Using system macro instructions

To initiate DFSORT processing with a system macro instruction, you must:

Write the required job control language (JCL) DD statements.
Write DFSORT control statements as operands of assembler DC instructions. (Using DFSPARM or SORTCNTL data sets to specify program control statements can be more convenient. See Using DFSORT program control statements for details.)
Write a parameter list containing information to be passed to DFSORT and a pointer containing the address of the parameter list. DFSORT accepts three types of parameter lists: a 24-bit parameter list, an extended (31-bit) parameter list, and a 64-bit parameter list. Although you can choose any one of the three parameter lists, the 64-bit parameter list can perform a superset of the functions of the other parameter lists; therefore, it is recommended for new DFSORT applications.
Note: DFSORT can also be called using the system's EXEC PARM parameter list, provided that the rules for passing it are followed (for example, the parameter list must reside below 16MB virtual). DFSORT interprets a call using the EXEC PARM parameter list as a direct invocation rather than a program invocation.
If you are using the 64-bit parameter list, prepare the macro instruction specifying one of the following as the entry point name: ICEMAN64 or SORT64.
If you are using the 31-bit or 24-bit parameter list, prepare the macro instruction specifying one of the following as the entry point name: ICEMAN, SORT, IERRCO00, or IGHRCO00.

In addition, the following rule applies:

If you are invoking DFSORT repeatedly (for example, from an E15 or E35 user exit), you must always wait for the last invoked sort to end before you can give control back to any of your user exits in an earlier invoked sort.

Note: The save area passed to DFSORT must begin on a fullword boundary.