Dataset Allocate dialog box

You use this dialog box to issue an IDCAMS ALLOCATE request to create a dataset. You can optionally model it based on the selected dataset.

You access this dialog box in the Dataset Actions submenu. This submenu is available in the pop-up menu that you access by right-clicking specific views in a workspace.

To learn about the standard capabilities of a dialog box, see Standard tabs in the dialog boxes of the Storage Toolkit. The topic includes a link to the Reference guides for commands that are used in the Storage Toolkit.

You can also create a custom action. See Create Batch Job dialog box, Issue Command dialog box, and Submit Command or Job dialog box.

Table 1. IDCAMS ALLOCATE options that are available in the Allocate dialog box of the Storage Toolkit
Option Description
Fully Qualified Dataset name Type the fully-qualified name of the dataset that you want to allocate.
Model name Type the name of a model dataset that you want to use.
Use model to allocate new dataset Select this option when you want to use the value of Model name in the allocation of the new dataset.
Disposition You have the option to select a disposition value in this drop-down menu.
Record format You have the option to select a value for the format of the record in this drop-down menu. Options include fixed-format records, variable-format records, and undefined-format records.
Dataset organization You have the option to select the dataset organization type in this drop-down menu. Options include DA (direct access); DAU (direct access unmovable); PO (partitioned organization); POU (partitioned organization unmovable); PS (physical sequential); and PSU (physical sequential unmovable).
Dataset type You have the option to select a dataset type in this drop-down menu. Options include partitioned dataset (PDS) and the Hierarchical File System (HFS) for z/OS® UNIX.
Data class Type the name of the data class for either SMS or non-SMS-managed datasets.
Record length Specify the length, in bytes, of the largest logical record in the dataset.
Management class Type the name of the management class for a new dataset. When possible, do not specify this value. Allow the value to default through the ACS routines.
Block size Specify the block size of the data control block (DCB) for the dataset.
Storage class For SMS-managed datasets you can type the storage class name. When possible, allow this value to default through the ACS routines established by the system administrator.
Volser(s) Choose one of the following values in the list:
  • The serial number of an eligible direct access volume on which a new dataset is to be located.

    OR

  • The serial number of a direct access volume on which an old dataset is located.

    If you use VOLUME for an old dataset, the dataset must be on the specified volume for allocation to take place. If you do not include VOLUME, the system allocates new datasets to any eligible direct access volume.
Unit Enter the name of the unit type to which a file or dataset is to be allocated. You can list an installation-defined group name, a generic device type, or a specific device address.
Directory blocks Specify the number of 256-byte records for the directory of a new partitioned dataset. Use this parameter to allocate a new partitioned dataset.
Space Units Specify the units and amount of space to allocate to a new dataset. Options include the following combinations units and values:
  • BLOCK: An integer value to be multiplied by the Primary value that you specify in the Space area of this dialog box.
  • AVBLOCK: An integer value to be multiplied by the Primary value that you specify in the Space area of this dialog box.
  • CYLINDERS: The Primary value that you specify in the Space area of this dialog box is given in cylinders. (No Value is required for this option.)
  • TRACKS: The Primary value that you specify in the Space area of this dialog box is given in tracks. (No Value is required for this option.)
Release space Select this option when you want to delete unused space when the dataset is closed.
Space Allocates the amount of space for a new dataset.

The Primary value specifies the initial number of units of space that is allocated for a dataset. For a partitioned dataset, a directory quantity is not necessary.

The Secondary value specifies the number of units of space to be added to the dataset each time the previously allocated space has been filled. You must provide the primary quantity along with the secondary value.