The DIFSYMBL utility - syncsort_simulate_2000

The rules language used by the products has a very large number of symbolic fields available. Trying to determine which symbolic names are available in a rules environment depends on the product and the execution environment.

The DIFSYMBL utility was created for the support staff to help determine when specific symbolic names are available in the rules. The utility is a CALLEXIT routine that can be added to the rules language. Each time the DIFSYMBL exit is called, approximately 2500 output cards are written to the JES message log (batch) or back to a TSO session.

Activate the Exit - To use the DIFSYMBL utility, first activate the exit with the following DIF console command:

F DIF,ENABLE EXIT DIF DIFSYMBL

Change the product rules to call the exit. Since DIFSYMBL outputs a relatively large number of records, It is recommended to limit the use of the utility to a specific test condition. For example, the following rule limits the trace to a selected userid and job name, and a single DDname. Note: Remember to issue a DIF REFRESH command for the product after adding the CALLEXIT to the rules.


DEFRULE RULE01 CONTINUE(NEXTRULE) IF JOBNAME = (FRED,FREDR)
DDNAME = TESTDMP CALLEXIT(DIFSYMBL)

Batch Test - Run a test job to output the symbolic field information. Note: The reserved “message DD” for the product must be include for message output to be written to the JES message log. The PTLMSG DD can be used for ACC/SRS testing.


//FREDR JOB
//STEP01 EXEC PGM=PTLIVP,ALTDATE=2015.030,ALTTIME=14.00
//STEPLIB DD DISP=SHR,DSN=DTS.PTLR71.SLyyddd.INSTLIB
//TESTDMP DD DISP=(NEW,PASS),SPACE=(TRK,(1)),UNIT=SYSALLDA
//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*
//PTLMSG DD DUMMY

Analyze Output - DIFSYMBL was originally designed for use by support. The first section displays many of the control block address that the symbolic fields access for information. If a control block has an address of zero, then the symbolic fields associated with the control block will not be available. The second section lists the symbolic field values available at the time the exit is called. The last section displays all the symbolic fields available to a product and which control blocks are used to obtain the information. If the control block is preceded by an asterisk(*), the control block address is available and the symbolic name can be used in the rules. For additional questions about the utility, please contact customer support.

The DIFSYMBL utility - syncsort_simulate_2000 - Latest

Syncsort™ Storage Management Portal 2000 Rules Language Guide