Advanced Demo Session › Option 03: Prevent a Program from Updating a File › Use FILE to Inspect the Record › A Brief Look at FILE's Capabilities

A Brief Look at FILE's Capabilities

The FILE facility lets you view, update, add and delete records, and search for character strings. You can perform these functions at any time (for example, while your program is at a breakpoint). You can use FILE with VSAM and BDAM files, DL/1 and DB2 databases, temporary storage records, and transient data records. You can also use FILE when no program is executing to perform routine file maintenance.

Note: Going back and forth between the Source Listing facility and the FILE facility is as easy as pressing a single key.

FILE displays records in dump format character format, vertical format, and structured format. To display the previous record in different formats, press PF2. For structured format, which displays records or DL/I segments on a field‑by‑field basis, you also must identify the program containing the structure.

Use the FILE facility when you are testing your own programs. For example, use FILE to change your test records or to create additional records in the middle of a demo session. You also can use FILE to ensure your program successfully updated a file. For more information on using FILE, see the Help facility or the CA InterTest for CICS User Guide.

Now return to testing ASMDEMO.