OF (Optional File)

You can enter the OF (Optional File) command in response to a NO FILE message, if the file being sought has its OPTIONAL attribute set equal to TRUE. The program that generated the NO FILE message proceeds without this optional file by taking end-of-file (EOF) action. If library maintenance encounters certain errors, it issues a RECOPY REQUIRED message. You can enter the response OF to cause library maintenance to skip the failing file and allow the COPY to proceed with other files.

The OF command is useful for responding to a DUPLICATE FILE message. It causes the new file to be discarded and the old file to be retained.

You can also use the OF command in response to some REQUIRES PK and REQUIRES DK messages. The OF command enables the program to continue processing without the requested disk; however, the outcome of using the OF command varies, depending on the reason that the program first requested the disk:

  • If the program tried to open an existing file, a NO FILE message is displayed.

  • If the program tried to create a new file, another REQUIRES DK message is displayed.

  • If the file was already opened, the program could be terminated, or the necessary function might not be performed.

  • If library maintenance was waiting for the disk, it might continue without copying any files. If the missing disk was a continuation pack, library maintenance might not copy the file or it might terminate.

Syntax

Explanation

<mix number list> OF

Causes the programs specified in the mix number list to proceed without the optional file.

Example

In this example, the W (Waiting Mix Entries) command indicates a NO FILE condition for the program identified by mix number 3968. An OF command causes the program to proceed without the optional file XYZ (DK). 

W
  ---Mix-Pri-Elapsed--------- 1 WAITING ENTRY --------------
  * 3968  50   10:11 (ROBY)TEST/ON/PACK
          NO FILE XYZ (DK)
3968 OF
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