About this document

This document provides guidance and reference information for users of HCL Z Data Tools working with QSAM data sets, VSAM data sets, IAM data sets, PDS members, WebSphere MQ queues, or HFS files. (Throughout this document, the z/OS® UNIX™ file systems, HFS and zFS, are referred to as "HFS".)

Z Data Tools contains four flavors of Z Data Tools, for working in different environments or with different data formats:

• Z Data Tools base function, for working with QSAM data sets, VSAM data sets, IAM data sets, PDS members, WebSphere MQ queues, CICS® resources, or HFS files. You can access these data sources through the Z Data Tools ISPF interface.
• HCL Z Data Tools Db2® component (ZDT/Db2)
• HCL Z Data Tools IMS™ component (ZDT/IMS)
• HCL Z Data Tools CICS® component (ZDT/CICS)

This document describes the Z Data Tools Base component. In the rest of this document, the term Z Data Tools refers only to the Base component, not to the Db2®, IMS™, or CICS® components.

This document is divided into three parts:

Part 1. Working with Z Data Tools

Introduces key concepts, provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform tasks using the ISPF panel interface, and describes how to use Z Data Tools functions in batch jobs, REXX procedures, or TSO CLISTs. The information is presented in a task-based format, with panel, field, command, and function definitions provided when they are relevant to the current task. For a complete description of a particular panel, field, command, or function, refer to the appropriate chapter in Part 2. Z Data Tools Reference.

Part 1 can be used both as a learning tool for new users and as a way to quickly find specific task instructions.

Part 2. Z Data Tools Reference

1. Panel and field reference: Lists all of the Z Data Tools panels, provides a definition for each field in the panel and, where applicable, lists the value ranges that are valid for each field.
2. Command reference: Describes the syntax, usage, and equivalent function for each primary command.
3. Function reference: Describes the syntax, usage, and available parameters for each Z Data Tools function.

Both new and experienced users of Z Data Tools can use Part 2 to quickly look up such things as the syntax of a command or function, or the acceptable values for a field in a panel.

Part 3. Appendixes

The appendixes include the Z Data Tools Base component messages and the template XML reference.