Access to Linear Data Sets

You can access a linear data set with VSAM, the DIV macro, or window services.

To update a linear data set using VSAM, you must use control interval access, and must have control authority. To read a linear data set with VSAM, you must use control interval access, and must have read authority. For more information, see Processing Control Intervals, especially Access to a Control Interval. See also the DEFINE CATALOG topic in z/OS DFSMS Access Method Services Commands for available options and associated restrictions for the LINEAR parameter.

The following family of window services for accessing linear data sets is described in z/OS MVS Programming: Assembler Services Guide and z/OS MVS Programming: Assembler Services Reference ABE-HSP:

CSRIDAC -- Request or Terminate Access to a Data Object
CSRVIEW -- View an Object
CSREVW -- View an Object and Sequentially Access It
CSRREFR -- Refresh an Object
CSRSCOT -- Save Object Changes in a Scroll Area
CSRSAVE -- Save Changes Made to a Permanent Object

Related reading: For information about using data-in-virtual (DIV), see z/OS MVS Programming: Assembler Services Guide.