DATA parameter

Parameter type

Positional, optional

Purpose

Use the DATA parameter to begin an in-stream data set that might contain statements with // in columns 1 and 2. The data records immediately follow the DD DATA statement; the records might be in any code, such as EBCDIC. The data records end when one of the following is found:
  • When DLM is not coded on this DD statement, /* in the input stream.
  • When DLM is coded on this DD statement, the two-character delimiter specified by the DLM parameter.
  • The input stream runs out of records.
Note: Unlike a DD * statement, the data is not ended by the // that indicates another JCL statement.

Considerations for an APPC scheduling environment

The DATA parameter has no function in an APPC scheduling environment. If you code DATA, the system checks it for syntax and ignore it.