Normally, when a data set is allocated with the delete option specified, deleted records cannot be retrieved using the QISAM retrieval mode. When the delete option is not specified in the DCB, the SETL macro options function as follows.

SETL B—Start at the first record in the data set.

SETL K—Start with the record having the specified key.

SETL KH—Start with the record whose key is equal to or higher than the specified key.

SETL KC—Start with the first record having a key that falls into the specified key class.

SETL I—Start with the record found at the specified direct access address in the prime area of the data set.

Because the DCBOPTCD field in the DCB can be changed after the data set is allocated (by respecifying the OPTCD in the DCB or DD statement), it is possible to retrieve deleted records. Then, SETL functions as noted above.

When the delete option is specified in the DCB, the SETL macro options function as follows.

SETL B—Start retrieval at the first undeleted record in the data set.

SETL K—Start retrieval at the record matching the specified key, if that record is not deleted. If the record is deleted, an NRF (no record found) indication is set in the DCBEXCD field of the DCB, and SYNAD is given control.

SETL KH—Start with the first undeleted record whose key is equal to or higher than the specified key.

SETL KC—Start with the first undeleted record having a key that falls into the specified key class or follows the specified key class.

SETL I—Start with the first undeleted record following the specified direct access address.

Without the delete option specified, QISAM retrieves and handles records marked for deletion as nondeleted records.