PSF as an output writer (deferred-printing mode)

In deferred-printing mode, PSF is the output writer that processes the spooled output from JES and sends a data stream to a page printer. All the printers supported by PSF can print in deferred mode, and PSF can process data for one or more page printers at a time.

In deferred-printing mode, you are not using PSF directly. Rather, JES sets up, starts, and controls each output writer and its system output devices. Output from an application program is spooled to JES, and printing is deferred until JES schedules PSF to print the spooled output data set. The components involved in generating formatted output on a system output printer are shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6. PSF as an output writer

Using information from Job Control Language (JCL) parameters and from the formatting specifications, PSF processes the print data set to generate the data stream from which the printer produces formatted output. For information about using JCL parameters to control the output, see Using JCL for Advanced Function Presentation. For more information about deferred-printing mode, see PSF for z/OS: Customization.