The SMP/E APPLY command

The APPLY command specifies which of the received SYSMODs are to be selected for installation in the target libraries. SMP/E also ensures that all other required SYSMODs (prerequisites) have been installed or are being installed concurrently as well as in the proper sequence.

The source of the elements is the SMPTLIB data sets, the SMPPTS data set or indirect libraries depending on how is was packaged. This phase of the SMP/E process entails the following:

Executing the appropriate utility to install the SYSMOD into the target library, depending on the type of input text supplied and target module being changed.
Ensuring that the relationship of the new SYSMOD with other SYSMODs in the target zone is correct.
The CSI is modified displaying the updated modules.

The APPLY command updates the system libraries and should be carefully used on a live production system. It is recommended that you initially use a copy of the production target libraries and zones.

The target zone reflects the content of the target libraries. Therefore, after the utility is completed and the zone updated, it will accurately reflect the status of those libraries.

Figure 1. SMP/E APPLY processing

The APPLY processing, shown in Figure 1, is where the target zone is accurately updated:

All SYSMOD entries in the Global Zone are updated to reflect that the SYSMOD has been applied to the target zone.
The target zone accurately reflects each SYSMOD entry applied. Element entries (such as MOD and LMOD) are also created in the target zone.
BACKUP entries are created in the SMPSCDS data set so the SYSMOD can be restored, if at all necessary.

Similar to the RECEIVE process, the APPLY command has many different operands for flexibility to select SYSMODs you would like to see for installation in the target libraries, and provides an assortment of output. The directives used instruct SMP/E what you want installed.

Examples of APPLY commands

To install only PTF SYSMODs, enter a command like the following:

SET      BDY(ZOSTGT1).
APPLY    PTFS.

To select PTF SYSMODs, you name them in the directives, for example:

SET      BDY(ZOSTGT1).
APPLY    SELECT(UZ00001, UZ00002).

Sometimes, you might want to install only corrective fixes (APARs) or user modifications (USERMODs) into the target library, for example:

SET      BDY(ZOSTGT1).
APPLY    APARS
         USERMODS.

At other times, you might want to update a selected product from a distribution tape:

SET      BDY(ZOSTGT1).
APPLY    PTFS
         FORFMID(H28W500).

Or:

SET      BDY (ZOSTGT1).
APPLY    FORFMID(H28W500).

In these two examples, SMP/E applies all applicable PTFs for the FMID. Unless you specify otherwise, PTFs are the default SYSMOD type.

The APPLY command with the CHECK operand

There might be times when you want to see which SYSMODs are included before you actually install them. You can do this by including the CHECK operand with commands such as the following:

SET      BDY(MVSTGT1).
APPLY    PTFS
           APARS
           FORFMID(HOP1)
           GROUPEXTEND 
           CHECK.

When these commands complete, you can check the SYSMOD status report to see which SYSMODs would have been installed if you had not specified the CHECK operand. If you are satisfied with the results of this trial run, you can enter the commands again, without the CHECK operand, to actually install the SYSMODs.