Format of the message body

The message body consists of three parts: the reply identifier (optional), the message identifier, and the message text. The following formats are possible:

id CCCnnn text
id CCCnnns text
id CCCnnnns text
id CCCnnnnns text
id CCCSnnns text

id

Reply identifier: It is optional. It appears if an operator reply is required. The operator specifies it in the reply.

CCCnnn, CCCnnns, CCCnnnns, CCCnnnnns, CCCSnnns

Message identifier.

CCC

A prefix to identify the component, subsystem, or product that produced the message. The prefix is three characters.

S

The subcomponent identifier, which is an optional addition to the prefix to identify the subcomponent that produced the message. The subcomponent identifier is one character.

nnn, nnnn, nnnnn

A serial number to identify the individual message. The serial number is three, four, or five decimal digits.

s

An optional type code, which is one of the following:

A

Immediate Action: System operator action is always immediately required. A system operator must do something now, such as mount a tape cartridge or attach a DASD.

The associated task does not continue until the requested action has been taken.

D

Immediate Decision: System operator decision/action is always immediately required. All system messages issuing the “D” type code must enumerate the available options. A system operator must make a decision now by selecting a reply from the enumerated options and responding to the system immediately.

The associated task does not continue until the operator communicates the decision to the system.

E

Eventual action: System operator action will be required. A system operator must eventually an appropriate action.

The associated task continues independent of system operator action.

I

Information: System operator action is not required. Communication in this category is for advisory purposes and may provoke system operator action.

The associated task continues independent of system operator action.

S

Severe error: Severe error messages are for a system programmer.

T

Terminate: The IEBCOPY program terminates.

W

System Wait: System operator action is always required immediately. A system catastrophe has occurred (hardware or software or both). The system must be re-IPLed to continue or a major subsystem must be re-started.

text

Text: The text provides information, describes an error, or requests an operator action.