This topic describes how TSO/E processes attention interruptions, and what you must do to provide an attention exit. Use the STAX service routine to specify and cancel attention exits, and defer the dispatching of attention exits. After reading this topic, see z/OS TSO/E Programming Services for information on the STAX service routine.

If your command processor accepts subcommands or operates in full-screen mode, provide an attention handling routine to receive control when a user enters an attention interruption from the terminal.

If your command processor does not establish its own attention exit, the TMP's attention exit receives control when a terminal user enters an attention interruption while the command processor is executing. Therefore, simple command processors should not establish an attention handling routine unless the routine provided by the TMP cannot process an attention interruption adequately.