Interactive Utility function
The Interactive Utility function processes many of the File-AID/Batch commands at a terminal. This function can be used to verify the logic of a batch job before it is submitted. It also provides processing that is not available through the File-AID/SPF extended utilities screens.
Interactive Utility supports the COPY, DROP, DUMP, LIST, PRINT, SPACE, TALLY, and UPDATE functions and parameters of File-AID Batch and adds a BROWSE function. It does not support the APRINT, COMPARE, FPRINT, REFORMAT, RLPRINT, SCPRINT, USER, VPRINT, VTOCDSN, VTOCINFO, VTOCMAP, and XRPRINT functions and parameters.
Unlike File-AID/Batch, the Interactive utility does not support output data set creation. If used, output data sets must exist before the Interactive Execution function is selected.
Because this function executes the File-AID/Batch product, processing is specified by control statements, which are also called control cards. Control statements are either entered on a screen or stored in a data set. With either method, the format is identical to a batch job except that the data set identifier ($$DDnn) is optional.
During execution, File-AID displays a message when a control statement error is found and identifies the exact location of the error. You can then take corrective action or use the END command (PF3) to cancel the function in error. Refer to the File-AID/Batch Reference manual for specific control card coding rules and error messages.
To access the Interactive Utility function, select option number 8 on the File-AID Extended Utilities Menu, or as described in Selecting-screens. The Interactive Utility screen is displayed as shown in File-AID Interactive Utility Screen.
In addition, File-AID has an F38 recursive command that lets you recursively invoke the Interactive Utility function. You can enter this command from any File-AID screen with an OPTION or COMMAND field. You have the option of entering a dataset name as a parameter when specifying the F38 command. If no dataset name is supplied, File-AID uses a default of the last data set accessed. When you invoke Interactive Utility in this way, use the END command (PF3) on the Interactive Utility screen, or the RETURN command (PF4) anywhere in the function to return to the screen from which you entered the F38 command. After the second session is completed, the original session is continued.
Interactive Utility screen
The Interactive Utility screen contains four areas. Specify the input data set in the Input Dataset Information area and the output data set in the "TO" Dataset Information area. The Optional Control Dataset Information area is used to specify a data set in which control statements are stored. The File-AID Run Options area lists processing option parameters.
File-AID Interactive Utility screen
COMMAND ===>
Input Dataset Information:
Dataset name ===> FASAMP.EMPMAST
Volume serial ===> (If not cataloged)
"TO" Dataset Information for Copy Functions:
Dataset name ===>
Volume serial ===> (If not cataloged)
Disposition ===> OLD (MOD or OLD)
Optional Control Dataset Information:
Dataset name ===>
Volume serial ===> (If not cataloged)
File-AID Run Options:
Allow File-AID prompting ===> Y (Y = Yes; N = No)
Include record information ===> N (Y = Yes; N = No)
Replace like named members ===> Y (Y = Yes, N = No)
Use ENTER to begin interactive mode; END to cancel function
Field Descriptions
Input Dataset Information:
Dataset name
Specify the dataset or path name. Use the naming conventions described in Specifying a data set name and Specifying a zFS Pathname.
You can enter a pattern dataset or path name in this field to display a list of data sets from which you can make a selection. A pattern dataset name or mask consists of explicit characters or a combination of explicit and pattern characters. See Pattern data set names for a complete description.
Volume serial
If the data set is not cataloged, specify the ID of the volume on which the data set resides.
"TO" Dataset Information for Copy Functions:
If a COPY or DROP function is specified in the control statements, specify an output data set.
Dataset name
Specify a valid name. The "TO" data set must already exist.
Volume serial
If the data set is not cataloged, specify the ID of the volume on which the data set resides.
Disposition
Specify a value of OLD if the data set is to be replaced. Specify a value of MOD if the data set is to be extended.
Optional Control Dataset Information:
If the control statements are stored in a data set, specify the control dataset name.
Dataset name
Specify a valid name. The control data set must have the following format:
- Sequential or PDS file
- Record length of 80
- Fixed block or unblocked
Volume serial
If the data set is not cataloged, specify the volume ID in which the data set resides.
File-AID Run Options:
Specify processing option values.
Allow File-AID prompting
Specifies whether File-AID pauses processing when an internal prompt point is reached. Specify a value of Y (Yes) to turn on prompting. When a prompt message is displayed, a response of GO must be made to continue. Specify a value of N (No) to not have processing pause at the prompt points.
Include record information
This parameter is used only with the Browse function. It allows information about each record to be shown with the data. Specify a value of Y (Yes) to show the information. Specify a value of N (No) to not show the information. See Processing Parameters for more information on this parameter.
Replace like named members
This is used only when copying a PDS. If a member already exists in the output PDS, it can either be overlaid or not. Specify a value of Y (Yes) to overlay the member with new data. Specify a value of N (No) to not overlay the member. See Processing Parameters for more information on this parameter.
When you press Enter, File-AID displays the Control Statement screen, which is shown in the following figure. If a control data set was specified in the Enter optional control data set area, the results of the execution are immediately shown on the Control Statement screen. If a control data set was not specified, File-AID waits for control statements to be entered on the Control Statements screen (see the following figure).
Control Statements Screen
Specify the control statements on the screen either in a string or in sections. When all control statements are entered, enter the word GO.
File-AID Interactive Execution Control Statements Screen
. . . .ENTER NEXT FUNCTION OR END
The input data set remains open during the execution of any non-update process. This feature allows processing of multiple actions on a specified data set before ending execution.
If a function does not read through the end of the file, the file is not closed. Instead, the next function begins after the last processed record. This feature aids in skipping over records to a certain point in the file. Any further processing to a data set that has reached the end causes the data set to be closed and reopened. Once reopened, the entire file can be processed again.
Messages on the screen prompt you for the next action, and indicate errors and completed actions. As in ISPF, three asterisks (***) indicate additional information awaiting display. Press Enter to display this information.
When execution of the current function is completed, enter the next one. When all processing is completed, enter END to stop interactive execution.
Stopping Processing
To stop processing during entry of control statements:
Press the Attn or PA1 key. File-AID then displays the message:
REENTER LAST LINE OR CANCEL- Enter CANCEL to stop the function.
To stop an executing function before it completes processing:
Press the Attn or PA1 key. File-AID displays the message:
ABOVE FUNCTION ENDED ON ATTENTION KEY- Either enter another function, or enter END to close all data sets and stop execution.
Continuing Processing
By default, File-AID prompts for the next input line after parameter entry by displaying the message:
ENTER CONTINUATION DATA OR GOThis message is displayed whether or not a comma followed the last entered parameter. Execution can then be started by entering GO.
To bypass the message, enter ,GO (including the comma) after the last parameter on the control statement as follows:
DUMP IF=(10,EQ,C'16,14,37'),GOIn this example, File-AID executes the DUMP function immediately after you press Enter.
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