Multiple Calls to mtaDequeueStart()

A channel program can call mtaDequeueStart() multiple times, either sequentially or in parallel. In the latter case, the program would need to create threads so as to effect multiple, simultaneous calls to mtaDequeueStart(). However, just because this can be done does not mean that it is appropriate to do so. In the former case of multiple sequential calls, there is no need to be making repeated calls. When mtaDequeueStart() returns, the channel no longer needs immediate processing and has been in that state for the number of seconds represented by the following formula:

MTA_JBC_ATTEMPTS_MAX * MTA_JBC_RETRY_INTERVAL

Instead, the channel program should exit thereby freeing up system resources. The Job Controller will start a new channel program running when there are more messages to process.

In the latter case of multiple parallel calls, there is again no need to do so. If there is an advantage to running more threads than a single call generates, then the channel’s threaddepth channel keyword setting should be increased so that a single call does generate more threads.

The only exception to either of these cases might be if the multiple calls are each for a different channel. Even then, however, the advantage of so doing is dubious as the same effect can be achieved through the use of multiple processes, one for each channel.