You can check the structure of a BCS with the EXAMINE command, and the content of a BCS or a VVDS with the DIAGNOSE command.

When analyzing a catalog, you must execute the VERIFY command before the EXAMINE command to verify that the catalog information for the catalog is current. If the catalog is open in the Catalog Address Space and you execute the EXAMINE command, the data in the catalog may not be current, and incorrect data may be displayed.

With EXAMINE, you can check the structural integrity of a BCS, just as you would check the structural integrity of any other catalog key-sequenced data set.

With DIAGNOSE, you can compare the BCS and the VVDS and thus verify catalog integrity. If an error is found, DIAGNOSE identifies the problem. Based on the result of the DIAGNOSE output, you can determine how to correct the error.

In addition to the DIAGNOSE command, you can use all the existing access method services and catalog diagnostic aids for the catalog.

Successful execution of a DIAGNOSE command depends on whether the input and compare data sets can be accessed. If you cannot read records from one of these data sets, the DIAGNOSE command terminates with an appropriate message and return code.

For more information on error diagnosis, refer to Catalog Diagnostic Information.