Allocation parameters

Use allocation parameters to specify output file-creation options when native files are specified as targets and the targets do not exist. It is comparable to specifying output data set definitions on the DD statement in the JCL used if you were executing the Command Server for z/OS® Batch.

Allocation parameters are specified as an ALLOC statement in the FilePath setting in the Settings window as part of the file name.

When you use allocation parameters, the BPXWDYN service handles file allocation. It is used to define the new output and enables file allocation to be available to programs running outside of a TSO environment. Allocation parameters must be specified in the output card settings for the output file to be created successfully.

Note: See the z/OS Using REXX and z/OS UNIX System Services manual for more information about file allocation and the BPXWDYN service.

Example

The following example demonstrates how to define the same output data set using two different methods. One method is to use allocation parameters specified in an ALLOC statement and the other method is to use data set definitions specified in the DD statement in the JCL.

Allocation (ALLOC) Parameters


ALLOC DD(LABELS) DSN('MYUSERNAME.LABELS') RECFM(F,B) LRECL(80) 
UNIT(SYSDA) TRACKS SPACE(5,2) NEW CATALOG DELETE

JCL DD Statement


//LABELS DD DSN=MYUSERNAME.LABELS,
//          DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80),
//          UNIT=SYSDA,
//          SPACE=(TRK,(5,2)),
//          DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE)