File-AID executes as a dialog under IBM's ISPF dialog manager facility. You can invoke it by selecting the File-AID option from a customized version of the ISPF primary option menu, or from a sub-menu panel your installation has set up.
If the File-AID execution CLISTS have been installed, you may invoke File-AID from any ISPF screen. For example, the command TSO FASTART suspends your current screen and displays the File-AID primary option menu. Upon exit from File-AID your suspended screen is restored.
The following will be presented only if selected by number:
1 - File-AID execution CLISTS
GENERAL INFORMATION SUMMARY OF OPTIONS 0-C
The File-AID primary options are:
OPTION 0 - SPECIFY ISPF AND File-AID PARAMETERS
This option consists of the ISPF-provided parameter option screens and several screens to specify File-AID default parameters.
OPTION 1 - BROWSE FILE
This option is used to display but not change the contents of files using any of three display modes - formatted, vertical, and character.
OPTION 2 - EDIT FILE
This option is used to create, display and change the contents of files using the formatted, vertical, and character display modes.
OPTION 3 - UTILITIES/E
This option accesses a menu of dataset management utilities. Included are:
3.1 Library (PDS directory management and CSECT info),
3.2 Dataset (Non-VSAM dataset allocation, information),
3.3 Copy (Selective record copying for all file types including PDS members),
3.4 Catalog (search catalog using pattern characters)
3.5 VSAM (Define VSAM clusters, indexes, and paths online or in batch),
3.6 Search/Update (Scan or perform global changes for any dataset),
3.7 VTOC (Search volumes for datasets using pattern characters, analyze space),
3.8 Interactive (run File-AID/Batch online),
3.9 Submit (create batch JCL).
OPTION 5 - PRINT FILE
This option is used to print data file contents, the selection criteria and rcd/layout XREFs created in options 6 and 7 of File-AID, formatted record layouts, and audit trail datasets created while editing a data file in option 2 (Edit) or 3.6 (Update) of File-AID.
OPTION 6 - EDIT SELECTION CRITERIA
This option is used to create and maintain selection criteria for use in the Browse, Edit, Copy, Print, and Compare functions.
OPTION 7 - EDIT RCD/LAYOUT XREF
This option is used to create and maintain rcd/layout XREFs for use in other File-AID functions.
OPTION 8 - VIEW RECORD LAYOUT
This option is used to display the contents of COBOL or PL/I layouts as interpreted by File-AID.
OPTION 9 - REFORMAT FILE
This option allows the records of an input file to be reformatted and written to an output file based on record layouts defining the input and output files.
OPTION 10 - COMPARE
This option is used to compare two files and report the differences between them.
OPTION C - File-AID CHANGES
This option documents changes made in the various releases of File-AID.
GENERAL INFORMATION SCREEN FORMATS
File-AID uses the full screen for display and entry of data.
The first three lines of each display, called the heading lines, have a common format for all File-AID displays. The remainder of the screen may contain a list of options, input fields and prompts, or scrollable data.
The first three lines of each display are formatted as follows:
|----------------------------------------|-------------------------------|
line 1: | TITLE | SHORT MESSAGE |
|--------------------------------------- |------|---------- --------------|
line 2: | COMMAND/OPTION | SCROLL |
|---------------------------------------------- --|----------------------|
line 3: | LONG MESSAGE |
|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|
The TITLE area (line 1) identifies the function being performed and, where appropriate, library or dataset information.
The SHORT MESSAGE area (line 1) is used to indicate:
- Current line or column positions
- Successful completion of a processing function
- Error conditions (accompanied by audible alarm)
The COMMAND/OPTION area (line 2) is used to enter a command. On an option selection menu, it may be used to enter either a command or an option.
The SCROLL area (line 2) contains the current scroll amount whenever scrolling is applicable. You may change it by overtyping.
The LONG MESSAGE area (line 3) is used to display an explanation of error conditions upon request (see HELP command). This line will normally be blank or will contain heading (non data entry) information. Dataset specification screens allow you to enter information such as dataset names, member names, and other parameters. The fields in which you may enter information are labeled and preceded with an arrow. If you fail to enter a required value or if you enter inconsistent values, you are prompted with a message.
The example at the right File-AID ------------- Edit - Dataset Specifi
shows the edit dataset COMMAND ===>
specification screen.
Edit Mode ===> C (F=Format
Specify Edit Information:
Edit Dataset name ===> FASAMP.*
Member name ===> (Blank or
Volume serial ===> (If datas
Disposition ===> OLD (SHR or O
Create audit trail ===> N (Y = Yes;
Several fields on dataset specification screens are pre-entered with values that you entered the last time on that screen or on a similar screen. If the values are correct, simply press ENTER. If the values are not correct, overtype the fields that need to be changed before pressing ENTER.
The pre-entered information comes from your user profile, which File-AID automatically builds and maintains across sessions. Information that is maintained in your user profile includes:
- Dataset names and member names
- Job statement information
- SYSOUT class for printed output
- Parameters entered via Option 0 (Parameters)
- PF-Key defaults