Can we call IDCAMS in a COBOL program?

[Shriram]

Hi,

How can we call IDCAMS in a COBOL program? And by calling it, can we create a cluster from a COBOL program?

Could someone please guide me in this regard.

[Robert Sample]

Yes, you can call IDCAMS by allocating the appropriate DD names and using a COBOL CALL statement. And yes, you can allocate a VSAM cluster in the IDCAMS statements.

HOWEVER, you may yet be surprised since you typically will NOT be able to use that cluster in your COBOL program -- if that is what you are ultimately wanting to do.

[Shriram]

Thanks Robert.