The command TSO ALTLIB DISPLAY shows these datasets in the search order ahead of the DD names SYSEXEC and SYSPROC, which is useful when debugging Clists or REXX. These datasets are usually allocated by applications within the ISPF environment. The TSO command ALTLIB is used to manage datasets containing REXX Execs or Clists allocated dynamically after logon. The first sets the default dataset-name prefix used in ISPF for unqualified dataset names, while the second ensures I receive all write-to-programmer messages sent to my terminal. I set the PROFILE PREFIX(myHLQ) and PROFILE WTPMSG as default options. I know which versions I prefer to type in 20 times a day.įrom the ISPF command line, issue the PROFILE command (TSO PROFILE), which will list your current PROFILE details. LISTDSD DA(dataset) AU GE, and the short form of LISTDSD: LISTC ENT(dataset) ALI, or the 'short form' of LISTCAT below: LISTCAT ENTRY(dataset) ALIAS, can also be issued as: A couple of example commands issued many times daily by systems programmers all over the world serve to demonstrate the point: This same syntax prediction occurs with command-keyword parameters as well as the base-command names. Many TSO commands also have short versions as an alternative to their full command name. The TSO command parser is highly efficient and can determine the command you wish to use from a minimum number of characters needed to uniquely identify the command. Here are some more keystroke-saving techniques you can incorporate into your own style of interaction with the mainframe.

In this issue, I cover a range of topics that didn't conveniently fit into the categories I've covered so far, beginning with time-sharing option (TSO). In my second installment, which ran in the March/April issue, I focused on the ISPF Editor and SDSF. In my first article in this series, which ran in the November/December 2005 issue of the magazine, I covered some Interactive System Productivity Facility (ISPF) environment recommendations plus a quick rundown of DSLIST customizations.

Note: This is the third and final part of a series on ISPF customization and optimization for mainframe systems professionals.

Ispf editor line commands