IEHPROGM
`IEHPROGM` is an IBM utility program on z/OS systems primarily used for performing various maintenance functions on `Partitioned Datasets (PDS)` and `Sequential Datasets (PS)` directories. It allows for tasks such as scratching (deleting), renaming, and listing members within a PDS, or scratching entire sequential datasets. While still available, it is largely superseded by more modern and versatile utilities like `IDCAMS` or interactive tools like ISPF for most common dataset management operations.
Key Characteristics
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- PDS and PS Management: Primarily designed for managing the directory entries of
Partitioned Datasets (PDS)and for scratchingSequential Datasets (PS). It does not supportPartitioned Datasets Extended (PDSE). - JCL-Driven: All functions are invoked via
Job Control Language (JCL)statements, usingDDstatements to define input/output datasets andSYSINfor control statements that specify the desired operation. - Core Functions: Provides capabilities for
SCRATCH(delete),RENAME,COPY(member-level), andLIST(directory contents) operations on PDS members or entire sequential datasets. - Legacy Utility: It is an older utility, part of the
Data Facility Product (DFP)component of z/OS. While still functional, newer utilities likeIDCAMSoffer broader capabilities and better performance for many tasks. - No Data Content Manipulation:
IEHPROGMfocuses on managing directory entries and dataset allocation status, not on modifying the actual data content within members or datasets.
- PDS and PS Management: Primarily designed for managing the directory entries of
Use Cases
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- Scratching PDS Members: Deleting specific members from a
PDSwhen they are no longer needed, for example, removing old load modules, source code versions, or obsolete JCL procedures. - Renaming PDS Members: Changing the name of a member within a
PDS, which can be useful for version control, standardization, or preparing for new releases. - Listing PDS Directories: Obtaining a formatted list of all members within a
PDSand their associated attributes (e.g., size, creation date), useful for auditing, inventory, or troubleshooting. - Scratching Sequential Datasets: Deleting an entire
sequential datasetfrom the system catalog and freeing its allocated space, often used for temporary files or outdated reports. - Copying PDS Members (Limited): While it can copy members from one PDS to another,
IEHPROGMis generally less efficient and flexible thanIEBCOPYfor bulk copying or complex PDS-to-PDS operations.
- Scratching PDS Members: Deleting specific members from a
Related Concepts
IEHPROGM operates fundamentally on Partitioned Datasets (PDS) and Sequential Datasets (PS), which are core dataset organizations in z/OS. Its functions are typically invoked via JCL, making it an integral part of batch processing for automated dataset maintenance. It is often compared to IDCAMS, the Access Method Services utility, which is a more powerful and versatile tool for managing VSAM datasets, `non-VSAM