The “classic” example of a tape file is where one tape contains one file. However, BS2000 also supports processing of multivolume files and multifile tapes (= file sets) and of MF/MV (= multifile/multivolume) sets, where a file set is stored on a tape set. The following description deals only with files with system (standard) labels; user labels are not described.
The arrangement of files on both magnetic tapes and tape cartridges is governed by the same rules.
With respect to the arrangement of files on a tape, the file management functions of BS2000 prepare for and monitor the creation, access to and extension of files. By means of the FILE, FCB and CATAL macros, and the commands ADD-FILE-LINK, CREATE-FILE and MODIFY-FILE-ATTRIBUTES, the user can control the file management functions to meet his/her needs.
DMS supports the user in the management of
one file on one tape,
one file on several tapes,
several files on one tape,
several files on several tapes,
different versions of a file, and
file generations.