Key Dataset

If you have chosen the item “key dataset” in the selection area for key input, the “folder” symbol is shown on the left side of the key input field.

To enter an existing dataset and its path information into the key input field, you can click on the “folder” symbol on the left side, choose a dataset, and click on the “Open” button of the dataset choose dialogue. Afterwards you can still edit the name in the input field as you like.

To help you especially by entering long dataset names, the program displays the place of the cursor or the range of places being marked at the left side of the status bar being at the bottom of the input mask.

If the key dataset field isn’t selected i.e. hasn’t the focus, the field information is displayed as stars. If the key dataset field is selected, the contents of this field only is visible if the mouse pointer is located or moved in the central region of this field. If the mouse pointer slowly leaves the central region of this field, then the information is hidden. Regardless of that marked field parts are always visible.

Use key datasets if you have a complex or randomised key. A key dataset used by the current program task is n o t processed in this task (so not destroyed as well), even if this dataset is explicitly or implicitly addressed as a dataset to be processed (see exception dataset about that).

Please notice that line end characters in datasets comprising an ASCII key are interpreted as components of the key too.