Tape marks

Each data set and each data set label group to be processed by data management must be followed by a tape mark.
  • There is no tape mark between the volume label and the first header label group on the volume.
  • The tape mark that marks the end of the header label group also indicates the beginning of the data set to be processed.
  • The tape mark that follows the data set also indicates the beginning of the trailer label group.
  • A tape mark marks the end of the trailer label group. A second tape mark follows the trailer label group of the last data set on the volume, provided that the data set does not continue on another volume.

When the operating system is used to create a data set with IBM standard labels, the system writes the necessary tape marks.

Parent topic: Label definitions and organization