As a user of TSO/E, you probably perform certain tasks on a regular basis. These tasks may involve entering TSO/E commands to check on the status of data sets, to allocate data sets for particular programs, and to print files.

You can write CLISTs that significantly reduce the amount of time that you have to spend on these routine tasks. By grouping together in a CLIST the instructions required to complete a task, you reduce the time, number of keystrokes, and errors involved in performing the task; thus, you increase your productivity. Such a CLIST can consist of TSO/E commands only, or a combination of TSO/E commands, JCL statements, or CLIST statements.

Figure 1 is an example of a CLIST that consists of TSO/E commands only.

allocate file(ABC) dataset(name1)
allocate file(DEF) dataset(name2)
call (prog1)
free file(ABC DEF)

The CLIST in Figure 1 issues TSO/E commands to allocate files for a program, call the program, and free the files when the program is finished. Whenever you wanted to perform these related tasks, you can execute the CLIST instead of retyping the commands.

If tasks require specific input from a user, you can obtain the input in a CLIST by using CLIST statements or TSO/E commands to prompt the user for the input.