SYSOUT DD Statement

The SYSOUT DD statement is used to specify where to route the output produced by a job step. It defines the destination for the output, which can include printing on paper, writing to a dataset, or discarding the output.

Syntax -

//SYSOUT  DD destination-information

• //SYSOUT - is the DD statement label, which uniquely identifies the output definition.
• destination-information - specifies the destination for the output. This can include parameters that control the destination and characteristics of the output.
  • SYSOUT=* - Send the output to the system operator's console.
  • SYSOUT=printer-name - Send the output to a specific printer identified by its name.
  • DSN=dataset-name - Write the output to a dataset with the specified name.

Examples -

Scenario1 - Writing to spool.

//TESTJOB JOB ...
//STEP1    EXEC PGM=PROG1
//SYSOUT   DD SYSOUT=*
//SYSIN DD *
...

In this example, any standard output produced by the job step will be displayed on the spool.

Scenario2 - Writing to a dataset (MATEPK.SYSOUT.PS).

//TESTJOB JOB ...
//STEP1    EXEC PGM=PROG1
//SYSOUT   DD DSN=MATEPK.SYSOUT.PS,
//            UNIT=3390,
//            VOLUME=SER=123456,SPACE=(CYL,(0,1)),
//            DISP=(NEW,CATLG,DELETE)
//SYSIN DD *
...

In this example, the output is directed to a dataset named "MATEPK.SYSOUT.PS". The DISP parameter specifies that if the dataset does not exist, it should be created (NEW) and cataloged (CATLG).

Scenario3 - Discarding output

//SYSLST DD DUMMY

This example discards any output produced by the job step. It is useful when we don't need the output and want to save resources.