Verhoef Training Limited

e-Learning VSAM Introduction

Course outline

This provides an overview of the content of the VSAM Introduction Course.

The material is supported by 32 exercises, and 24 sample programs (8 each in Assembler, COBOL and PLI), plus a demonstration using REXX.

VSAM Introduction - Synopsis

1. VSAM overview
   A general introduction to terms, and the history of VSAM and its relationship to traditional data organisations.
2. Access Method Services
   Basic syntax of IDCAMS control statements, and the Modal commands.
3. Defining data sets
   Detailed review of the DEFINE command, followed by practical exercises involving ESDS, KSDS, and RRDS data sets.
4. Defining data sets - without IDCAMS
   Using JCL DD Statement operands LIKE and REFDD, plus the ISPF Panels.
5. Data set structure Explanation of Control Areas, Control Intervals, Relative Byte Addressing, and the impact of Freespace on KSDS file updates.
6. Listing catalogue information A review of the information available, and how to access it in batch and online.
7. Copying clusters - REPRO Command
8. Printing clusters - PRINT Command
9. Changing cluster definitions - ALTER
10. Deleting clusters - DELETE Command and IEFBR14.
11. Alternate indices Creating alternate indices and the order in which the various steps are performed.