Patent ID: 8392423
Filing Date: 2013-03-05
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method for preserving data set information in a computing storage environment by a processor device, comprising: pulling portions of index information from a name directory and an attribute directory to form a new subindex data set that is stored as a separate file from the name directory and the attribute directory, the name directory and the attribute directory each being associated with partitioned data set extended (PDSE) data sets stored sequentially in members, and the new subindex data set being associated with the PDSE data sets via a catalog entry; pursuant to an update to the PDSE data sets, storing at least one of a selected portion of an index record of the dataset as a record in the new subindex data set, wherein the step of storing at least one portion includes acting on an integrated catalog facility (ICF) catalog to perform operations relating to allowacation and maintenance of the new subindex data set; combining a name and a last update field of the index record as a key of the record in the new subindex data set; combining an extent location and a size field of the index record as data of the record in the new subindex data set; replacing an oldest existing record with a most recent version if a determination is made that adding the most recent version exceeds a predetermined number of versions, wherein at least one component of the new subindex data set is recoverable into the index record in an event of an error detected within the index record; and referring to the new subindex data set to determine a historical change of an index comprising at least the index record to discover a source of an index corruption, in an event the index is corrupted, wherein the step of referring to the new subindex data set includes referring to the extent location and the size field data in the new subindex data set to determine the historical change of the index comprising at least the index record from reviewing each version of the predetermined number of versions to discover the source of an index corruption.