IBM Mainframe Forum

Hi,
The "Multiple Output Data Sets" in DFsort using OUTFIL & Fnames, how many such DDs can be giving in a single step?
I have a requirement in which i have an input file and have to split it on some KEY, there are 300 odd keys. So i want to know how many output DD i can give/create in single sort step?

If you have a look at the manual, it will tell you what the limit is (and it can depend from site to site, as it is not down to DFSORT but how z/OS has been installed). It is the same as the limit for any step, so the JCL manual should also be able to guide you.

300 is not a problem. I hope you aren't coding all that by hand

The limit actually depends on the storage available, the BLKSIZE of the OUTFIL data sets, etc, as well as the system limits, but the limit is usually closer to thousands than hundreds.

Thank you BillyBoyo & Frank Yaeger.
@ BillyBoyo: Yes i am not coding by hand; the cobol program will create the jcl.
I have finished the cobol, will submit and check the jcl.

Good for you. Always, when there are "lots" of something, look for a way to automate/semi-automate. If you do a bit of code, you avoid typos and have lots of other advantages.

It is a bit of time to write the first one, but it can then be re-used. Also think of other languages you might have access to. rexx is an excellent tool for things like this. If you don't know it, try to start looking into it in your own time. If you have a PC at home, the oorexx is quite a good fit for th z/OS one.

Thanks BillyBoyo, i have worked in rexx to create few tool for our project, but have only elementary knowledge. First tiem i am hearing abt ooRexx. I ll give try to this. But i find little difficult to work in rexx for windows. Tats y i dint install it @ home. Nowadays i have some free time, ll try ooRexx.