Do more with Variable Tables and WAPL on IBM Workload Scheduler for z/OS

A new easy way to Create, Modify, Replace and Backup Variable Tables
The Workload Automation Programming Language (WAPL) interface allows to easily manage Variable Tables through batch jobs. In fact, it supplies a Batch Loader-like processor through which it is possible to CREATE and MANIPULATE variable tables inside IBM Workload Scheduler Database.

​What is WAPL?
Workload Automation Programming Language for z/OS (WAPL) is a Workload Automation interface that allows users to simply leverage the full potential of Workload Scheduler for z/OS. With WAPL it is possible to easily implement scenarios that would normally require a complex programming if implemented through the classic Workload Scheduler Programming Interface Facility.  

How To Install WAPL?
Starting from version 9.3, WAPL is part of the IWS for z/OS. It is installed with the product by SMP/E and customized with EQQJOBS.

In the sample library useful sample JCLs are supplied. Among them, the main EQQYXJPX WAPL sample to be customized through the usual IWSz customization tools list.  
​Through the following WAPL JCL:

You can create the MYVARTAB table in the database.  Note that the BL-like statements can also be contained in a dataset. 
You can create, update and replace a variable table using respectively the CREATE, UPDATE and REPLACE option in the DBMODE parameter.

But the most interesting capability is in the possibility to BACKUP a variable table, in order to recreate it later or in another IWSz installation. 
Using the following commands, in a WAPL JCL:

​You get the following:

That, through another WAPL JCL, you can run to create the same table, or change to create a different one.

​…and even backup of all the tables are possible:

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​AUTHOR’S BIO
RAFFAELLA VIOLA
Raffaella Viola is currently part of the Workload Automation for z/OS development team. In this role she has the responsibility to analyze customer requirements, design and implement related solutions. She started her experience with IBM Workload Scheduler for z/OS in 2006, covering different roles both in development and in customer support L3 team, where she faced with real field problems and had many opportunities to analyze customer needs. Raffaella has been working in IBM since 1992 on more zSeries products such as IBM Netview Distributed Manager and IBM Tivoli Decision Support. She graduated with honors in Electronic Engineering, in Italy and got piano conservatory graduation. She likes cooking and listening to music. 

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