VSAM Demystified

1.7. Comparing VSAM data set organizations

Table 1-2 provides a summary of the characteristics of VSAM data set types described in this chapter.

Table 1-2. Comparison of ESDS, KSDS, RRDS, VRRDS, and linear data sets

ESDS	KSDS	Fixed-length RRDS	Variable-length RRDS	Linear data sets
Records are in the same order as they are entered	Records are in collating sequence by key field after load	Records are in relative record number order	Records are in relative record number order	No processing at record level
Records can be fixed or variable length	Records can be fixed or variable length	Records have fixed length	Records have variable length	No processing at record level
Direct access by RBA	Direct access by key or by RBA	Direct access by relative record number	Direct ...