DD statements for defining checkpoint data sets

To define checkpoint data sets, use DD statements.

For tape:


//ddname  DD DSNAME=data-set-name,
//           [VOLUME=SER=volser,]UNIT=device-type,
//           DISP=({NEW|MOD},PASS)

For direct-access devices:


//ddname  DD DSNAME=data-set-name,
//           [VOLUME=(PRIVATE,RETAIN,SER=volser),]
//           UNIT=device-type,SPACE=(subparms),
//           DISP=({NEW|MOD},PASS,KEEP)

ddname: Provides a link to the DD statement. The same as the ddname portion of the assignment-name used in the COBOL RERUN clause.
data-set-name: Identifies the checkpoint data set to the restart procedure. The name given to the data set used to record checkpoint records.
volser: Identifies the volume by serial number.
device-type: Identifies the device.
subparms: Specifies the amount of track space needed for the data set.
MOD: Specifies the multiple contiguous checkpoint method.
NEW: Specifies the single checkpoint method.
PASS: Prevents deletion of the data set at successful completion of the job step, unless the job step is the last in the job. If it is the last step, the data set is deleted.
KEEP: Keeps the data set if the job step abnormally ends.

Examples: defining checkpoint data sets