MAREN can run either in interactive mode or as a batch task.
MAREN expects to receive all statements via the system file SYSDTA. SYSDTA is assigned to the terminal during interactive operation, and to the ENTER file during batch task.
Error handling in procedures and batch jobs
Information on the progress of a MAREN request is stored in job switches. MAREN sets the job switches during execution or when execution has been concluded.
Job switch 30 is set if MAREN has executed a statement with a warning. Warnings are issued, for example, if an attempt is made to delete an catalog entry which does not exist in the MAREN catalog.
Job switch 31 is set if MAREN aborts or fails to execute a statement because of an error. This happens, for example, when an attempt is made to output an catalog entry which does not exist in the MAREN catalog, or when no suitable free tape is available for reservation.
The BS2000 command SET-JOB-STEP resets job switches 16-31.
If MAREN rejects a statement because of a syntax error, or if the statement is aborted or not executed due to a processing error, the spin off is triggered.