Home

Default or Main

Enhanced Definition

In the context of z/OS, "Home" most commonly refers to a user's **home directory** within **UNIX System Services (USS)**, which serves as the default starting directory upon logging into a USS shell. More broadly, it can metaphorically represent a primary or default environment, location, or configuration for a specific user or application within various z/OS components.

Key Characteristics

- User-Specific in USS: A home directory in USS is typically unique to each user ID, providing a private, persistent space for files, scripts, and configurations within the zFS or HFS file system.
- Default Starting Point: When a user logs into a USS shell (e.g., via ssh or the OMVS TSO command), their current working directory is automatically set to their defined home directory.
- Environment Customization: Often contains "dot files" (e.g., .profile, .bashrc) that are executed upon shell startup to customize the user's shell environment, define aliases, and set PATH variables.
- RACF-Managed: The path to a user's home directory in USS is typically defined in their RACF (Resource Access Control Facility) user profile's OMVS segment, linking the z/OS user ID to a specific USS path.
- Data and Configuration Storage: Serves as a primary location for users to store personal files, development artifacts, temporary data, and application-specific configuration files within the hierarchical file system.

Use Cases

- USS Shell Access: A developer or system programmer logs into USS to execute shell scripts, compile C/C++ programs, or manage USS files, with their session initialized in their home directory.
- Application Configuration: Storing application-specific configuration files or log directories within a designated "home" path for an application's service account in USS, ensuring isolation and easy access.
- Personal Development Workspace: Developers use their home directory to store source code, build scripts, and test data for projects developed within the USS environment, akin to a personal workspace.
- Automated Script Execution: Batch jobs or started tasks that invoke USS scripts might specify a working directory that acts as a "home" for the script's execution context, ensuring relative paths resolve correctly.