DELETE Macro

In some respects, DELETE can be viewed as the opposite of LOAD, but that is too simplistic a view.

The function of DELETE is to reduce the Use Count associated with the routine by 1. When the Use Count gets to zero the virtual memory can be freed otherwise the module will remain in Virtual Storage.

The DELETE Macro.

DELETE syntax

DELETE EP=ep or DELETE EPLOC=epaddr

EP=	This provides the member name of the module whose Use Count is to be reduced.
EPLOC=	This alternative format identifies the module whose Use Count is to be reduced, by its Entry Address rather than by name.

It may seem logical to issue DELETE macros for dynamically loaded routines, but it is worth remembering that any such routines in the Private Area of the Address Space will be deleted when the task ends.

In this context the Use Count is more relevant to routines in Common Storage such as those in the Link Pack Area (LPA) or Extended LPA (ELPA).