Why source files are used

A source file is used when a command alone cannot supply sufficient information for creating an object.

A source file contains input (source) data needed to create some types of objects. For example, to create a control language (CL) program, you must use a source file containing source statements, which are in the form of commands. To create a logical file, you must use a source file containing data description specifications (DDS).

To create the following objects, source files are required:

High-level language programs
Control language programs
Logical files
Intersystem communications function (ICF) files
Commands

To create the following objects, source files can be used, but are not required:

Physical files
Display files
Printer files
Translate tables

A source file can be a database file, diskette file, tape file, or inline data file. (An inline data file is included as part of a job.) A source database file is another type of database file. You can use a source database file as you would any other database file on the system.