The ETC Tool

ETC is a tool which allows a user to view file information for selected processes. One of ETC’s most powerful features is its ability to predict when a sequential file access will reach the end of the file (EOF).

The predictive abilities of ETC can be very handy for applications that access data in a sequential manner such as a payroll run or a database migration. Predictions are based on system load, the current record pointer and the known EOF.

In addition to its predictive abilities, ETC provides a way for users to easily view file information that is otherwise not available in a single program.

Using ETC

Using ETC is easy. Begin by choosing a job or session for which you want process-related information. ETC identifies all processes associated with the job or session and, depending on your selection, displays them in a process list. Any process in this list has information associate with it that can be viewed using ETC.

ETC relies heavily on context-sensitive function keys to access its various features. Some function keys invoke pop-up menu boxes containing a list of options. Many of these options lead you through a selection tree where you respond to a series of prompts that define a specific information request.

This document shows you the basic views you will use to obtain process information. Options and features are described as they relate to each view. An alphabetically sorted, comprehensive function key list is included, as well.

Capabilities

SM or OP capabilities are required to run ETC.

Operation

ETC uses a window interface to cleanly manage the job/session, process and file information. All windows support scrolling. Simply use the arrow keys on the keyboard. Window information is update whenever the Update function key or the Return key are pressed. For more information on the user interface, including configuration and feature descriptions, refer to the appendices.

Most window information can be adjusted via the Filter pop-up menu which is designed to allow for global filtering of jobs/sessions, processes or files. The Filter menu is accessed through the Select or Edit function key, which is discussed in detail later.

Each window has several common function keys like Zoom In/Out and Help as well as function keys specific to the current view. For example, the Look At PINs key is available in the Jobs/ Sessions window, but not in the Processes window. In many cases, the window-specific function keys are short-cuts for menu selections.

Running ETC

First, run the program using the UDC, :ETC, or via a RUN statement. When you run the program, ETC assembles a list of all the sessions and jobs currently running on the system. This is the first view, and it always appears when you run ETC.

Whatever method you use to run the program, the first view displayed by ETC will be similar to the one shown next.

Figure 7.1 Startup Screen

Figure 7.1 shows the startup ETC screen. This screen contains the Jobs/Sessions window which displays a list of all jobs and sessions currently executing. Jobs are listed first, followed by sessions. This window is used to select a job or a session.

To select a job or session, use the arrow keys to highlight the job or session and the press Return.

Once a job or session is selected, its list of processes is displayed. At the bottom of this window is a job and session count summary followed by a line that says "Show all (or most) processes". This last item is useful for displaying a complete listing of all processes active on the system.

Viewing Job/Session Process Information

To view process information associated with a specific job or session, highlight the job or session and press Return to display the Processes window.

Figure 7.2 Processes Window

Figure 7.2 shows a Processes window that has been activated by selecting a job or session. It contains a list of all processes associated with whichever job or session was selected. Goto function keys that provide quick access to previous windows are added as new window overlays are added.

Use the Processes window to select a process so that its list of associated files (which are the ultimate source of information) can be displayed. By default, this window displays only user processes. However, the F5 (Select or Edit) function key can be used to pop-up a window that provides access to the "Filter Processes" option. This option can be used to display a list of Filter definitions that expand or restrict the list of process types beyond the default setting.

Viewing System Process Information

To view process information that is not associated with specific jobs or sessions, choose "Show all (or most) processes". This selection is always the last entry in the Jobs/Sessions window.

Next, choose the F5 (Select or Edit) key to display the Processes Action pop-up menu. Now choose F3, Filter Processes option. This displays a list of selectable filter options as shown next. The option entitled "Show Sys Procs" is the option used for viewing system process data. In fact, choosing this option displays a listing for all processes on the system.

Figure 7.3 Process Action Pop-up Menu

Process Filters

Process filters may be employed to limit or expand upon the initial display of process types. For example, filters for the program or user names use wildcard, listf-style definitions (i.e., N@.@.S@ shows program names beginning with "N" in accounts beginning in "S"). The "Hide [Show] "procreated" (". .") processes" option removes (or adds) those processes created by the operating system when it starts up. The "CPU usage threshold filter" is used to show processes that use a given percentage of CPU resource while "Hide (Show) "System" Processes" may be used to remove (or add) process types. "Turn off all process filters" may be used to return the filter specifications to the default, no-filter state, where the wildcard specifications are global (@.@.@) and the "Hide" state is active.

Viewing Process Files

Detailed process information is found in the Files window where all files associated with a given process are listed. Based on files you select, ETC "reads" the file for information which is returned to the screen.

To choose a file, start at the Processes window. Use the cursor keys to select the process of interest, then press Return or F7 (Look at Files) to bring up the Files window.

Figure 7.4 Files Window

Figure 7.4 shows the Files window. This window displays all of the files associated with a process. Pressing the Return key or F6 (Update Window) will refresh the data in the window.

Estimating the Time of Process Completion

Knowing when a process is likely to complete can be highly useful information if you are trying to level load or coordinate transaction jobs that involve large amounts of sequentially-read data.

This estimate is available to you via the "EOF in" column located on the far right of the screen. This column will be updated to contain the predicted time that EOF will be hit. The format is hour:minute:second.

Process File Details

More detailed information is available for each file by using the F7 (Examine One File) function key. Again, use the cursor keys to select the file of interest.

Figure 7.5 File Examine Window

Figure 7.5 shows the File Examine window. This window displays many attributes associated with the selected file that can be difficult (if not impossible) to find if you don’t have ETC.

The information shown in Figure 7.5 tells you whether or not the file was:

opened as a short-mapped file,

buffered, or

offset in a block.

It also identifies the Unique File ID (UFID), multi-read data, the number of readers and users, and the privilege level.

These highly-specific, highly-technical information items are described in HP’s Architected Interface (AIF) Manual under the intrinsic AIFFILELGET.

Function Key List

Following is an alphabetical list of all function keys. The second column contains the name of the window or previously selected function key from which the function was chosen. This information is provided to assist you in locating a specific key in the software.

Table 7.1 Function Key List

Function Key	Option/Window*	Description
EXIT ETC	Jobs/Sessions	Terminates the program.
Examine One File	Look At Files	A comprehensive File information display for files associated with selected processes. This option is available from the "Look At Files" key located in the active Process window.
Filter Jobs	Select or Edit	Contains the filter options used to define jobs or sessions of interest. This key is found in the version of the "Select or Edit" key associated with the Jobs/Session window.
Filter Files	Files Action	Contains the filter options used to define a fileset. This key is available in an active Files Action window which is found by choosing the "Select or Edit" key associated with the Files window.
Filter Procs	Select or Edit	Contains the filter options used to define processes of interest. This key is found in the version of the "Select or Edit" key associated with the Process window.
Goto Procs	Files	Displays the Process window.
Goto Jobs	Process	Displays the Jobs/Session window.
Help	Jobs/Sessions	Displays context-sensitive help.
Look At Files	Select or Edit	Displays the files associated with a previously selected process. This key is found in the version of the "Select or Edit" key associated with the Process window.
Look At PINs	Select or Edit	Displays the process information numbers associated with a previously selected job or session. This key is found in the version of the "Select or Edit" key associated with the Job/Session window.
Misc & Global	Jobs/Sessions	Configure settings, modify window sizes, shell out to MPE, and add optional display fields.
MPE Command	Select or Edit	A shell to MPE.
Print Screen	Examine One File	Prints the screen display to the default print device on your system.
Refresh Screen	Select or Edit	Repaints the screen, displaying any changes that have transpired.
Select or Edit	Files	Displays a Files Action window where Files-related information may be specified for the information view. NOTE: The context-sensitive function keys associated with the Files Action window provide a second avenue for selecting Files Action options.
Select or Edit	Jobs/Sessions	Displays a Jobs Action window where Jobs-related information may be specified for the information view. NOTE: The context-sensitive function keys associated with the Jobs Action window provide a second avenue for selecting Jobs Action options.
Select or Edit	Processes	Displays a Process Action window where Process-related information may be specified for the information view. NOTE: The context-sensitive function keys associated with the Process Action window provide a second avenue for selecting Process Action options.
Update Window	Files	Repaints the screen, displaying any changes that have transpired.
Zoom In/Out	Jobs/Sessions	Expands/contracts the active window.

*The Option/Window column contains the reference to the context in which the function key is active. For example, the "Look At PINs" key is available only when the "Select or Edit" key has already been chosen for the Jobs/Session window.