How to list out a GDG base properties through REXX

Question

How to know GDG base properties through REXX code; Of course we can view the GDG limit thru File-aid 3.2 option But need to list the properties on the fly and may be used in consecutive program/module. Hope made you clear and waiting for response! (Do let me know if any other information is required?)

Answer 1

One caveate to the above suggestion... If you only want GDG entries you may need to consider removing the keyword ALL on the LISTCAT ENTRY('XXX') ALL line. I believe the ALL word will list GDG & Non-GDG datasets that happen to match the catalog entry name.

Answer 2

From REXX, you can target TSO then use the listcat command:

ADDRESS TSO
"LISTCAT ENTRY('XXX') ALL"

where XXX is the GDG base.

For capturing TSO output, look into OUTTRAP which can capture the output from most TSO commands - I haven't specifically tested listcat since I don't have a z900 under my desk at home :-) I'll give it a shot at work tomorrow.

Call OutTrap "xyzzy."

should give you the output into the xyzzy stem variable and you can stop the capture with:

Call OutTrap "off"

Answer 3

Something like this should do it.

/* REXX */                                     

arg entry .                                    

call outtrap "listc."                          

"LISTCAT ENT("entry") GDG ALL"                 
if rc > 0 then exit 12                         

do i = 1 to listc.0                            
  if pos("LIMIT", listc.i) > 0 then do         
    limit = word(translate(listc.i,' ','-'),2) 
    say 'GDG limit is' limit                   
    leave                                      
  end                                          
end