How to sort using SORT FIELDS

• The basic operation performed in SORT is as the name mentions.
• We are the sorting the input records based on the sort fields we are mentioning.
• Here records will be sorted based on record position 1 to 10  of the input.
• Data format explains the format of data in sort field.
• Data formats like CH(CHaracter) , ZD(Zoned Decimal), PD(Packed Decimal), BI(BInary) are very commonly used.
• Sequence tells on what sequence the output needs to be stored whether Ascending or Descending.

//SYSIN DD *
  SORT FIELDS=(1,10,CH,A)
/*

1    --> Starting sort position

10  --> Length  of sort field

CH --> Data Format (Character)

A    --> Sequence (Ascending)

• We can also mention more than one sort fields.
• First the record will be sorted based on the first sort fields and it continues.

//SYSIN DD *
  SORT FIELDS=(1,10,CH,A,15,5,CH,A)
/*