Listing information about data sets

Another command you might need is the LISTDS command. LISTDS followed by a data set name lists attributes about that particular data set, such as the record format, record length, block size, and data set organization. The keyword MEMBERS used with the LISTDS command adds a list of the members of a data set.

Thus to see data set information and a list of members for PREFIX.MEMO.TEXT, enter after the READY message:

LISTDS 'prefix.memo.text' MEMBERS

You then see something similar to the following:

PREFIX.MEMO.TEXT
--RECFM-LRECL-BLKSIZE-DSORG
  VM    255   5100    PO
--VOLUMES--
  NOV87C
--MEMBERS--
  APR13
  AUG01
  FEB27
  JAN10
  JUL01
  JUL14
  JUN04
  JUN18

For more information about data set attributes, see z/OS TSO/E User's Guide.