Allocating a generation data set

You can allocate a new generation data set in a GDG from the Remote Systems view.

To allocate a new generation data set in the Remote Systems view, do these steps:

1. In the MVS Files note of the Remote Systems view, select a generation data group and then click New > Allocate Generation Data Set on the menu.
   The Allocate Generation Data Set wizard opens.
2. Complete the fields on this wizard as follows:

   Connection Name

   Shows the name of the remote system to which you are connected.

   Generation Data Group

   Shows the name of the generation data group in which the new data set is allocated.

   Generation Data Set

   Specify either a relative generation number in the form of (+n) or the absolute generation number in the form of GxxxxVyy. The default is (+1).

   Relative: To create a relative GDS name, select this option and type a generation number in the field.

   Absolute: To create an absolute GDS name, select this option and then type the generation number in the G field and a version number in the V field.

3. Click Next to specify data set allocation characteristics.
4. On the Data Set Allocation page, you indicate one of three ways to begin specifying allocation values such as record format, record length, and block size. You select one of three options:
   • If you select Copy characteristics from an existing generation data set, click Browse. In the window, expand the entry that identifies the high-level qualifier, then click the name of a data set that can act as a model for your new data set. To return to the Data Set Allocation page, click OK or Cancel:
     • To retain the name of the model data set, click OK; or
     • To avoid retaining any name when you return to the Data Set Allocation page, click Cancel.
   • If you select Specify characteristics by usage type, you select a value from each of two list boxes:
     • The Category list box indicates a type of content: Source, Listing, or Other
     • The Type list box gives a further categorization; within Source, for example, is JCL.¹
   • If you select Specify characteristics (advanced allocation), the allocation values for you to customize are the values that were most recently in place. Use this selection after you allocate the first in a series of equivalently structured data sets.
5. To open the Data Set Characteristics page (where you set the actual allocation values), click Next.
6. Specify the allocation values.
   For details on what values are required for different uses, contact your z/OS system administrator. The administrator can also inform you whether you must to click System Managed Storage to assign a data set to a particular class. IBM® Explorer for z/OS enforces certain rules for record format (RECFM), record length (LRECL), and block size (BLKSIZE). For more information, see Data set allocation rules.
7. Click Finish to allocate the new generation data set.