Print data set characteristics

You can create a JES print data set by allocating a print data set by the SYSOUT= specification on a JCL statement or dynamically by allocating a print data set using the MVS dynamic allocation support for SVC 99.

When a print data set is allocated, the characteristics of the print data set can be defined or allowed to default.

Some examples of these print data set characteristics are FORMS, COPIES, DESTINATION, and WRITER. You can specify some of these output characteristics with the DD card, or you can associate the print data set with a set of print data set characteristics defined by an OUTPUT JCL statement. JES provides a way to dynamically define these print data set descriptors using system services known as dynamic output or SVC 99 processing. When used with dynamic allocation, dynamic output processing can associate system output or SYSOUT data sets with a set of dynamically built OUTPUT descriptors.

You can build print data set descriptors for IMS Spool API in three ways, each of which is discussed in the following topics.

Related reading: For more information on z/OS® services for dynamic allocation for print data sets, see z/OS MVS Programming: Authorized Assembler Services Guide.