Printing the Contents of Data Sets

If a problem occurs, you can use the access method services command PRINT to print part or all of the contents of a fixed-length or variable-length RRDS; a key-sequenced, linear, or entry-sequenced VSAM data set; an alternate index; or a catalog. If you use the relative byte address, you can print part of a linear data set. Partial printing is rounded up to 4096 byte boundaries. The components of a key-sequenced data set or an alternate index can be printed individually by specifying the component name as the data set name. An alternate index is printed as though it were a key-sequenced cluster.

Entry-sequenced and linear data sets are printed in physical sequential order. Key-sequenced data sets can be printed in key order or in physical-sequential order. Fixed-length or variable-length RRDSs are printed in relative record number sequence. A base cluster can be printed in alternate key sequence by specifying a path name as the data set name for the cluster.

Only the data content of logical records is printed. System-defined control fields are not printed. Each record printed is identified by one of the following:

Related reading: See z/OS MVS Programming: Authorized Assembler Services Guide for information about program authorization. See Authorized Program Facility and Access Method Services for information about using the PRINT command to print a catalog.

Restriction: If the system finds four logical and/or physical errors while attempting to read the input, printing ends abnormally.