Work files reside in a specific volume set of an SM pubset reserved for this type of file and identified as a “work volume set” by the work attribute. Work files are generated either by specifying the file attribute WORK-FILE=*YES (e.g. in the CREATE-FILE command) or by means of physical allocation (see "Physical allocation"), e.g. using the command
CREATE-FILE ...,VOLUME=<vsn of a disk from work volume set>
,DEVICE-TYP=<associated device type>).
No work file can be created unless a work volume set exists in the SM pubset. Work files can be processed with the access method SAM, ISAM, UPAM, FASTPAM or DIV.
Work files are retained after termination of the job in which they are created and cataloged until the user explicitly deletes them by means of the DELETE-FILE command. Their file names and attributes are defined by the user. By specifying certain file attributes in the catalog entry, the user may permit other users to access these files.
Remote file access (RFA) is also possible (see the “RFA” manual [6 (Related publications)]). Work files are not subject to public-space control by the system.
The usage model for work files is characterized by the fact that they are always created in work volume sets which systems support makes temporarily available to the users. Systems support and users must agree upon the duration of the work volume set. After a defined period has elapsed, system support has the right to delete all the files on the work volume set and to export the work volume set.
The path names of work files are no different from those of permanent files.