Under ISPF, function keys are not automatically assigned to special functions. You equate each function key to a character string. When you press a function key, it simulates command entry. The processing is the same as if you had typed the character string in the command field and pressed the Enter key.
A dialog function cannot distinguish the difference between a command entered by a function key and a command entered by typing in the command field. If the character string with which the function key is equated is longer than the screen's command field, the string is truncated without warning.
If you type information on the command line and then press a function key, the function key definition, followed by a blank, is concatenated ahead of the contents of the command field. For example, suppose F7 is equated to the character string UP. If you type 4 in the command field and then press F7, the results are exactly the same as if you had typed UP 4 in the command field and pressed the Enter key.
ISPF does not require function keys for its operation. Commands can be entered in the command field of any display, including View, Browse, Edit, and Table Display. However, for ease of use, function keys are strongly recommended.
The default function key assignments distributed with ISPF for the 3x4 key pad on the right side of the keyboard are shown in the next table. These are function keys 1-12 on a 12-key terminal or keys 13-24 on a 24-key terminal.
Function key | Function |
---|---|
F1 | HELP |
F2 | SPLIT |
F3 | END |
F4 | RETURN |
F5 | RFIND |
F6 | RCHANGE |
F7 | UP |
F8 | DOWN |
F9 | SWAP |
F10 | LEFT |
F11 | RIGHT |
F12 | RETRIEVE |
Function keys can be displayed at the bottom of a panel. Using the FKA or PFSHOW command, you can display either the long or short form of the keys, or remove the keys from the panel. See ISPF system commands for a complete description of how to display or remove the function keys.
Option ===>
F1=Help F2=Split F3=Exit F7=Backward F8=Forward F9=Swap
F10=Actions F12=Cancel
Option ===>
F1=Help F3=Exit F10=Actions F12=Cancel