NCL File Processing › Work with UDBs

Work with UDBs

UDB support is a standard function of NCL. NetMaster Databases (NDBs) provide more advanced facilities for users with requirements for more complex, high-performance data management within their NCL procedures.

NCL supports the following techniques for VSAM user database (UDB) files:

• Processing by specific key (KSDS)
• Processing by partial or generic key (KSDS)
• Sequential processing (KSDS), in ascending or descending key order
• Retrieval for update or deletion (KSDS)
• Deletion by specific key (KSDS)
• Multiple record deletion by generic key (KSDS)
• Sequential processing, forwards or backwards (ESDS)
• Emptying (resetting) of data sets (KSDS)
• Processing of SYSOUT data sets (z/OS only)

NCL uses the VSAM access method for its speed and flexibility. The high-level NCL implementation shields the user from all VSAM complexities.

UDBs are keyed VSAM data sets (KSDS) or sequential VSAM data sets (ESDS). For keyed data sets, any key length from 1 to 255 characters can be selected. Standard VSAM restrictions regarding duplicate keys apply.