IBM Mainframe Forum

Dear All

I am working with IBM System VSE/ESA.

My need is to :
1- get an i/p parameter from user through Console
2- and set it as a Global Parameter in the JCL and use it when executes 3 different COBOL Programs.

How to do that in JCL ?

Thanks

Mmmm... not generally a good way to do it. The Computer Operator, who has access to the Console, is not your "user" - normally, anyway, unless it is some processing for OPS?

It will be far better to allow your actual user to input data through a screen at their desk. It can be validated. The data will go to a file designed for that purpose. That file will later be read by three different programs. The data input by the user can be recorded/reported/backed-up so that the three programs can be later re-run to get the same results, the use can't argue that they didn't ask for "that" and Computer OPS can concentrate on running the system. It is unfair to expect Computer OPS to do accurate data-entry as well.

So, what you'd need in the JCL would be

BillyBoyo wrote:Mmmm... not generally a good way to do it. The Computer Operator, who has access to the Console, is not your "user" - normally, anyway, unless it is some processing for OPS?

It will be far better to allow your actual user to input data through a screen at their desk. It can be validated. The data will go to a file designed for that purpose. That file will later be read by three different programs. The data input by the user can be recorded/reported/backed-up so that the three programs can be later re-run to get the same results, the use can't argue that they didn't ask for "that" and Computer OPS can concentrate on running the system. It is unfair to expect Computer OPS to do accurate data-entry as well.

So, what you'd need in the JCL would be

Select all

// DLBL etc

Thank you, Its a good idea.

Sorry I mean by "user" is the "Computer Operator".

I found this JCL line:

// SETPARM PWRJOB,MyPARM='123'

Is it possible to set this parameter "MyPARM" through COBOL Program ????!!!!

If I can do that, my problem is solved, so I can pass this Global parameters to any program I executes in My JCL!!

Right or I am wrong ??

Mmmm... I doubt it, unless you want to investigate "getting dirty" with Assembler, which I'd not suggest as a good idea.

The "usual" alternative would be to include what is needed as part of the "run instructions" and have your "Production Control" prepare the job correctly. They will have more time, fewer other things to do. They may still prefer that it is not their responsibilty, and you are back to the file...

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noha_nabil (Mon Sep 10, 2012 8:23 pm)

BillyBoyo wrote:Mmmm... I doubt it, unless you want to investigate "getting dirty" with Assembler, which I'd not suggest as a good idea.

mmm ... you mean that I can set the JCL Parameters by using Assembler Program but using COBOL program I cannot ?!!
I feel from your reply that is very hard to go with Assembler solution :S !!

The "usual" alternative would be to include what is needed as part of the "run instructions" and have your "Production Control" prepare the job correctly. They will have more time, fewer other things to do. They may still prefer that it is not their responsibilty, and you are back to the file...

I think about this solution before submitting my question and i reached the same result as you stated

Thank you BillyBoyo..

I'm not saying it is possible with Assembler I'm saying that if the world were about to explode unless you could do this, then you'd better try to find out how to do it. Otherwise leave it.

I know you can't do it in Cobol.

BillyBoyo wrote:I'm not saying it is possible with Assembler I'm saying that if the world were about to explode unless you could do this, then you'd better try to find out how to do it. Otherwise leave it.

I know you can't do it in Cobol.

Thanks.
I'll try to search How can I do that using Assembler

Is the world about to explode?

If you are determined to do this through JCL, how about looking into using the "punch"?. Punch the JCL you want, assign SYSPCH to SYSIPT. Amended JCL arrives. Your auditors or production control may not like this approach.

But by whom/how would the parameter get set anyway?

BillyBoyo wrote:Is the world about to explode?

If you are determined to do this through JCL, how about looking into using the "punch"?. Punch the JCL you want, assign SYSPCH to SYSIPT. Amended JCL arrives. Your auditors or production control may not like this approach.

hhhhhh

I don't know "punch the JCL".

But by whom/how would the parameter get set anyway?

If I find the solution through assembler

The assembler program is responsible to get the parameter (eg. MyParm) through Console.
and set the value to the Global parameter in JCL.

// SETPARM PWRJOB,MyPARM='&MyParm_SET'

Get your JCL reference.

Look at SYSRDR, SYSPCH and SYSIPT.

SYSPCH used to be a physical card punch. SYSRDR the card reader. So, you could "punch" a "deck". Then assign the RDR to IPT and your "punched" cards start running, as a continuation of your Job.

Of course, you'll need something that can PUNCH and some way to change the thing that can be punched. I did it from our source-libary/editor system, which conveniently had a "-PU(NCH)" command.

I've never done this with "physical" equipment

It is a loooonnnggggg time since I did that. Would've been about 1980 or so. So I can't give you the exact details without doing the research myself. It would spoil your "learning opportunity" if I did, as well.

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noha_nabil (Mon Sep 10, 2012 8:24 pm)