* Parameter

Parameter Type

Positional, optional

Purpose

Use the * (asterisk) parameter to begin an in-stream data set. The data records immediately follow the DD * 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 or // to indicate another JCL statement.
  • When DLM is coded on this DD statement, the eight-character delimiter that are specified by the DLM parameter and in a JES2 system only, the // that indicates another JCL statement.
  • The input stream runs out of records.

Use a DATA parameter instead of the * parameter if any of the data records start with //.

Considerations for an APPC Scheduling Environment

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