IPCS processing sources facilities, and modes

  • Sources for IPCS processing
    As Table 1 shows, IPCS processes the contents of the following sources.
    Table 1. Sources from which IPCS processes contents
    Source Explanation
    SVC dump data set Dump written to a data set on DASD or tape
    SYSMDUMP dump data set ABEND dump written to data sets defined by SYSMDUMP DD statements
    Stand-alone dump Dump written by the stand-alone service aid
    Trace data set Data set created by the generalized tracing facility (GTF) or by component trace
    Active system storage The following in central storage:
    • Storage for the address space in which IPCS is currently running
    • Private storage
    • Any common storage accessible by an unauthorized problem-state program
    Data sets Virtual storage access method (VSAM) data sets and other data sets for browsing
    Note: For information about how to reference VSAM objects, see Address processing parameters.
  • IPCS processing facilities
    IPCS can browse and analyze the records in any of these data sets using general purpose facilities. Special purpose facilities are also included to process two groups of these data sets:
    • The dump data sets and active system storage — for these sources, you can:
      • Browse virtual and other system storage, and control information placed in dumps by the dump-writing program.
      • Request various types of dump data reports.
      • Selectively format trace records found in the dump.
      • Run your own special purpose analysis and reporting CLISTs, REXX execs, Interactive System Productivity Facility (ISPF) dialogs, and exit routines.
    • Trace data sets — IPCS provides specialized processing to facilitate formatting trace data sets. See the z/OS MVS IPCS User's Guide for further information.
  • IPCS processing modes
    Using IPCS, you can process dumps in:
    • Full screen mode during an interactive TSO/E session, a session during which line mode messages are shown immediately when written, where interactive ISPF services are also available.
    • Line mode from any terminal supported by TSO/E. See Starting IPCS.
    • Batch mode using TSO/E commands, IPCS subcommands, CLISTs, and REXX execs. See IPCS batch mode.

Recommendations

The information in this section is intended as a ‘quick path’ into IPCS. The z/OS MVS IPCS User's Guide provides more detailed usage information. It is recommended as an introduction and refresher to using IPCS as your installation's dump analysis tool.