I am not certain that that is the case. The manual, as is often the case, is unclear. I interpret it is meaning that the following construct is prohibited:
// SET N=1 // SET X&N=1024 As illustrated, I suspect that what IBM is saying you cannot do is to create a dynamic variable name. On the other hand, I believe that the following is permitted: // SET B=1024 // SET X1=&B Likewise, I believe that more complex structures are also permitted: // SET B1=1024 // SET B2=2048 // SET X1=&B1.&B2 However, as I stated, the manual is unclear, and I suggest that a PMR requesting clarification is in order, as well as a documentation update giving further examples of what is permitted and what is prohibited. John P. Baker -----Original Message----- From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Paul Gilmartin Sent: Monday, June 02, 2008 9:30 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: JCL Symbol Not Substituted Alas, that runs afoul of: Title: z/OS V1R9.0 MVS JCL Reference Document Number: SA22-7597-11 #<<< 5.4.2.1 "z/OS V1R9.0 MVS JCL Reference" IBM Library Server ___________________________________________________________________ 5.4.2.1 Defining and Nullifying JCL Symbols ... * Do not specify JCL symbols within other JCL symbols. The results can be unpredictable, especially if the imbedded JCL symbol is not previously defined. I know, it appears to work, but is it advisable to employ a construct that's explicitly deprecated by the RM? And if the symbols on the right of the SET are defined to contain blanks, the SET doesn't work. and if the right of the SET is enclosed in apostrophes, the symbols are not substituted (I remember seeing that documented somewhere). Why can't symbols _always_ be substituted, even between apostrophes. Simpler Is Better! And if the continued string is broken within a doubled apostrophe or a doubled ampersand, a similar failure occurs. I haven't found those documented yet. I think I'll wait a while and submit a PMR on the problem with the apostrophe, and yet another while and submit an additional PMR on the problem with the ampersand and yet another while and submit another PMR because "DD DATA,DLM=&SYMBOL" doesn't work, even though the JCL messages report the substitution was performed. I hate JCL! -- gil ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: GET IBM-MAIN INFO Search the archives at http://bama.ua.edu/archives/ibm-main.html
