Control Interval Dump and Modification Utility (PROCESS_AREA command)

The Control Interval Dump and Modification Utility is a command-driven utility that provides an enhanced, Fast Path/EP-customized version of a conventional VSAM snap/dump utility.

This utility provides a quick, efficient means to accomplish the following tasks:

Dump (snap), inspect, or modify the entire contents of a database control interval (CI)
Verify and repair pointer errors and VSAM control information, even when standard VSAM utilities do not provide access to the data
Print the contents of the DMAC block or DMCB block for an area

Related topic

Supporting utilities

When the online or offline analysis function is executed, segment pointers, FSE chains, IMS and VSAM control fields, and space utilization are verified and discrepancies are reported. If discrepancies are found, the Control Interval Dump and Modification utility can be used to dump the CIs involved so that segments in error can be located and the proper values can be determined. When you are ready to repair the pointer values, the utility can be used to make and commit the required changes.

The Control Interval Dump and Modification Utility is executed by specifying the PROCESS_AREA command and one or more PERFORM subcommands. A script can be specified on each PERFORM subcommand to indicate the action desired. A script consists of one or more function calls, each which performs a specific desired task.

The PROCESS_AREA command can be used in either online or offline mode. When PROCESS_AREA executes in offline mode, the input to the function can be the area data set or an image copy. Specify the image copy or area data set name on the areaname DD statement. The utility determines which input is specified.

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Control Interval Dump and Modification Utility (PROCESS_AREA command)

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