Releasing Data Sets

The FREE command releases (deallocates) data sets and z/OS UNIX files that were previously allocated to programs in your TSO/E session and makes those data sets available to other programs. The FREE command also releases ddnames that link input and output data sets to programs, utilities, and CLISTs.

There is a maximum number of data sets that can be allocated at the same time in your terminal session. Data sets that are implicitly allocated are automatically released when you are finished with them. However, data sets that you explicitly allocate with the ALLOCATE command, remain allocated until you either free them with the FREE command or log off the system.

To avoid reaching the maximum limit of allocated data sets and being denied access to desired resources, periodically use the FREE command to release resources that you no longer need.