NAMES File Processing
VMLINK searches for nicknames first in any NAMES files specified on the command with the ADDFILE option; second in any files specified on the *ADDFILE record; and finally in any files specified on the *FILES record. Files are searched in the order specified, and where a mode letter is not specified, in A-to-Z file mode order. Alternatively, you can limit the search to files specified with the ONLY option.
The search for a nickname entry ends only when a nickname entry is found that is valid for the node or when all the NAMES files have been searched. If no match is found for a disk operand entered on the command, VMLINK looks for matching :CATEGORY tags. If there are multiple disk operands on the command, and one is determined to be a category, VMLINK displays a menu of nicknames in the category before it processes the next disk operand.
When a nickname is found in a NAMES file:
- VMLINK verifies that the entry applies to the current node. If the current node is included in the node IDs listed on the :NODE tag, or if there is no :NODE tag, the entry applies to your system. If the nickname does not apply to your system, VMLINK continues the search.
- The contents of the :LIST tag are appended to the list of minidisks and/or SFS directories to be accessed.
- The file mode and vdev to be used are found if not specified.
- The exec listed on the :PREEXIT tag is run for that nickname.
- The minidisk or SFS directory on the :PRODUCT tag is linked and accessed.
- The exec listed on the :EXIT tag is executed for that nickname.
- VMLINK repeats the process to this point for the next nickname in the list.
- When all nicknames have been processed, the INVOKE option or the :INVOKE tag on the first nickname in the command is processed.