DFSORT processes two types of output data sets, referred to as the SORTOUT data set (or just SORTOUT) and the OUTFIL data sets.

The SORTOUT DD statement specifies the single non-OUTFIL output data set for a sort, copy, or merge application. OUTFIL processing does not apply to SORTOUT. If a SORTOUT DD statement is present, it will be used by default for a sort, copy, or merge application unless you invoke DFSORT from a program with the address of an E35 user exit in the parameter list.

The FNAMES and FILES parameters of one or more OUTFIL statements specify the ddnames of the OUTFIL data sets for a sort, copy, or merge application. The parameters specified for each OUTFIL statement define the OUTFIL processing to be performed for the OUTFIL data sets associated with that statement. Each ddname specified must have a corresponding DD statement.

Although the ddname SORTOUT can actually be used for an OUTFIL data set, the term "SORTOUT" will be used to denote the single non-OUTFIL output data set.

Data set considerations contains general information about output data sets. For specific information about the SORTOUT data set, see SORTOUT and OUTFIL DD statements. For specific information about the OUTFIL data sets, see SORTOUT and OUTFIL DD statements and OUTFIL control statements.