READ statement
The READ statement performs RANDOM access to INDEXED and RELATIVE VSAM files.
Syntax
Parameters
- &FILE
- The name of the input file to be read
- &FIELD
- A field name that contains the file key to be read
- &LITERAL
- A literal that identifies a record on the file
- HOLD
- Protects the record from a concurrent update
- NOHOLD
- Does not protect the record from a concurrent update.
- STATUS
- Specify if you want to test for a successful I/O. Normally, zero in the file status indicates a successful I/O and a non-zero indicates an I/O error.
HOLD and NOHOLD are not supported by Migration Utility. Such amenities can be accomplished via JCL DISP= parameter and VSAM SHARE options.
The &FIELD is normally a working storage field or a field in another file. The contents of the &FIELD must be established before READ is issued.
You can use file presence (IF &FILE) to ensure a successful read.