Returned data set information
The data set information returned for a data set occurrence includes the data set name, the data set volume flags and the data set volume list. There are eight volume flags, one for each volume up to the maximum of eight volumes that are allowed for a multi-volume data set. The flag values are:
- A (active)
- This flag indicates there is a corresponding volume in the volume list.
- U (undefined)
- This flag indicates there is not a volume in the list.
- P (pending)
- This flag indicates that the status of a volume is in question.
For example, a single-volume data set would show volume flags with the
value AUUUUUUU
and a two-volume data set would show volume
flags with the value AAUUUUUU
.
When rewriting an existing multi-volume data set, the disposition of some volumes might be indeterminate until the mount completes. In that case, a value of "P" might show up for a volume for which the status is unknown.
For example, suppose a tape mount command is issued that specifies the
data set name and the second volume of a three-volume data set, with WRITE
access. If only the second volume is written, the third volume of the data
set will be truncated and the volume flags will be AAUUUUUU
.
However, until it is determined that the third volume will not be mounted
(i.e., the mount of the second volume completes and no TAPEEOV command has
been issued), the value of the volume flags will be AAPUUUUU
.