Some useful ISPF commands

The following ISPF commands can help you work efficiently with the product:

  • The FIND and SORT commands are ISPF primary commands for locating items in list displays. These commands are available in Output Manager list-type panels, such as the Captured Reports panel. You enter these commands at the command line.
  • The View and Browse commands are ISPF line commands that enable you to view a listed item. You enter these commands in the CMD column of a list panel.
  • The Copy, Cut, and Paste commands are available on some administrative panels as line commands or pull-down menu options to help you create Output Manager rules and definitions more efficiently or to remove them. For more information, see Copy and Paste commands.

If you use an ISPF command frequently, you may want to define a Pfkey to be assigned to perform that command. For example, if you use the "search" (SEA) ISPF command often, you can define a Pfkey as a "search" key. This way, a "search" command requires only one keystroke.

To assign a command to a Pfkey:
  1. Type KEYLIST on the command line.
  2. Scroll to find the keylist labeled "*** Currently active keylist ***".
  3. Type E next to the currently active keylist and press Enter to edit the keylist.
  4. Locate an unused Key (an unused key has blank Definition, Format, and Label fields.
  5. Specify Definition, Format, and Search values for the key you wish to assign. For example, if you were to create a "search" Pfkey, you would:
    • Type Search in the Definition field.
    • Type SHORT in the Format field.
    • Type Search in the Label field.
  6. Press Pf3 to exit the panel.