Allocating Datasets - ALLOCATE Command

ALLOCATE (ALLOC) command used to dynamically defines and allocates a new dataset -

• With or without an attribute list of DCB parameters.
• With attributes copied from an existing dataset.

Syntax -

ALLOC FILE(DDname) DA(dsname) [options]

where -

• DDname is the 8 character name for the DataSet.
• dsname is the name of the dataset to be allocated.
• Options are the characteristics of the dataset, such as its organization, record format, and block size.

Examples -

Scenario1 - Allocate a new sequential dataset called MATEPK.TSO.TETPS.

ALLOC FI(REPORT) DA('MATEPK.TSO.TESTPS')
   NEW SP(1,1) CYL LRECL(80) RECFM(F B)
   BLKSIZE(800) VOL(DEVHD4)

This would create a new sequential dataset called MATEPK.TSO.TESTPS on the default volume.

Scenario2 - Allocate a new sequential dataset called MATEPK.TSO.TETPDS.

ALLOC FI(TESTPDS) DA('MATEPK.TSO.TESTPDS')
   NEW SP(1,1) CYL LRECL(80) RECFM(F B) DIR(10) DSORG(PO)
   BLKSIZE(800) VOL(DEVHD2)

This would create a new PDS called MATEPK.TSO.TESTPDS on the volume DEVHD2.