How do you test and debug VSAM file operations in CICS regions?

1 CICS file control

CICS file control is the component that manages the access to VSAM files from CICS programs. It provides functions such as opening, closing, reading, writing, updating, and deleting records. CICS file control also handles locking, buffering, recovery, and logging of VSAM file operations. To use CICS file control, you need to define the VSAM files in the CICS file control table (FCT), and use the appropriate CICS commands or APIs in your programs.

2 CEDF and CEDX

CEDF and CEDX are two CICS debugging tools that allow you to trace and modify the execution of CICS programs. CEDF stands for CICS Execution Diagnostic Facility, and it lets you step through a program one command at a time, displaying the input and output parameters, registers, and conditions. CEDX stands for CICS Execution Diagnostic Facility Extended, and it lets you do the same thing as CEDF, but also displays the contents of the VSAM files before and after each file operation. You can use CEDF or CEDX to test and debug your VSAM file operations by setting breakpoints, changing values, and checking results.

3 CEMT and CECI

CEMT and CECI are two CICS management tools that allow you to monitor and control the status of CICS resources, such as VSAM files. CEMT stands for CICS Execute Master Terminal, and it lets you display and modify the attributes of CICS resources, such as enabling or disabling files, closing or opening files, or forcing or releasing locks. CECI stands for CICS Execute Command Interpreter, and it lets you issue CICS commands or APIs interactively, such as reading or writing records, or displaying or altering file statistics. You can use CEMT or CECI to test and debug your VSAM file operations by manipulating the file status, triggering file errors, or verifying file data.

4 CMAC and CMOD

CMAC and CMOD are two CICS monitoring tools that allow you to collect and analyze the performance and usage of CICS resources, such as VSAM files. CMAC stands for CICS Monitor Analysis and Control, and it lets you define and activate monitor classes and counters, such as file requests, file waits, file errors, or file response times. CMOD stands for CICS Monitor Online Display, and it lets you display and report the monitor data collected by CMAC, either in real time or in batch mode. You can use CMAC or CMOD to test and debug your VSAM file operations by measuring the file efficiency, identifying the file bottlenecks, or comparing the file scenarios.

5 DFHLS2WS and DFHWS2LS

DFHLS2WS and DFHWS2LS are two CICS web services tools that allow you to generate and consume web services that involve VSAM files. DFHLS2WS stands for CICS Language Structure to Web Service, and it lets you create a web service from a CICS program that uses VSAM files. DFHWS2LS stands for CICS Web Service to Language Structure, and it lets you create a CICS program that uses VSAM files from a web service. You can use DFHLS2WS or DFHWS2LS to test and debug your VSAM file operations by exposing them as web services, testing them with web service clients, or validating them with web service schemas.