Parameter type

Keyword, optional

Purpose

Use the RECFM parameter to specify the format and characteristics of the records in a new data set. All the format and characteristics must be completely described in one source, that is, in the data set label of an existing data set, in the DCB macro, in the DD DCB parameter, or in the DD RECFM parameter. However, the processing program can modify the RECFM field in the DCB.

Code the RECFM parameter when you want to (1) specify the record format for the data set or (2) with SMS, override the record format defined in the data class of the data set.