The X (eXecute command) line command can be entered against regular files, directories, or symbolic links to regular files or directories in the directory list. This line command causes the Execute Command for z/OS® UNIX File panel to be displayed.

This panel allows you to enter and execute a z/OS UNIX command, TSO command, CLIST, or REXX EXEC, with the path name of the selected file being passed as a parameter.

The Pathname field displays the path name of the selected file.

These input fields allow you to specify the command and select the method by which it is run:

Command for file

Use this field to enter the z/OS UNIX command, TSO command, CLIST, or REXX exec to be run.

By default, ISPF appends the path name of the selected file to the end of the command you have entered. If you need to have the path name in a position other than the end of the command, use the path name substitution character to indicate where you want the path name to be placed. The default pathname substitution character is ! (exclamation point). For more information about using this symbol, see Using the path name substitution character.

The path name substitution character can also be changed using the Directory List Options panel (see topic Path name substitution character).

If the command is to run in z/OS UNIX by selecting a Run method of Direct or Login shell, then this field can be left blank. This causes the selected file to be executed.

Run method

This field is mandatory. It allows you to select one of these methods for running the command:

Direct

Causes the command to be run in z/OS UNIX.

Login shell

Causes the command to be run under the login shell in z/OS UNIX.

TSO

Causes the command to be passed to TSO for execution.

z/OS UNIX command time limit

This field allows you to set a limit to the amount of time the command can run. This time limit is entered as a number of seconds. If this limit is exceeded, ISPF sends a SIGKILL signal to the process running the command to terminate execution. If you do not want a time limit set, leave the field blank or enter a value of zero.

The time limit value can also be specified on the Directory List Options panel (see topic z/OS UNIX command time limit).