Build alternate index (B)
The Build Alternate Index function (option B) loads a VSAM alternate index from a base VSAM KSDS cluster using the IDCAMS BLDAIX command. File-AID invokes IDCAMS to build the alternate index.
A Base Cluster must exist and be loaded with records. After you create your new alternate index using option X (Allocate alternate index), you may then perform the load using option B (Build alternate index).
The BLDINDEX is performed with an internal sort. This means that the records of the base cluster are sorted in Virtual Memory during the build process.
Enter a B in the OPTION field and specify a valid alternate index name in the Dataset name field on the VSAM Utility screen (VSAM Utility screen). When you press Enter, File-AID displays the Build Alternate Index screen as shown in the following figure.
VSAM Build Alternate Index Screen
Field Descriptions
Alternate Index Dataset Name
Dataset name that was entered on the VSAM Utility screen.
Base Cluster Dataset Name:
Dataset name
Specify the base cluster name.
You can enter a pattern dataset 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 the section entitled “Pattern data set names” in the File-AID/MVS Online Reference Manual for a complete description.
When you press Enter, processing starts and an IDCAMS results message screen displays. Review the results screen and use the END command (PF3) to return to the VSAM Utility screen.
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