13 File Information System

Using the CFS file information system, a descriptive text can be attached to any file, job variable or library element. This feature allows book keeping for each file. The information texts stored in the system can be retrieved and updated at any time. All information texts for files, job variables and library elements are stored in the file catalogues created and managed by CFS.

For the storage of information texts of files or library elements, CFS creates separate information catalogues. This is done during the first creation of an information text (Action Code IM).

If you do not provide an explicit file command, the name of the CFS information catalogue is constructed in the following way:

CFS.INF Information catalogue for files of the own user-id.

CFS.INF.JV Information catalogue for job variables of the own user-id.

lib.INF Information catalogue for elements of library lib.

Files and job variables have a separate information catalogue for each user-id. Also, each library has a separate information catalogue.

Using the file command (LINK=INFO) the user may assign the name of a specific information catalogue.

Input of texts is usually done in free form mode. CFS prompts you with an empty screen where you can enter the information texts.

Alternatively, you may enter the information texts in a formatted way controlled by masks. These INF-masks must exist in a central INF-format catalogue (ISAM-file). They are accessed via a 1- to 3-character format name. By default the INF-format catalogue has the name $TSOS.CFS.INF.FORMAT. You may assign your own format catalogue via a file command: /FILE file, LINK=IFORMAT.

If new texts are entered, the selection of a format is done by appending the format name f (1-3 characters) to the Action Code IM/IA (Information Modify / Information Add). The system administrator may change the CFS default settings to attach a fixed default format x to new texts (implicit IMx).