Data set group masking rules
A data set group mask is a character string that describes the data set group names for which you want information returned. Asterisks (*) and percent signs (%) are used to represent qualifiers or parts of qualifiers. Table 1 explains the use of asterisks and percent signs in masks.
| Mask Characters | Description |
|---|---|
| * | A single asterisk by itself indicates that either a qualifier or one or more characters within a qualifier can occupy that position. An asterisk can precede or follow a set of characters. |
| ** | A double asterisk indicates that zero or more qualifiers can occupy that position. A double asterisk cannot precede or follow any characters; it must be preceded or followed by either a period or a blank. |
| % | A single percent sign by itself indicates that exactly one alphanumeric or national character can occupy that position. |
| %% | One to eight percent signs can be specified in each qualifier. |