VSAM File Management

Course Objectives
Whilst covering the basics of VSAM File Management, this Course also aims to give an insight into the different types of VSAM clusters and how they are accessed. On completion of this Course the student will be able to:

• Choose the correct VSAM format
• Understand the four types of VSAM datasets
• Understand and set the necessary parameters to allocate VSAM datasets
• Be able allocate VSAM datasets using JCL, ISPF and File-Aid
• Understand and use Alternate Indexes
• Load data onto VSAM datasets
• Understand how VSAM datasets are accessed in COBOL or PL/1 programs

Course Details
INTRODUCTION
Introduction to VSAM Datasets
Control Intervals
Spanned Records
CHOOSING A VSAM DATASET
VSAM Dataset Considerations
Facilities Offered by VSAM
KEY SEQUENCED DATASETS
Introduction to Key Sequenced Datasets
Indexes and Index Structure
Data Access
Direct Access
Sequential Access
Skip Sequential Access
ENTRY SEQUENCED DATASETS
Introduction to Entry Sequenced Datasets
Alternate Indexes
Data Access
RELATIVE RECORD DATASETS
Introduction to Relative Record Datasets
Data Access
LINEAR DATASETS
Introduction to Linear Datasets
ALLOCATING VSAM DATASETS
Allocating a new VSAM Dataset using IDCAMS
Allocating a new VSAM Dataset using ISPF
Allocating a new VSAM Dataset using File-Aid
Other VSAM Modifications
USING AN ALTERNATE INDEX
What is an Alternate Index ?
How does an Alternate Index work ?
Defining an Alternate Index
VSAM AND CICS
Initial Setup
File Control Table
Reading VSAM records
Writing VSAM records
Deleting VSAM records
Updating VSAM records
Unlocking VSAM records
Browsing Multiple Records
Batch and On-Line File Access
VSAM AND COBOL
File Definition
Open and Closing VSAM Files
Indexed Reads
Sequential Records
Rewriting Records
Deleting Records
Positioning within a File
LOADING RECORDS - REPRO
An Overview of Loading Records
Repro Facility
Repro Parameters
Course Environment Development will be performed using:

• IBM Mainframe

Course Format: Practical sessions make up a large part of the course, allowing delegates to demonstrate and reinforce the lectures given. During these sessions the delegate will gain experience of writing and testing different types of JCL to create, delete, modify and load data onto VSAM files. Examples are used extensively, ranging from simple code snippets to full applications with complete 'real world' functionality. These are supplied at the start of the course and it is encouraged that the delegates execute and 'experiment' with these under the instructor's guidance as they are introduced. These examples are available to take away, along with the delegate's own work. The comprehensive Student Guide supplied is fully indexed serving as a useful reference tool long after the course has finished. Delegates will also be able to access a free help-line with technical questions relating to topics covered on the course.