Catalog

Enhanced Definition

A system dataset that contains metadata about the location, characteristics, and attributes of other datasets on the mainframe system. The catalog provides a centralized directory service for dataset management. In z/OS, a Catalog is a crucial system component that serves as a directory for datasets, storing their names, locations (volume serials), and other essential attributes. It enables the operating system and applications to locate and access datasets without requiring users to specify physical storage details. The primary catalog type in modern z/OS environments is the Integrated Catalog Facility (ICF) catalog, which supports both VSAM and non-VSAM datasets.

Key Characteristics

- Hierarchical organization structure
- Automatic or manual dataset cataloging
- Volume and device information storage
- Support for dataset aliases
- Integration with SMS and DFSMS
Catalog Types:
- Master Catalog: Top-level catalog containing system datasets and user catalog pointers
- User Catalogs: Application-specific catalogs for organizing related datasets
- VSAM Catalogs: Legacy catalogs for VSAM datasets (ICF catalogs)
Catalog Information:
- Dataset name and aliases
- Volume serial numbers
- Device types
- Dataset organization (PS, PO, VSAM)
- Space allocation details
- Creation and expiration dates
- Security information
Catalog Operations:
- Define: Create catalog entries
- Delete: Remove catalog entries
- List: Display catalog contents
- Rename: Change dataset names
- Export/Import: Move datasets between systems

Use Cases

- Dataset location and retrieval
- Storage management and organization
- Backup and recovery operations
- Dataset migration and archival
- System administration and maintenance