Using split screen

The SPLIT PF key (PF 2) divides the display screen into two panels, each of which can be used independently. The SWAP PF key (PF 9) moves the cursor in split screen mode back and forth from one part of the screen to the other.

Some benefits of using a split screen are:

You can obtain further information about a task without exiting the task. For example, if you are using the news service in the Information Center Facility and you do not know how to specify a news item, you can press the SPLIT PF key (PF 2), swap to the other side of the split, and select the news tutorial to read about specifying news items.
You can jump to a second task without exiting the first task. This is especially helpful if the two tasks are interdependent. For example, if you try to edit a data set that has not yet been allocated, you can press the SPLIT PF key (PF 2), swap to the other side of the split, and allocate the data set.

To use split screen, follow these steps:

Move the cursor to the spot where you want the screen to split.
Press the SPLIT PF key (PF 2). A dotted line indicates the split. After the screen is split, the cursor indicates which part of the screen is active. You can work only in the active part of the screen.
Figure 1. Determining which part of a split screen is active
Use the SWAP PF key (PF 9) to move the cursor to the opposite side of the split.
To return to a single screen, press the END PF key (PF 3) repeatedly in the side you want to exit until the other side appears as a single screen.

Exercise

Display the ISPF/PDF Primary Option Menu. Move the cursor to the top of the screen and press the SPLIT PF key (PF 2). You see the same menu panel except a dotted line is added at the top of the screen. Now press the SWAP PF key (PF 9). You again see the same menu panel with a dotted line at the bottom of the screen.

Select the EDIT option (option 2) from the menu panel that is displayed. You see the data set identification panel. Press the SWAP PF key (PF 9) to return to the other primary option menu panel. Select the UTILITIES option (option 3) from that menu panel. You see the Utility Selection Menu.

You can continue to do two tasks simultaneously or you can exit one. To exit the edit task, press the SWAP PF key (PF 9) to re-display the edit panel with data set identification. Then press the END PF key (PF 3). You see the ISPF/PDF Primary Option Menu. Press the END PF key (PF 3) again. You see the Utility Selection Menu and the screen is no longer split.