The linkage editor converts an object module into a phase and catalogs it in a library sublibrary. The phase then becomes a permanent member of that sublibrary, with a member type of PHASE, and can be retrieved at any time and run in either the job that created it or any other job.

Alternatively, you can request the linkage editor to store the phase temporarily, in the virtual I/O area. The phase is then ready to run. Using this method, the linkage editor does not save a permanent copy of the phase. Consequently, after the phase has been run, it cannot be used again without creating another phase. This method is useful during testing.