Inclusive - Including specified
In the context of mainframe and z/OS, "inclusive" or "including specified" refers to a range or set of values where the boundary values themselves are considered part of the range or set. This means that both the lower and upper limits of a defined range are included in the valid selection or scope.
Key Characteristics
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- Boundary Inclusion: Both the starting and ending values of a specified range are considered valid and are processed or selected.
- Common in Selection Criteria: Frequently applied in data selection, filtering, and search operations within applications (e.g., COBOL programs) or system utilities (e.g., DFSORT, IDCAMS).
- Mathematical Equivalence: Corresponds to mathematical inequalities such as
>=(greater than or equal to) and<=(less than or equal to). - Impact on Range Size: An inclusive range of
XtoYwill containY - X + 1discrete integer values, assumingXandYare integers. - Default for Many Operations: Often the default or implied behavior for many range specifications in mainframe utilities and programming languages unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Use Cases
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- Data Selection in COBOL: Filtering records from a VSAM KSDS file where a key field or data field falls within a specific range, e.g.,
IF WS-TRANSACTION-DATE >= '20230101' AND WS-TRANSACTION-DATE <= '20230131'. - DFSORT/SORT Utility: Specifying a
SELECTorOMITcondition for records based on a field's value range, such asINCLUDE COND=(10,5,CH,GE,C'START',AND,10,5,CH,LE,C'END'). - DB2
WHEREClause: Querying a table for rows where a column's value falls within a specified range, typically using theBETWEENoperator (which is inclusive), e.g.,SELECT EMP_ID, SALARY FROM EMP WHERE SALARY BETWEEN 50000 AND 75000;. - JCL
DDStatement forSPACE: Defining a dataset's space allocation in terms of cylinders or tracks, where the specified range of physical storage units is fully utilized. - IMS Segment Search Arguments (SSAs): When retrieving segments, using relational operators that include the boundary values in the search criteria to precisely define the scope of the search.
- Data Selection in COBOL: Filtering records from a VSAM KSDS file where a key field or data field falls within a specific range, e.g.,
Related Concepts
The concept of "inclusive" is fundamental to defining precise boundaries in data processing, resource management, and security on z/OS. It directly relates to relational operators (>=, <=) used in programming languages like COBOL and PL/I, and in database query languages like SQL (DB2) or SSAs (IMS). It contrasts with exclusive ranges, which are less common but sometimes used, and is critical for accurate data filtering, report generation, and resource allocation where exact boundary conditions are paramount.
- Explicitly Define Boundaries: Always be clear whether a range is inclusive or exclusive in documentation and code comments to prevent ambiguity, especially when dealing with date or numeric ranges.
- Use Appropriate Operators: In programming, consistently use
>=and<=for inclusive ranges. For DB2,BETWEENis a convenient and readable inclusive operator. - Test Boundary Conditions: Thoroughly test your code and utility control statements with values at the exact lower and upper bounds of an inclusive range to ensure correct processing.
- Consider Data Types: Be mindful of how data types (e.g., character, packed decimal, binary) affect comparisons and range definitions, especially with leading/trailing spaces or different numeric representations.
- Consistency in Interpretation: Ensure that all components of a system (applications, utilities, databases) consistently interpret inclusive ranges to prevent data discrepancies or processing errors.