Using Program Function (PF) Keys

Each PF key is set to an XEDIT subcommand that is executed when you press the key. Using the PF key saves you the time it takes to type that subcommand on the command line and press Enter.

====>  query pf

The following subcommands are initially assigned to the PF keys:

These are the subcommands the editor assigns to the PF keys. Note the editor assigns keys 13 through 24 to correspond to keys 1 through 12. (For example, both PF1 and PF13 are set to BEFORE HELP MENU.) For information on the BEFORE and ONLY operands, see the SET PF subcommand in z/VM: XEDIT Commands and Macros Reference.

If full-screen CMS is on, the PF key definitions appear in the CMSOUT window, which automatically pops up on top of your XEDIT screen. The top line of the CMSOUT window reminds you that full-screen CMS is on. To scroll forward in the CMSOUT window, type an f (forward) in one of the border corners (indicated by + signs) and press Enter. Continue to use the f border command until you have seen all the information in the message window. When there is no more information to be displayed, the window is automatically removed from your screen.

If full-screen CMS is off, the PF key definitions appear on a cleared screen with a MORE status at the bottom. You can press Clear to return to the XEDIT screen.

If you would rather have a different definition assigned to one (or more) of the PF keys, you can use the SET PF subcommand, whose format is:

where n is a PF key number, and string is any XEDIT subcommand.

====>  set pf1 input

assigns the INPUT subcommand to the PF1 key. Pressing PF1 immediately places you in input mode.

When you assign a subcommand to a PF key, the setting remains in effect only for the current editing session. In the next editing session, the initial settings shown previously are in effect.

The following sections show how to use some of the PF keys (initial settings). Others will be discussed where appropriate.