Using ISHELL to Manage UNIX Files and Directories

About this task

Use the ISPF shell (ISHELL) to perform the following functions on UNIX files:

Copy a PDS or PDSE to a UNIX directory.
Copy a UNIX directory to a PDS or PDSE.
List files in a directory.
Create, delete, or rename directories, files, and special files.
Browse, edit, and copy files.
Display file attributes.
Search files for text strings.
Compare files or directories.
Run executable files.
Display information about symbolic links.
Mount and unmount a hierarchical file system.
Create an HFS data set or other UNIX file.
Set up character-special files.
Set up directories for a root file system.
Set up users and groups for z/OS UNIX access.

You can, for example, use ISHELL to list all the directories and files in a UNIX directory. Use the Options menu choice to display all the fields for each file. Figure 1 shows the ISPF Shell panel.

Figure 1. ISPF Shell Panel

File  Directory  Special_file  Tools  File_system  Options  Setup  Help
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 UNIX System Services ISPF Shell

 Enter a path name and do one of these:

   - Press Enter.
   - Select an action bar choice.
   - Specify an action code or command on the command line.

 Return to this panel to work with a different path name.
                                                       More:
+
 /u/BIGPROG

Before you begin: To allow you to use UNIX files, you must have a home directory that corresponds to your user ID, such as /u/joe, and a RACF identity. All UNIX directory and filenames are case sensitive.

You can get to a UNIX session from either TSO/E or ISPF. Once inside the UNIX session, you can toggle between UNIX and TSO/E or ISPF. Perform the following steps to establish a UNIX session and display UNIX files and directories:

Procedure

In a TSO/E session, issue the OMVS command to establish a UNIX session inside the TSO session.
1. For more information about using OMVS, press PF1 to display the online help.
2. Select OMVS to get to the UNIX session.
_______________________________________________________________
Issue the ISHELL command to enter the ISPF shell which allows you to work with UNIX directories, files, FIFO special files, and symbolic links, and mount or unmount file systems.
1. Select File to display a UNIX file.
2. Select Directory to display a UNIX directory.
_______________________________________________________________
Press PF3 to exit the ISPF shell and return to the OMVS screen._______________________________________________________________
Use the Exit command to end the UNIX session and return to the TSO screen._______________________________________________________________

Results

Related reading: For more information, see z/OS UNIX System Services Command Reference.