Using commands for VSAM and Non-VSAM data sets

Access Method Services is a multi-function service program that primarily establishes and maintains Virtual Storage Access Method (VSAM) data sets.

Table 1 shows recommended commands, by function, for VSAM and non-VSAM data sets. Numbers indicate order of preference. Licensed program commands are identified with an asterisk (*). For commands not covered in this book, see z/OS DFSMS Access Method Services Commands.

Table 1. Commands preferred for VSAM/Non-VSAM data sets
Function	Non-VSAM	VSAM
Build lists of attributes	ATTRIB	(None)
Allocate new DASD space	ALLOCATE	DEFINE or ALLOCATE
Connect data set to terminal	ALLOCATE	ALLOCATE
List names of allocated (connected) data sets	LISTALC	LISTALC
Modify passwords	PROTECT	DEFINE, ALTER
List attributes of one or more objects	1. LISTDS, 2. LISTCAT	1. LISTCAT, 2. LISTDS
List names of cataloged data sets (limit by type)	LISTCAT	LISTCAT
List names of cataloged data sets (limit by naming convention)	LISTDS	LISTDS
Catalog data sets	1. DEFINE, 2. ALLOCATE	DEFINE
List contents of data set	EDIT, LIST*	PRINT
Rename data set	RENAME	ALTER
Delete data set	DELETE	DELETE
Copy data set	COPY*	REPRO