IDCAMS Define Path for AIX

The AIX needs a connection between the alternate index and base cluster to access the data faster from the dataset. So PATH needs to be defined before building the index for an alternate key.

DEFINE PATH command is used to define an path between AIX and its base cluster. PATH name only have a catalog entry, but the path does not contain any records. This path enables to access the data through the alternate index, which can be used to enhance performance and flexibility.

Syntax -

//JOBNAME  JOB job-card-parameters
//STEP1    EXEC PGM=IDCAMS
//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*
//SYSIN    DD *
  DEFINE 	PATH
  	(NAME(alternate-index-path-name)
  	PATHENTRY(alternate-index-name)
  	[MODEL(model-dataset-name[ catlog-name])]
  	[OWNER(owner-id)]
  	[TO(date)|FOR(days)]
  	[UPDATE | NOUPDATE])
  [CATALOG(catname)]
/*

Mandatory Parameters

  • PATH - Specifies path should be defined, or a path entry should be cataloged.
  • NAME (alternate-index-path-name) - Specifies the name of the path being defined. This must be a unique name within the catalog.
  • PATHENTRY (alternate-index-name) - Specifies the name of the base cluster (the VSAM dataset) to which the path will be associated.

Optional Parameters

  • MODEL (model-dataset-name[ catlog-name]) - specifies an already-defined cluster entry is to be used as a model to create a dataset. entryname specifies the name of the cluster or component entry to be used as a model.
  • OWNER (owner-id) - Allows specifying the owner of the path. This can be used for administrative or accounting purposes.
  • TO (date) | FOR (days) - specifies the retention period for the cluster being defined. If neither TO nor FOR is used, the cluster can be deleted at any time.
  • UPDATE | NOUPDATE -
    • UPDATE - specifies that the alternate index should be updated when changes are made to the base cluster. Short Description: UPD
    • NOUPDATE - specifies that the path is not reused after being deleted. Short Description: NUPD
  • CATALOG (catname) - Specifies the name of the catalog where the path will be defined. Short Description: CAT

Example -

Scenario - Define path for alternate index on the employee KSDS file.

Input KSDS File - MATEPK.EMPL.KSDS

Input Alternate Index - MATEPK.EMPL.DEPTAIX

JCL -

Full Example    
----+----1----+----2----+----3----+----4----+----5----+
...
//STEP10   EXEC PGM=IDCAMS
//SYSPRINT DD SYSOUT=*
//SYSIN    DD  *
  DEFINE PATH (NAME(MATEPK.EMPL.DEPTAIX.PATH) -
               PATHENTRY(MATEPK.EMPL.DEPTAIX) -
               UPDATE)
/*
...

Output -

Once the above JCL is submitted, check the MAXCC of the job for any errors. If the MAXCC is 00 or 04, then DEFINE PATH is successful.

Define AIX Path Sysprint

The PATH should load with all the keys from the base cluster, and the alternate key should highlight as shown below -

Verify path Data