ISPF Data Manipulation Commands

ISPF provides powerful line commands that allow users to edit and manipulate data in datasets. These commands are executed by entering them in columns 1 to 6 (Command Area) and pressing Enter. Below is a simplified overview of the most commonly used commands, categorized for ease of understanding.

Basic Commands -

INSERT (I):

Insert blank lines into the dataset.
Single Line: Enter I in columns 1 to 6.
Multiple Lines: Specify the number of lines after I (e.g., I11 for 11 lines).

DELETE (D):

Remove lines from the dataset.
Single Line: Enter D.
Multiple Lines: Add a number after D (e.g., D6 to delete 6 lines).
Block of Lines: Use DD at the start and end of the block.

REPEAT (R):

Duplicate lines.
Single Line: Enter R to duplicate once.
Multiple Copies: Add a number after R (e.g., R6 to repeat a line 6 times).
Block of Lines: Use RR at the start and end of the block to repeat it once.

Note! REPEAT and DELETE works in a similar way.

Copy/Move Commands -

Note! COPY or MOVE should always code in a combination with PASTE or OVERLAY.

COPY (C):

Copy lines without removing the original.
Single Line: Enter C.
Block of Lines: Use CC at the start and end of the block.

MOVE (M):

Move lines, removing the original content.
Single Line: Enter M.
Block of Lines: Use MM at the start and end of the block.

PASTE (A/B):

Paste copied or moved content.
A: Paste after the specified line.
B: Paste before the specified line.

OVERLAY (O/OO):

Overlay copied or moved content onto existing lines.
O: Overlay a single line.
OO: Overlay multiple lines.
If the overlay is incomplete, the line will be copied instead, and an error message will be displayed.

Exclude/Show Commands -

Exclude Lines (X):

Temporarily hide lines without deleting them.
Single Line: Enter X.
Block of Lines: Use XX at the start and end of the block.

Show Lines:

Display excluded lines.
F: Show the first line of an excluded block.
L: Show the last line of an excluded block.
L3: Show the last 3 lines of an excluded block.

Text Handling Commands -

TS: Split a text line at the cursor to insert content.
TF: Flow text to the end of a paragraph.
TE: Format the screen for typing paragraphs.
LC: Change text from uppercase to lowercase.
UC: Change text from lowercase to uppercase.

Miscellaneous Commands -

BNDS: Adjust the current bounds for editing.
COLS: Display formatted column numbers.
MASK: Edit the current mask for line editing.
TABS: Adjust tab settings.

Data Commands -

MD (Make Dateline):

Convert temporary lines (e.g., from NOTE or MASK) into permanent data lines that will be saved.

Assigning Commands to PF Keys -

You can assign line commands to PF keys for quick access.
Example: Assign I5 (Insert 5 lines) to PF7:
- Type KEYS on the command line to open the key list.
- Assign :I5 to PF7.
- Save the key list.