SIMOX390
Mainframe Assembler Analysis
  Table of Contents  v-24.01.01 - simox390.htm 
  Introduction
  Requirements & Installation
  Using SIMOX390
  Environment Variables
  Optional Command Line Parameters
  Capabilities, Possibilities & Limitations
  Identify Dependencies by Source Member
  Tracking Call, Link and Load Functions
  Tracking SVC Usage
  Finding Embedded HEX Characters
  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

SIMOX390 is a mainframe Assembler Analysis Tool. This version of SIMOX390 runs on a Windows System and scans a mainframe assembler source member (or a list of members) that have been downloaded and identifies the macro and copy files used by the program or list of programs. This tool should be used in conjunction with a pilot test that would actually assemble, link, and execute a sample test case of an actual application.

This tool is provided to assist in the initial evaluation phase of offloading, maintaining, developing, and/or testing of mainframe assembler programs using Mainframe Express from Micro Focus (refer to http://www.microfocus.com) SIMOX390 is also very useful for getting a quick overview of the mainframe assembler programs and their dependent macro and copy files.


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 © 1987-2024
SimoTime Technologies and Services
All Rights Reserved

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Requirements & Installation

SIMOX390 requires approximately 800K of disk space. Windows/XP, Windows/7 or Windows Server is the required operating system. The SIMOX390 program, this documentation, the Installation Verification Procedure (IVP) and examples are provided in a zipped file.

To install SIMOX390 and run the IVP and sample create a directory as follows.

C:\> md SimoLIBR  
C:\> cd SimoLIBR  
C:\> C:\SIMOLIBR> pkunzip simox390.zip  

The following shows the Command Line syntax for running the Installation Verification Programs (IVP's).

C:\> C:\SIMOLIBR> X390IVP1  
or
C:\> C:\SIMOLIBR> X390IVP2

The X390IVP1.cmd uses the command line interface to access a single mainframe assembler member and it's dependent macro and copy files.

The X390IVP2.cmd uses the command line with the LISTFILE function to access multiple mainframe assembler source members and their dependent macro and copy files.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Using SIMOX390

SIMOX390 will scan mainframe assembler source members that have been downloaded to a Windows System. In addition to scanning the main source member SIMOX390 will attempt to find and scan dependent macro and copy files. To scan a single 370 assembler source member and it's dependencies use the following command.

C:\SIMOLIBR> SIMOX390 filename.MLC 

To scan a list of member names use the following command.

C:\SIMOLIBR> SIMOX390 filename.ext LISTFILE  

where filename.ext is the name of an ASCII/TEXT file that contains a list of source members to be scanned.

An easy way to create a LISTFILE is to use the following command.

C:\>dir *.MLC /B /A-D /ON>filename.ext 

The /B option will cause the dir command to only display the filename. The A-D option will prevent sub-directory names from being included in the list. The /ON option will cause the dir command to organize the directory list in name sequence. The filename.ext will cause the dir command to pipe (route) the directory listing to the specified file.

Note:  if you are using EXEC CICS within 370 assembler applications then you will need to run the analysis tool for the filename.CAP files. The command line with required parameters is as follows.

C:\SIMOLIBR> SIMOX390 filename.CAP 

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Environment Variables

SIMOX390 uses the following environment variables. The X390LIB1 environment variable must point to the directories containing the macro and copy files. The X390LIB1 environment variable may contain concatenated directories separated by a semicolon. If X390LIB1 is not specified then the current directory will be the only directory searched for macro and copy files.

set X390LIB1=.;c:\mfe\mfasm\include 

The preceding statement is an example of setting the X390LIB1 environment variable that will be used by SIMOX390 to search the current directory and the c:\mfe\mfasm\include directory for macro and copy files.

The X390LOG1 environment variable will map the name of the log file to a specific drive, directory and name. The log file is an ASCII/Text file.

set X390LOG1=c:\SimoLIBR\LOGS\X390LOG1.TXT 

The MACEXT environment variable will define the extensions to be used when accessing HLASM Source Members that are Macro Files.

set MACEXT=MAC,CPY

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Optional Command Line Parameters

The optional parameters are as follows.

Function Description
CASE CASE will make the comparison case sensitive. If the 370 Assembler source members are all upper case using the CASE parameter should not cause a problem.
CASEOFF is the default, this allows the 370 assembler source members to be a combination of upper and lower case and the comparisons within SimoX390 will not be case sensitive.
LISTFILE LISTFILE specifies that the input file is a list of file names to be processed in a single pass.
LISTFILEOFF is the default and will assume the input file is 370 assembler source code for an MLC, MAC, or CPY file.
MINIFILE MINIFILE creates a filename.AAT file for each member scanned. This file will show the fully qualified drive:\directory\filename.ext of each COPY and MACRO file used in a source member.
MINIFILEOFF is the default, information will only be written the SIMOX390.LOG file.
INFOMSG INFOMSG will display all informational messages.
INFOMSGOFF is the default, minimum messages will be displayed.
ERRORLOG ERRORLOG will route the name of all missing macro and copy files to a filename.ERR file.
ERRORLOGOFF is the default, a filename.ERR will not be created.
CALLPLUS CALLPLUS, trap and route the CALL, LINK, and LOAD macro statements to the console and SYSLIST.WTO file.
CALLPLUSOFF, is the default, the CALL, LINK, and LOAD macro statements will be processed like all other macro statements.
HEX HEX When a non-printable, hexadecimal character is found in a source statement the record is dumped in hex format.
If HEXOFF is specified then hex checking is not enabled.
Note: usually the hex values greater than X'7F' are OK. The hex values less than X'20' usually run a very high risk of causing failures. For example, the CR, LF, and EOF (X'0D', X'0A', and X'1A') characters will cause failures with most ASCII/TEXT editors.
Once the hex values are identified the HEXOFF option may be used to make the report easier to read.
CPYMSG CPYMSG Display and write to SIMOX390.LOG all copy members used.
CPYMSGOFF will not display or write copy member messages.
MACMSG MACMSG Display and write to SIMOX390.LOG all macro members used.
MACMSGOFF will not display or write MACRO member messages.
SVCMSG SVCMSG Display SVC messages for possible problems.
SVCOFF will prevent SVC messages from displaying.
SVCTRACE will display all SVC information.
  Optional Command Line Parameters for SIMOX390

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Capabilities, Possibilities & Limitations

The functions provided by SIMOX390 are described in more detail in the following sections.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Identify Dependencies by Source Member

SIMOX390 will scan a single source member or a list of source members and produce a listing of the macro and copy files used by each source member. SIMOX390 will also scan each of the macro and copy files for additional, nested macro or copy files.

In order for SIMOX390 to complete this analysis the source members, the macro files and the copy files must be accessible from the PC. The X390LIB1 environment variable is used to identify the directories where the macro and copy files are stored. The X390LIB1 environment variable may contain concatenated directories separated by a semicolon. If a macro or copy file cannot be found for analysis then and error message is displayed and written to the SIMOX390.log file.

The following is an example of a group of records that are written to the user log file when a High Level Assembler (HLASM) source members is scanned and analyzed.

01. *******************************************************************************
02. * SIMOX390 Mainframe Assembler Analysis Tool  v16.01.01 http://www.simotime.com
03. * SIMOX390 Copyright 1987-2016    SimoTime Technologies     All Rights Reserved
04. *
05. **  START 2016/08/04 00:08:40:89
06. **  CLINE c:\SIMOSAM1\DEVL\ASM\MACCPYA1.mlc MINIFILEOFF ERRORLOG INFOMSG SVCOFF CROSSREF
07. 01 *SYSIN MACCPYA1.MLC
08. 02  COPY  c:\SIMOSAM1\DEVL\ASM\ASMCPY1\ASMREGS1.CPY
09. 02  MACRO c:\SIMOSAM1\DEVL\ASM\ASMMAC1\MACCPYB1.MAC
10. 02  MACRO c:\SIMOSAM1\DEVL\ASM\ASMMAC1\MACCPYB2.CPY
11. 02 *INFO  390-114W 0000000 MACCPYB2          User-defined Macro extension
12. ** =MACCPYA1.MLC   1    0000000   Source member
13. ** +ASMREGS1.CPY   2    0000001   COPY File
14. ** +MACCPYB1.MAC   3    0000002   MACRO File
15. ** +MACCPYB2.CPY   3    0000002   MACRO File
16. 00 *LIBR  * List of Dependency Libraries
17. 01 *LIBR  c:\SIMOSAM1\DEVL\ASM\ASMPATCH
18. 02 *LIBR  c:\SIMOSAM1\DEVL\ASM\ASMMAC1
19. 03 *LIBR  c:\SIMOSAM1\DEVL\ASM\ASMCPY1
20. 04 *LIBR  c:\SIMOLIBR
21. 05 *LIBR  C:\Program Files (x86)\Micro Focus\Enterprise Developer\include
22. 00 *LIBR  * End of Dependency List
23. 00 *USER  MACRO File Extensions are MAC,CPY
24. 00 *MACEX * List of Macro Name Extensions
25. 01 *MACEX MAC
26. 02 *MACEX CPY
27. 00 *MACEX * End of Extensions List
28. **
20. **  STOP  2016/08/04 00:08:40:90
30. *******************************************************************************
31. * SIMOX390 Thank you for using this Analysis Utility from SimoTime Technologies
32. * SIMOX390 Please forward your comments or suggestions to helpdesk@simotime.com
33. *******************************************************************************

The preceding is an example of entries in the user log file after running the Assembler Analysis Tool. The following provides additional information about the individual records in the user log file.

Record # Description
1-5 The first four records are program messages that identify the start of program execution. The START record shows the date and time the SimoX390 program was started.
6 The CLINE record shows the command line parameters.
7 The *SYSIN record shows the name of the primary source member. The 01 indicates the main program or first level of possible nested members.
8 The COPY record shows the name of a copy member. The 02 indicates this is the second level of nesting.
9-10 The MACRO record shows the name of a macro member. The 02 indicates this is the second level.
11 The *INFO record indicates a condition was encountered during the member scanning process and requires further review by the user.
12-15 Record 12 contains "** =" followed by the name of the HLASM Program Member. Records 13-15 contain "** +" followed by the name of a dependency member name.
16-22 The *LIBR records identify the concatenated dependency libraries that were defined by the user via the X390LIB1 environment variable.
23 The *USER record identifies the user-defined value for the MACEXT environment variable. This defines a concatenated string of possible extensions for MACRO file names.
24-27 The *MACEX is the internal list created by the Assembler Analisis Tool.
28-33 The STOP statement shows the date and time the SimoX390 job was completed. The remaining records are program messages that identify the program that has completed execution.

 

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Tracking Call, Link and Load Functions

If the CALLPLUS parameter is specified on the command line then SimoX390 will display (and write to the simox390.log file) each source statement that is a CALL, LINK or LOAD. If a literal is used to identify the member being referenced then the task is complete. If a variable or register notation is used in the CALL, LINK or LOAD statement then additional effort will be required. SIMOX390 does not attempt to resolve variable or register content. Also, in some cases this information may not be available until execution time.

C:\SIMOLIBR> run SIMOX390 filename.ext LISTFILE CALLPLUS 

The preceding line is an example of the command to cause the CALL, LINK and LOAD analysis to be enabled.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Tracking SVC Usage

If the SVC parameter is specified on the command line then SIMOX390 will display (and write to the simox390.log file) each source statement that contains the SVC operation code. Since the entire source statement is displayed the SVC number or mnemonic value will also be displayed.

C:\SIMOLIBR> run SIMOX390 filename.ext SVCTRACE 

The preceding line is an example of the command to cause the SVC analysis to be enabled.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Finding Embedded HEX Characters

One of the more difficult items to identify is the used of hexadecimal (i.e. non-printable) characters in mainframe source members. On the mainframe this is an accident waiting to happen. When downloading source members to the PC platform it is a recipe for disaster and needs to be identified as quickly as possible.

Identifying hex characters in assembler source members and their associated macro and copy files is easily accomplished using SIMOX390. The use of the HEX parameter on the command line will scan each member for characters less than x'20' or greater than x'7F'. If a hex character is found then a hex dump of the record is displayed and written to the SIMOX390.log file.

C:\SIMOLIBR> run SIMOX390 filename.ext LISTFILE HEX 

The preceding line is an example of the command to cause the HEX analysis to be enabled.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Summary

The SimoX390 program provides a user with the capability of quickly understanding the structure and interaction between members for both compile and execution time. For the compile time information, SimoX390 will process a list of assembler source members and create a cross reference list of all the macro and copy files used by each of the members in the list. 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 the possible Program Messages issued by the Assembler Analysis Tool. This document provides a list of the possible informational or error messages that may be issued during the member scanning and analysis process of the HLASM source code.

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 Assembler Connection for more examples of mainframe Assembler programming techniques and sample code.

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore an Extended List of Software Technologies that are available for review and evaluation. The software technologies (or Z-Packs) provide individual programming examples, documentation and test data files in a single package. The Z-Packs are usually in zip format to reduce the amount of time to download.

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 connection.

The Generally Available version of this Software may be purchased online and is delivered electronically. The Product ID's are SIMOX39001 or SIMOX39002 and a software order is usually processed and made available for download within three (3) business days.

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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SimoTime Technologies and Services
All Rights Reserved
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