JCL syntax for File Manager batch jobs

To use a File Manager function in a batch job, include the following statement: //stepname EXEC PGM=FILEMGR

By default, report output is written to SYSPRINT. Sections of the output can be directed instead to the following ddnames:

FMNROPT
File Manager active options
FMNRPRM
$$FILEM command parameters and return codes
FMNRPRC
REXX procedure statements read from SYSIN
FMNREPT
Command reports and return codes
FMNRSUM
TALLY summary report

If FMNPRINT is present in the JCL, it is used instead of SYSPRINT. If FMNIN is present in the JCL, it is used instead of SYSIN.

You might also need a STEPLIB statement or other DD statements, depending on which File Manager functions the batch job contains.

When you code File Manager control statements, you must:
  • Begin each control statement with $$FILEM in columns 1 to 7, followed by a blank in column 8, followed by the command name, followed by the first parameter (if any).
  • Specify parameters and their values separated by an equal sign, as follows: 
    PARAMETER=value
  • Follow each parameter (except the last one) immediately with a comma.

Comment statements, which begin with an asterisk (*), are also allowed.

To continue a control statement onto the next line, end the first line with a comma and begin the next line with $$FILEM and a blank.

To continue a parameter that does not fit onto one line, do not use a continuation character. Instead, split the parameter into more than one line, enclosing each part in apostrophes. For example: 
$$FILEM DSNIN='u/test/this is a regular HFS file ',
$$FILEM 'that has a v',
$$FILEM 'ery long name'
Notes:
  1. If the control statement contains only the function name, there must be a space between the function name and the comma.
  2. To continue FIND and CHANGE commands in the FCH (Find/Change) utility, end the first line with a comma (the continuation line does not contain $$FILEM).
  3. To change processing options in batch or to reset options to the installation default, use the SET function.

Example

In HEX format, the following example shows a batch job that uses the DSP File Manager function to print 20 records of a data set (starting at the record with key value 0001000): 
//jobcard
//ABC EXEC PGM=FILEMGR
//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*
//SYSIN  DD *
$$FILEM DSP DSNIN='FMNUSER.TEST.KSDS1',
$$FILEM FORMAT=HEX,KEY=000100,NLRECS=20
/*