Allocating a data set

To use a data set, you first allocate it (establish a link to it), then access the data using macros for the access method that you have chosen.

The allocation of a data set means either or both of two things:

You can allocate a data set using ISPF panel option 3.2. Other ways to allocate a data set include the following methods:

Access method services: You can allocate data sets through a multifunction services program called access method services. Access method services include commonly used commands for working with data sets, as ALLOCATE, ALTER, DELETE, and PRINT.
ALLOCATE: You can use the TSO ALLOCATE command to create data sets. The command actually guides you through the allocation values that you must specify.
ISPF menus: One menu guides the user through allocation of a data set.
JCL: You can use specific job control language (JCL) statements to allocate data sets.