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Maximum number of options in CICS Command

PostPosted: Mon Sep 09, 2013 1:24 pm
by nikesh_rai
Hi Guys,

I went for a interview.. there was a question about what is the maximum number of options we can use in a CICS command. I have google it, but didn't get the answer. Can you please help me if someone knows about it..?

Re: Maximum number of options in CICS Command

PostPosted: Mon Sep 09, 2013 6:02 pm
by NicC
It depends on the command. It will be maximum number of options that that command has code to handle. Some commands may have no options - I am no CICS programmer so that is just a guess. If not zero then 1.

Re: Maximum number of options in CICS Command

PostPosted: Mon Sep 09, 2013 6:26 pm
by nikesh_rai
They gave me options 4,8,12 and 16. I have used more than 4 option in a CICS command.. but not sure if I have used more than 8 or not.. I saw some of the macros have more than 8 options e.g., DFHPPT, but can we consider Macros as CICS command.. I am also not sure.. :)

Re: Maximum number of options in CICS Command

PostPosted: Mon Sep 16, 2013 6:56 pm
by mongan
What do you mean by Command? An EXEC CICS in a program I presume?

Re: Maximum number of options in CICS Command

PostPosted: Mon Sep 16, 2013 7:13 pm
by nikesh_rai
Yes.. in EXEC CICS command.. I found it in a manual where it was written we can give at max 16 conditions for a single HANDLE command. I don't know if it applicable for other commands as well

Re: Maximum number of options in CICS Command

PostPosted: Mon Sep 16, 2013 11:30 pm
by Robert Sample
From the V5.1 Messages manual (emphasis added):
DFH7063I E

IMPLEMENTATION RESTRICTION: MORE THAN xxxxxxxx OPTIONS IN ONE COMMAND. xxxxxxxx OPTION IGNORED.
Explanation

An EXEC CICS command contains too many options with arguments. The number of options with arguments allowed is, for most commands, kept within the allowed maximum by the command definition. However certain commands such as the HANDLE and IGNORE commands allow more options than the maximum allowed on each command instance.
System action

When the maximum number of options is reached, this number usually being 16, the remaining options specified are rejected. In other words the command together with the first 16 options specified is accepted.

Re: Maximum number of options in CICS Command

PostPosted: Tue Sep 17, 2013 11:24 am
by nikesh_rai
Thanks Robert.. :)