Working with the options file

To work with the Network Print Facility's options file, first allocate space using the IDCAMS utility with the specifications shown in Figure 1.

Be sure to use the RECORDSIZE, SHAREOPTIONS, and KEYS values as defined. The size of the options file will be stable. Adjust FREESPACE based on experience with the files.

Figure 1. Sample of options file allocation

   DEFINE CLUSTER (NAME(TCPIP.OPTIONS) VOLUMES(WRKLB2) -
        CYLINDERS(1 1)   -
        IMBED -
        RECORDSIZE(100 297) FREESPACE(0 15) -
        INDEXED SHAREOPTIONS(4 3) -
        UNIQUE NOWRITECHECK) -
        DATA ( -
         NAME(TCPIP.OPTIONS.DATA) -
         KEYS(16 0) ) -
        INDEX ( -
          NAME(TCPIP.OPTIONS.INDEX) )

After the space has been allocated, you can initialize and load records into the options file using the EZAPPFL macro. You can also use the ISPF interface to load options file records or to maintain and correct them. The interface includes panels for you to add, copy, update or delete options file records.