Jobs system values: Detach printer output after jobs have ended
The Detach printer output after jobs have ended system value is also known as QSPLFACN. You can use this system value to specify whether printer output is kept with a job or detached from the job.
| Quick reference | |
|---|---|
| Location | From IBM® Navigator for i, select . Right-click on Jobs and click Properties, then select the Printer Output tab. |
| Special authority | All object (*ALLOBJ) and security administrator (*SECADM). |
| Default value | Deselected. Keep printer output. |
| Changes take effect | Immediately, except for jobs already started. |
| Lockable | No. |
What can I do with this system value?
Use the associated checkbox to specify whether printer output (spooled files) is kept with a job or detached from the job.
- Keep printer output with jobs (*KEEP)
- You can display printer output by selecting Printer Output on jobs that have ended. The ended jobs still count toward the limit of jobs defined by the Maximum jobs system value. The job status becomes Completed (OUTQ) when the job ends.
- Detach printer output from a job (*DETACH)
- The job is removed from the system when the job ends. This reduces the use of system resources by allowing job structures to be recycled when the job ends. Because the job is removed from the system, you cannot use the job interfaces to work with the printer output for the job. However, this option does not delete the printer output. To view the printer output for a job that is removed from the system, open IBM Navigator for i, select Basic Operations, and then select Printer Output. The queue lists the output.
If you choose to keep printer output with jobs and you have printer output in independent disk pools (also known as auxiliary storage pools), you need to be aware of the following restriction: printer output in independent disk pools is separate from the job. For example, the independent disk pool may be varied off and moved to a different system. While the job still exists and the disk pool is still varied on and is still on the same system as the job, you can work with the job and display printer output. But printer output in independent disk pools is not, by itself, reason enough for the job to continue to exist. When the only printer output associated with a job is on independent disk pools, the printer output is detached from the job and the job is removed from the system.
For example, when a job completes, it contains three printer output files: File1, File2, and File3. At the user's request, File1 and File2 are either printed or deleted; however, File3 still exists. Since File3 is on an independent disk pool, the job is detached from the printer output File3. The printer output for that job is still available but the job is removed from the system.