The PUT macro writes a record into an output data set. Like the GET macro, it operates in a logical-sequential and device-independent manner. As required, the PUT macro blocks records, schedules the emptying of output buffers, and handles output error correction procedures. For sequential data sets, it also starts automatic volume switching and label creation, and also segments records for spanning.

If you specify OPTCD=Q in the DCB or DD statement, or if the LABEL parameter on the DD statement specifies ISO/ANSI labels, the PUT macro causes output to be converted from EBCDIC to ASCII. If CCSIDs are specified for ISO/ANSI V4 tapes, it causes output to be converted from the CCSID specified for the application program to the CCSID of the data records on tape. This parameter is supported only for a magnetic tape that does not have IBM standard labels. If the tape has ISO/ANSI labels (LABEL=(,AL)), the system assumes OPTCD=Q.

If the PUT macro is directed to a card punch or printer, the system automatically adjusts the number of records or record segments per block of format-F or format-V blocks to 1. Thus, you can specify a record length (LRECL) and block size (BLKSIZE) to provide an optimum block size if the records are temporarily placed on magnetic tape or a direct access volume.

For spanned variable-length records, the block size must be equivalent to the length of one card or one print line. Record size might be greater than block size in this case.