Ensure that the name of the debug tool event handler is recognized by Language Environment

Description

Before z/OS V2R2, the value for the debug tool event handler name that is specified by the _CEE_DEBUG_FILENAME31 environment variable was not restricted. Starting in V2R2, the name must be /bin/dbx31vdbg or be defined in a file that contains a list of allowed values.

Table 1 provides more details about this migration action. Use this information to plan your changes to the system.

Table 1. Information about this migration action
Element or feature: Language Environment
When change was introduced: z/OS V2R1, z/OS V1R13, and z/OS V1R12 (all with APAR PM99349 applied).
Applies to migration from: z/OS V2R1 and z/OS V1R13 (both without APAR PM99349 applied).
Timing: Before installing z/OS V2R2.
Is the migration action required? No, but recommended if you use debuggers in certain circumstances. Many debuggers will not be affected for any of these reasons:
  • They do not provide a debug tool event handler. (HLASM Toolkit Feature Interactive Debug Facility (ASMIDF), TSO/E TEST)
  • They do not install a debug tool event handler in z/OS UNIX file systems. (Debug Tool for z/OS, Rational Developer for System z Integrated debugger)
  • They use a debug tool event handler in the z/OS UNIX file system that is allowed by default. (dbx)
Target system hardware requirements: None.
Target system software requirements: None.
Other system (coexistence or fallback) requirements: None.
Restrictions: None.
System impacts: Message CEE2532S is issued, indicating that use of the debug tool event handler specified by the _CEE_DEBUG_FILENAME31 environment variable is not allowed.
Related IBM® Health Checker for z/OS® check: None.

Steps to take

Follow these steps:
  • Look for any vendor product or your own software that is a debugger and uses the environment variable _CEE_DEBUG_FILENAME31 to identify a debug tool event handler in the z/OS UNIX file system.
  • If any are found, create the file /etc/_CEE_DEBUG_FILENAME31.list and add the file name that is specified by the environment variable _CEE_DEBUG_FILENAME31 to it.
    Note: The file name /bin/dbx31vdbg, used by dbx, does not need to be added to this file.

After you complete the steps, the name of the debug tool event handler will be recognized by Language Environment.

Reference information

For more information about the _CEE_DEBUG_FILENAME31 environment variable, see z/OS Language Environment Vendor Interfaces

Parent topic: Language Environment actions to perform before installing z/OS V2R2
Parent topic: Language Environment actions to perform before installing z/OS V2R2