For each specified data item that is selected, the system returns directory information to the local cache buffer. You specify whether you want all of the directory information returned for each selected data item (DIRINFOFMT=DIRENTRYLIST) or a subset of the information (DIRINFOFMT=NAMELIST).

Timing and READ_DIRINFO Requests

When you issue the READ_DIRINFO request, consider the impact of timing issues on serialization. If another user creates a new data item in the cache after you have issued a READ_DIRINFO request with criteria that matches the data item but before the request completes, the request might not include the directory entry for the new data item. If you want to ensure that when your request completes it includes all directory entries that match your criteria, you must hold serialization throughout the request processing. Serialization needs to remain in effect for both the initial request, and any subsequent request restarts that might be required as a result of a timeout, and the scope of the serialization must prevent any other user from creating a new entry that matches the criteria on the READ_DIRINFO request.