SORT command

The SORT primary command sorts the data set list by the specified field. Use this format:


>>-SORT--+----------------------------------+------------------><
         '-field1--+---+--+---------------+-'   
                   +-A-+  '-field2--+---+-'     
                   '-D-'            +-A-+       
                                    '-D-'

where:

field1: The major sort field. If only one operand is used, ISPF treats it as field1. If both operands are used, ISPF sorts the list by field1 first, then by field2 within field1.
field2: The minor sort field.
A|D: The direction in which values are sorted for this field (A=ascending, D=descending).

For example, to sort a data set list by volume and block size within each volume, use this command:

SORT VOLUME BLKSZ

If you do not specify a field, ISPF sorts the list by data set name. The keywords described in Table 1 tell ISPF by which fields to sort the data set list.

Table 1. Sort fields for source libraries
Field	Default Sequence	Description
NAME	Ascending	Data set name
MESSAGE	Ascending	Command completion message
VOLUME	Ascending	Volume serial
DEVICE	Ascending	Device type
DSORG	Ascending	Data set organization
RECFM	Ascending	Record format
LRECL	Descending	Logical record length
BLKSZ	Descending	Block size
TRACKS	Descending	Data set size
%USED	Descending	Percentage used
XT	Descending	Extents used
CREATED	Descending	Creation date
EXPIRES	Ascending	Expiration date
REFERRED	Descending	Last accessed data
MVOL	Ascending	Multivolume or migration level
CATALOG	Ascending	Catalog Name
PROMPT	Descending	Data displayed in PROMPT field

Automatic scrolling is performed, if necessary, to bring the major sort field into view. ISPF displays a progress status pop-up panel when the necessary information to perform a SAVE or SORT primary command has to be retrieved and the data set list comprises 50 or more data sets. The keyboard locks when this pop-up panel appears and stays locked until the SAVE or SORT command is completed. This happens regardless of the setting of Display Total Tracks option and the value entered in the Initial View field.

Note: When Display Total Tracks is ON and Initial View = 2 (Space) or 4 (Total), the pop-up panel appears during the data set list display when it comprises 50 or more data sets and all the track information is to be retrieved. When the SORT command is subsequently issued the pop-up is not displayed as the data is already available.