In the context of MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage) systems, specific codes, often numerical, are utilized to signify abnormal termination of a program. These codes, referred to as ABEND (ABnormal ENDing) codes, provide a means of identifying the type and cause of program failure. For example, an S0C4 ABEND code commonly indicates a protection exception, meaning a program attempted to access memory it was not authorized to use.
Understanding these termination codes is crucial for debugging and resolving issues in MVS applications. Analyzing them allows system programmers and application developers to quickly pinpoint the location and nature of the problem, saving considerable time and resources in the debugging process. Historically, these codes have been a fundamental part of MVS diagnostics, evolving alongside the operating system itself and maintaining their importance in modern mainframe environments.
