Identification of data set

When creating a data set, assign a name to the data set in the DSNAME parameter. The data set name is stored with the data set. When a later step or job uses the data set, identify the data set in the DSNAME parameter; the system uses the data set name to locate the data set on the volume.

How you code the DSNAME parameter depends on the type of data set and whether it is permanent or temporary or it is copied from an earlier DD statement.

For information on allocation of data sets, refer to Data set resources - allocation.