DFSMSdfp: Accommodate changes in LISTCAT LEVEL output

Description: To be similar to ISPF, DFSMSdfp has enhanced the LISTCAT LEVEL output for the qualifier level specification as of z/OS V2R1. Prior to z/OS V2R1, the LISTCAT LEVEL command output would only include entries that had additional qualifiers after those specified. Additional qualifiers would include GDG data sets that were defined. Empty GDG base entries would not be included.

As of z/OS V2R1 (and matching ISPF), the command output provides the matches for:

The specified qualifiers
Any entries that had additional matching qualifier entries
An alias entry of the specified value
Empty GDG base entries. (GDG data sets are included, as before.)

Element or feature:

DFSMSdfp.

When change was introduced:

z/OS V2R1.

Applies to migration from:

z/OS V1R13 and z/OS V1R12.

Timing:

Before the first IPL of z/OS V2R1.

Is the migration action required?

Yes, if you are using LISTCAT LEVEL by specifying the GDG base name to detect that a GDG is empty (contains no GDSs).

Target system hardware requirements:

None.

Target system software requirements:

None.

Other system (coexistence or fallback) requirements:

None.

Restrictions:

None.

System impacts:

None.

Related IBM Health Checker for z/OS check:

None.

Steps to take: Although LISTCAT output is not a programming interface, review if this change will affect your system. An example of the output differences is shown below. On pre-z/OS V2R1 systems:

LISTCAT LEVEL(A.B.C)      
IDC3012I ENTRY A.B.C NOT FOUND 
IDC3007I ** VSAM CATALOG RETURN-CODE IS 8       
IDC1566I ** A.B.C NOT LISTED   
...
IDC0001I FUNCTION COMPLETED, HIGHEST CONDITION CODE WAS 4

As of z/OS V2R1, the same command may produce:

LISTCAT LEVEL(A.B.C)
NONVSAM ------- A.B.C  
     IN-CAT --- CATALOG.UCATA             
...
IDC0001I FUNCTION COMPLETED, HIGHEST CONDITION CODE WAS 0

Notice that not only the information returned is different, but the return code and condition codes may be different as of z/OS V2R1. Take steps to convert any programs that rely upon LISTCAT output to use the Catalog Search Interface (CSI) instead. CSI is a supported general-use programming interface for the catalog, and will remove any dependency you have on future possible changes that may occur to LISTCAT output. Until such time as you can use the CSI interface, the following suggestions may be of help:

Change invocations of LISTCAT LEVEL(A.B.C) to LISTCAT ENT(A.B.C.*) to return to the behavior prior to z/OS V2R1.
Change invocations from PGM=IDCAMS to PGM=IDCNOGFL.

Reference information:

For the LISTCAT command, see z/OS DFSMS Access Method Services Commands.
For information on the Catalog Search Interface, see z/OS DFSMS Managing Catalogs. Information APAR II14670 also provides a description of this change.
For information on previous LISTCAT changes, see informational APAR II14250.