I'm not suggesting they would/should do it for z/OS messages but at least for all the shell commands since those using the shell commands come from an environment (windows/macos/linux/*nix) where messages and codes manuals are non-existent (for the most part as I'm sure some may have them).
Bob - I agree that having the manuals in a folder on my desktop for easy search is just part of the job *but* for the shell commands/tools the manuals are lacking, and in the case of DSFS the messages point you to another manual for the reason codes, etc. which is a royal pain - I understand not having to duplicate information but forcing the user to go to multiple places to understand a message and resolve an issue is unwarranted and cruel. We want to encourage the younger generation to like the z/OS environment without discouraging them with hoops to fix an issue. Then again, even with the great M&C pubs, many shops (all should) have installed MVS/QuickRef to speed up issue resolution from messages. Lionel B. Dyck <>< Website: https://www.lbdsoftware.com Github: https://github.com/lbdyck Worry more about your character than your reputation. Character is what you are, reputation merely what others think you are. - - - John Wooden -----Original Message----- From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List <IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU> On Behalf Of Bob Bridges Sent: Monday, September 18, 2023 9:48 AM To: IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU Subject: Re: Error messages (a rant and an idea) Sorry, I can't agree. Manuals are the lifeblood of any competent z/OS worker, no? And since they're available on-line, all I have to do is get a decent collection of them. Message manuals are among my first choice, always. Seems like I'm going against the current, here, but if they tried to add all the text of every message manual to every app ... nah, I can't see it. --- Bob Bridges, robhbrid...@gmail.com, cell 336 382-7313 /* They do not preach that their God will rouse them a little before the nuts work loose. They do not teach that His pity allows them to leave their job when they damn-well choose. -from "The Sons of Martha" by Rudyard Kipling */ -----Original Message----- From: IBM Mainframe Discussion List <IBM-MAIN@LISTSERV.UA.EDU> On Behalf Of Lionel B. Dyck Sent: Monday, September 18, 2023 08:07 I submitted this IBM Idea and would appreciate your support if you're able to vote: https://ibm-z-hardware-and-operating-systems.ideas.ibm.com/ideas/ZOS-I-3827 Title: All error messages for shell tools should be complete and NOT require referencing a Messages and Codes manual Text: Receiving a message like this (example from DSFS dsadm command): IDFS00329E Could not set creation parameters, return code 126 reason code ED07621A. Is confusing and meaningless to the average OMVS shell user. They are not used to finding a messages and codes manual (which is so last millennium) and using Google/Bing/... is useless in finding this, and similar, messages. All shell commands that run under OMVS should provide clear, and complete, messages without requiring the user to find a messages and codes manual. The days of the 1960's and 1970's to ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@listserv.ua.edu with the message: INFO IBM-MAIN