A generic process to convert a file to display format

user_14327735 0
Viewed 125

Is there a generic process to convert a file on z/OS to display format? I have a couple hundred files on z/OS I need to convert to Display format before they are NDM to the midrange/Linux. These files contain compressed fields. I'm doing this because I want the files to land on the midrange as ASCII and not as EBCDIC/binary. I'm also trying to avoid writing a COBOL conversion routine for each file. Thanks in advance for any help.

cobol zos mainframe
3 Answers

Mainframe SORT utilities typically excel at data conversions. They also typically use less CPU and run in less clock time than other utilities, which may be less of a concern for a one-time process.

user_6244630

IBM has a utility on the mainframe that can probably do what your asking. The utility is called IEBPTCH (IEB Print Punch). The documentation is here

Its not automatic but could be easier than writing code. From the doc

You can use IEBPTPCH to print or punch all, or selected portions, of a sequential or partitioned data set or PDSE. Data can also be "printed" or "punched" to disk or tape.

IEBPTPCH can be used to print or punch:

  • A sequential or partitioned data set or PDSE, in its entirety
  • Selected members from a partitioned data set or PDSE
  • Selected records from a sequential or partitioned data set or PDSE
  • The directory of a partitioned data set or PDSE
  • An edited version of a sequential or partitioned data set or PDSE
  • A data set containing double-byte character set data
  • You can specify the format for the records that you are printing or punching, or you can use IEBPTPCH's default formats.
  • The default formats are:
  • Each logical output record begins on a new printed line or punched card.
  • Each printed line consists of groups of eight characters separated by two blanks.
  • Up to 96 data characters can be included on a printed line.
  • Each punched card contains up to 80 contiguous bytes of information.
  • Characters that cannot be printed appear as blanks.
  • When the input is blocked, each logical output record is delimited by "*" and each block is delimited by "**". Sixty lines per page will be printed.

See the RECORD statement here

user_69431970

I know you want to avoid writing new COBOL programs. But take a look at the RENDER keyword. I will convert a COBOL 01 ... grouping into a valid XML structure in a single line of code. Using SORT or IEBPTCH is just programming in a weird language.

user_382070
Related