HISTOGRM is a separate program which is used to gain information about variable-length files. The program scans a variable-length file and provides information which can then be used to run more efficient sorts. HISTOGRM can report the:
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Block count for minimum and maximum block lengths
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Record count for minimum and maximum record lengths
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Average record length
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Total number of bytes in the file
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Total number of blocks in the file
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L6 value (average work space) for variable-length records
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L7 value (segment length) for variable-length records
HISTOGRM can be used to analyze variable-length records in a VSAM entry-sequenced or key-sequenced data set. When HISTOGRM processes a VSAM file only record information is gathered; block statistics are not produced.