There is another way to establish dictionary_names directly in JCL statements rather than in a SYMNAMES data set. For JCL-initiated MFX applications only, the data from JCL SET and PROC symbols can be used together with the MFX JPn PARM options to create character string dictionary_names. Text strings and system symbols can also be used. These JPn dictionary_names can then be used in MFX control statements in the same manner as the SYMNAMES dictionary_names. The ability to alter JCL to dynamically change control statements that are often contained in data sets can be very useful.
On the EXEC statement, specify PARM='…,JPn''string'',…' where n is from 0 to 9. The quotes delimit the start and end of the string, so the string should not contain any imbedded quotes. If apostrophes are required, two should be specified for each one so as not to terminate the PARM field. Up to 10 such JPn PARMs can be used in one PARM field.
The string may contain any combination of
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SET or PROC symbols from the JCL. These are prefaced by an ampersand: &symbol
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System symbols, which are also prefaced by an ampersand, such as &JOBNAME or &YYMMDD
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Any characters except quotes; characters after a symbol name may be appended with a period: &symbol.text
Example 1 Using JCL SET symbols
Example 2 Using system symbols
Example 3 Using PROC symbols and text
