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:

  1. 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.
  2. The contents of the :LIST tag are appended to the list of minidisks and/or SFS directories to be accessed.
  3. The file mode and vdev to be used are found if not specified.
  4. The exec listed on the :PREEXIT tag is run for that nickname.
  5. The minidisk or SFS directory on the :PRODUCT tag is linked and accessed.
  6. The exec listed on the :EXIT tag is executed for that nickname.
  7. VMLINK repeats the process to this point for the next nickname in the list.
  8. When all nicknames have been processed, the INVOKE option or the :INVOKE tag on the first nickname in the command is processed.