---
title: "CICS Record Level Sharing (RLS)"
description: "In CICS RLS also provides some benefits when data sets are being shared between CICS regions and batch jobs."
url: https://srinimf.com/2016/04/20/how-cics-rls-mode-handles-during-files-updates/
date: 2016-04-20
modified: 2026-10-10
author: "Srini"
image: https://i0.wp.com/srinimf.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/pexels-photo-6243732.jpeg?fit=1880%2C1253&ssl=1
categories: ["CICS"]
tags: ["CICS RLS mode", "CICS tips and Tricks"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# CICS Record Level Sharing (RLS)

Record-level sharing (RLS) is a feature in VSAM that allows multiple applications running in different CICS regions [to share](https://srinimf.com/2016/01/22/5-ways-how-data-sharing-happens-in-cics-transactions/) and update VSAM data.

Related[VSAM Tough Questions (2 of 2)](https://srinimf.com/2012/01/19/vsam-tough-questions-2-of-2/)

## CICS Record Level Sharing

With RLS, CICS regions that share VSAM data sets can reside in one or more MVS™ images within an MVS parallel sysplex. RLS also provides some benefits when data sets are being shared between CICS regions and batch jobs.

**Related:** [Top 27 CICS interview Questions to revise concept quickly](https://srinimf.com/2015/11/22/30-awesome-cics-interview-questions-to-your-next-job/)

If you open a file in [RLS mode](https://srinimf.com/2016/02/07/5-never-seen-questions-on-vsam-rls-record-level-sharing/), locking takes place at the record level instead of the Control-Interval level, thus reducing the risk of deadlocks.

### CICS supports record-level sharing (RLS) access to the Below Types of VSAM data set.

1. Key sequenced data sets (KSDS). Note that if you are using KSDS, you cannot use the relative byte address (RBA) to access files.
2. Entry sequenced data sets (ESDS). Note that although RLS access mode is permitted for entry sequenced data sets (ESDS),** it is not recommended**, as it can have a negative effect on the performance and availability of the data set when you are adding records. (See Performance aspects of VSAM record-level sharing ).
3. Relative record data sets (RRDS), for both [fixed and variable-length records](https://srinimf.com/2016/03/21/rrds-fixed-and-variable-record-types/).

Keep Reading

- [5 Never Seen Questions on VSAM RLS (Record Level Sharing)](https://srinimf.com/2016/02/07/5-never-seen-questions-on-vsam-rls-record-level-sharing/)DateFebruary 7, 2016
- [Data Integrity in CICS During Updates to VSAM Files](https://srinimf.com/2016/04/26/how-file-read-in-cics-with-update-option-maintains-integrity/)DateApril 26, 2016
- [A Comprehensive Tutorial on VSAM KSDS](https://srinimf.com/2016/02/06/5-stunning-benefits-of-vsm-ksds/)DateFebruary 6, 2016

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