DFSORT processes two types of input data sets, referred to as the SORTIN data set (or just SORTIN) and the SORTINnn data sets (or just SORTINnn).

The SORTIN DD statement specifies the input data set (or concatenated input data sets) for a sort or copy application. If a SORTIN DD statement is present, it will be used by default for a sort or copy application unless you invoke DFSORT from a program with the address of an E15 user exit in the parameter list.

The SORTINnn DD statements (where nn can be 00 to 99) specify the data sets for a merge application. If a SORTINnn DD statement is present, it will be used by default for a merge application unless you invoke DFSORT from a program with the address of an E32 user exit in the parameter list.

Data set considerations contains general information about input data sets. For specific information about the SORTIN data set, see SORTIN DD statement. For specific information about the SORTINnn data sets, see SORTINnn DD statement.