The ISPF Table Utility supports an Import function, where data in a sequential data set is used to load an ISPF table. The import function is invoked by entering option I (Import table data) on the ISPF Table Utility entry panel.

When you use the Import function, enter these fields on the table utility entry panel:

Table Data Set

This identifies the data set where the table that will be created or updated by the Import function is saved.

Table Name

The name of the table that will be created or updated by the Import function.

Import Data Set

The name of the data set containing the data used as input to the Import function.

The Import function requires the Import Data Set to contain a report in a specific format. This format is generated by the ISPF table utility Export function and has these features:

• The variable name is used as a heading for each column showing the values for the table variables.
• The headings are underlined. Column headings for key variables are underlined with plus signs (++++++++). Column headings for non-key variables are underlined with dashes (--------).
• There are no blank lines after headings.
• There is only 1 space between columns.
• There is no paging.

A warning message might be displayed if the table you specify already exists in the Table Data Set. You then have the option of terminating the command to avoid overwriting the table. If you don't want to receive these warnings in future, clear the "Warn if table exists in the output library" check box on the Table Utility Options panel.

When the import process has finished, the table that was created or updated is displayed. The "Use Edit to view the imported table" option on the Table Utility Options panel allows you to choose either the table utility Edit or Browse function to display the imported table. The default is Browse.