GDG List File and submits user-defined JCL or generated JCL to the Internal Reader (INTRDR).

//CATGDGJ2 JOB SIMOTIME,CLASS=1,MSGCLASS=0,NOTIFY=CSIP1
//* *******************************************************************
//*       This JCL Member is provided by SimoTime Technologies        *
//*           (C) Copyright 1987-2016 All Rights Reserved             *
//*             Web Site URL:   http://www.simotime.com               *
//*                   e-mail:   helpdesk@simotime.com                 *
//* *******************************************************************
//*
//* Text   - Read a file containing a list of file definitions.
//* Author - SimoTime Technologies
//* Date   - January 24, 1996
//*
//* LONAP  - an acronym for a List Of Names And Properties.
//* CSV    - an acronym for Comma-Separated-Values.
//* FFL    - an acronym for Fixed-Field-Length.
//*
//* The job will read a file with 1,024-byte records that contains
//* data structure information. A catalog entry will be created based
//* on the content of each record in the file.
//*
//* This set of programs will run on a mainframe under MVS or on a
//* Personal Computer with Windows and Micro Focus Mainframe Express.
//*
//*                     ************
//*                     * CATGDGJ4 *
//*                     ********jcl*
//*                          *
//*                     ************
//*                     * IEFBR14  *
//*                     ********utl*
//*                          *
//*    ************     ************     ************
//*    * LONAPFFL *-----* MFCATPOP *-----* SUBTORDR *
//*    *******rseq*     ********cbl*     ********dat*
//*                          *
//*                     ************
//*                     *   EOJ    *
//*                     ************
//*
//* *******************************************************************
//* Step 1 of 2, Delete a previously created file.
//*
//TOSSFILE EXEC PGM=IEFBR14
//SUBTRACE DD  DSN=SIMOTIME.UTIL.GDGTRACE,DISP=(MOD,DELETE,DELETE),
//             STORCLAS=MFI,
//             SPACE=(TRK,5),
//             DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,DSORG=PS)
//*
//* *******************************************************************
//* Step 2 of 2, Submit a job to the INTRDR based on record content...
//*
//CATENTRY EXEC PGM=MFCATPOP
//STEPLIB  DD  DSN=SIMOTIME.DEMO.LOADLIB1,DISP=SHR
//LONAPFFL DD  DSN=SIMOTIME.UTIL.GDGLIST1,DISP=SHR
//SUBTORDR DD  SYSOUT=(,INTRDR)
//SUBTRACE DD  DSN=SIMOTIME.UTIL.GDGTRACE,DISP=(NEW,CATLG,CATLG),
//             STORCLAS=MFI,
//             SPACE=(TRK,5),
//             DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,DSORG=PS)
//SYSOUT   DD  SYSOUT=*
//

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Summary

This document will describe how to create a list of the Generation Data Groups that are used by an application or group of applications. Once a list is created it will be used to programmatically create the entries in the Micro Focus catalog. This document may be used to assist as a tutorial for new programmers or as a quick reference for experienced programmers.

In the world of programming there are many ways to solve a problem. This documentation and software were developed and tested on systems that are configured for a SIMOTIME environment based on the hardware, operating systems, user requirements and security requirements. Therefore, adjustments may be needed to execute the jobs and programs when transferred to a system of a different architecture or configuration.

SIMOTIME Services has experience in moving or sharing data or application processing across a variety of systems. For additional information about SIMOTIME Services or Technologies please contact us using the information in the  Contact or Feedback  section of this document.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Software Agreement and Disclaimer

Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software, documentation or training material for any purpose requires a fee to be paid to SimoTime Technologies. Once the fee is received by SimoTime the latest version of the software, documentation or training material will be delivered and a license will be granted for use within an enterprise, provided the SimoTime copyright notice appear on all copies of the software. The SimoTime name or Logo may not be used in any advertising or publicity pertaining to the use of the software without the written permission of SimoTime Technologies.

SimoTime Technologies makes no warranty or representations about the suitability of the software, documentation or learning material for any purpose. It is provided "AS IS" without any expressed or implied warranty, including the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. SimoTime Technologies shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from the loss of use, data or projects, whether in an action of contract or tort, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of this software, documentation or training material.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Downloads and Links

This section includes links to documents with additional information that are beyond the scope and purpose of this document. The first group of documents may be available from a local system or via an internet connection, the second group of documents will require an internet connection.

Note: A SimoTime License is required for the items to be made available on a local system or server.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Current Server or Internet Access

The following links may be to the current server or to the Internet.

Note: The latest versions of the SimoTime Documents and Program Suites are available on the Internet and may be accessed using the Link to Internet icon. If a user has a SimoTime Enterprise License the Documents and Program Suites may be available on a local server and accessed using the Link to Server icon.

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore How to Create Catalog Entries for Generation Data Groups (GDG's) and Document the Process.

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore Generation Data Groups (GDG's) using a "describe and demonstrate" methodology. Once the GDG is defined the creation of a Generation Data Set within the group is discussed. This suite of programs uses JCL and COBOL to create and process the GDG's.

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore An Enterprise System Model that describes and demonstrates how Applications that were running on a Mainframe System and non-relational data that was located on the Mainframe System were copied and deployed in a Microsoft Windows environment with Micro Focus Enterprise Server.

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore The ASCII and EBCDIC Translation Tables. These tables are provided for individuals that need to better understand the bit structures and differences of the encoding formats.

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore The File Status Return Codes that are used to interpret the results of accessing VSAM data sets and/or QSAM files.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Internet Access Required

The following links will require an internet connect.

A good place to start is The SimoTime Home Page for access to white papers, program examples and product information. This link requires an Internet Connection

Explore The Micro Focus Web Site for more information about products (including Micro Focus COBOL) and services available from Micro Focus. This link requires an Internet Connection.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Glossary of Terms

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore the Glossary of Terms for a list of terms and definitions used in this suite of documents and white papers.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Contact or Feedback

This document was created and is maintained by SimoTime Technologies. If you have any questions, suggestions, comments or feedback please use the following contact information.

1. Send an e-mail to our helpdesk.
1.1. helpdesk@simotime.com.
2. Our telephone numbers are as follows.
2.1. 1 415 763-9430 office-helpdesk
2.2. 1 415 827-7045 mobile

 

We appreciate hearing from you.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Company Overview

SimoTime Technologies was founded in 1987 and is a privately owned company. We specialize in the creation and deployment of business applications using new or existing technologies and services. We have a team of individuals that understand the broad range of technologies being used in today's environments. Our customers include small businesses using Internet technologies to corporations using very large mainframe systems.

Quite often, to reach larger markets or provide a higher level of service to existing customers it requires the newer Internet technologies to work in a complementary manner with existing corporate mainframe systems. We specialize in preparing applications and the associated data that are currently residing on a single platform to be distributed across a variety of platforms.

Preparing the application programs will require the transfer of source members that will be compiled and deployed on the target platform. The data will need to be transferred between the systems and may need to be converted and validated at various stages within the process. SimoTime has the technology, services and experience to assist in the application and data management tasks involved with doing business in a multi-system environment.

Whether you want to use the Internet to expand into new market segments or as a delivery vehicle for existing business functions simply give us a call or check the web site at http://www.simotime.com


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