Choosing between discrete and generic profiles in general resource classes

Most general resource classes (except the PROGRAM class) give you a choice of creating either a discrete profile or a generic profile. Refer to Examples of defining load modules as controlled programs for more information on creating profiles in the PROGRAM class.

Choose a generic profile to protect more than one resource with the same security requirements.

Note:

You can use the characters *, **, or % to specify in which way (if at all) the resources protected by the profile have identical characters in their names.
If you use the character & in a profile name, there must be a corresponding RACFVARS profile. See Using RACF variables in profile names (RACFVARS class).

Choose a discrete profile to protect one resource with unique security requirements. The name of a discrete profile has no generic characters.