MFS format sets supplied by IMS

Several format sets are provided by IMS for system use and to serve as defaults when you have not supplied a correct MOD name. The IMS-supplied control blocks reside in the IMS.FORMAT library. When the MFSTEST facility is in use, these control blocks also reside in the IMS.TFORMAT library. They can be used in any IMS installation with MFS by specifying the appropriate MOD name after the /FORMAT command. In addition, the format definitions can be used independently by specifying the format name in the SOR= operand of the user-written message definition.

The format definitions supplied by IMS combine with various message definitions to create several separate message formats. All of the format sets except the MFS 3270 and the SLU 2 master terminal formats use the DFSDF1, DFSDF2, or DFSDF4 format definitions. These format definitions include literals for two of the 3270 or SLU type 2 program function keys, PFK1 and PFK11. Pressing PFK1 inserts the /FORMAT command into the first message segment, in front of the entered data. Pressing PFK11 causes a NEXTMSGP request.

System message format

The system message format is used for single-segment output messages from IMS and single-segment broadcast messages. It permits two segments of input (transaction, command, or message switch). DFSDF1 is the format name. The MOD name is DFSMO1, and the MID name is DFSMI1. Messages that use this format are eligible for the SYSMSG field on 3270 or SLU 2 devices.

Multisegment system message format

The multisegment system message format is used for multisegment messages from IMS and multisegment broadcast messages. It permits an output message of up to 22 segments. DFSDF2 is the format name. The MOD name is DFSMO5, and the MID name is DFSMI2. Messages that use this format are eligible for the SYSMSG field on 3270 or SLU 2 devices. Use the PA1 key to obtain subsequent segments.

Output message default format

For 3270 or SLU 2 devices, the output message default format is used for message switches from other terminals and application program output messages with no MOD name specified. It permits two segments of input (transaction, command, or message switch). DFSDF2 is the format name. The MOD name is DFSMO2, and the MID name is DFSMI2.

Block error message format

The block error message format is used for the DFS057I REQUESTED BLOCK NOT AVAILABLE message sent by MFS when an error is encountered during output format block selection. This message is accompanied by a return code (indicating the severity of error) and the block name (the name of the MOD or DOF in error). It can include up to 21 segments of output per logical page. This format permits two segments of input (transaction, command, or message switch). DFSDF2 is the format name. The MOD name is DFSMO3, and the MID name is DFSMI2.

/DISPLAY command format

The /DISPLAY command format is used for /DISPLAY command output. Up to 22 segments per logical page are permitted. This format permits two segments of input (transaction, command, or message switch). DFSDF2 is the format name; The MOD name is DFSDSP01, and the MID name is DFSMI2.

Multisegment format

The multisegment format is used for entering multisegment transactions and commands. A /FORMAT command specifying a MOD name of DFSMO4 can be used to obtain this format. This format is also used for multisegment output messages not exceeding four segments. Up to four segments of input are permitted. DFSDF4 is the format name. The MOD name is DFSMO4, and the MID name is DFSMI4.

MFS 3270 or SLU 2 master terminal format

The MFS 3270 or SLU 2 master terminal format is used when the optional IMS-supplied MFS support for the 3270 or SLU 2 master terminal is selected.

MFS sign-on device formats

The MFS sign-on device format is used for terminals that require user signon, such as terminals defined with the extended terminal option (ETO). (For more information about ETO, see IMS Version 15.5 Communications and Connections.) The format applies to 3270 and SLU 2 devices only. For devices that can receive the formatted /SIGN ON command panel (devices with at least 12 lines and 40 columns), the MOD is DFSIGNP, and the MID is DFSIGNI. For devices with smaller screens, the MOD is DFSIGNN, and the MID is DFSIGNJ.

IMS also supports the MFS sign-on device format for password phrases with lengths up to 100 characters. The format applies to 3270 and SLU 2 devices only. For devices that can receive the formatted/SIGN PASSPHRASE command panel (devices with at least 12 lines and 40 columns), the MOD is DFSIGNPC, and the MID is DFSIGNIC. For devices with smaller screens, the MOD is DFSIGNNC, and the MID is DFSIGNJC.