IBM Mainframe Forum

Hi,
Can we edit COMP-3 data on dataset physically?
If so, how can we achieve it.

Thanks in advance.

Can we edit COMP-3 data on dataset physically?

Did you mean using something like File-Aid?

Yes, Please let me know... How to edit Comp-3 fields using FILE AID with steps.
Thanks in advance.

Hello,

To edit comp-3 fields, use HEX ON and type the packed-decimal values as needed.

This will work with tso/ispf or file-aid against the file directly.

There may be some other options using copybooks, but i have never needed to look for this.

but i have never needed to look for this

Not every one is intelligent enough to understand the HEX ON valuses -- you can include me, for one, in that list...

Hi Anuj,

I believe it is not a matter of intelligence. . . (every programmer or analyst i've ever worked with was smart enough, some were just kept ignorant ) I do believe it is a matter of proper training - either in class or on the job. Once upon a time every student of COBOL or Assembler or other languages was taught how to read hex on a terminal or on paper and work with packed-decimal, binary, and zoned-decimal numbers.

d

Hi Dick,

I was trying to be humorous but it seems I could not convey it well, may be because of language barrier...

During my engineering-graduation I had a subject called "Switching Theory"; which had long, very long (phew) exercises on base-2, base-4, base-16 (and probably more) conversions ... probably I met many "ignorant"(to use your term) colleagues there and I still carry those thoughts with me...sigh and that's why I said "matter of intelligence"...umm...mm opinions differ.

Hi Anuj,

I was trying to be humorous but it seems I could not convey it well

Both humor and sarcasm are often difficult when typed - even if everyone is "based" in the same language. As you mentioned, having different language background also complicates these.

To me intelligence is the brainpower needed to do a thing. Ignorance is not a measure of brain power, but rather a level of awareness/understanding.

It doesn't bother me if i'm ignorant about lots of things - i can learn. . . Hopefully, i'll not become stupid (i.e. lack of intelligence).

d

Sometimes I learn not only technical stuff from you but how to "communicate" as well...

Have a good one,

Regards,