Re: GDS on the iSeries?

[Tom Liotta <qsrvbas@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Michael Rosinger wrote:

> Is there native GDS (generation dataset) support on the iSeries? If not, can 
> it be *simulated* without much effort?
>
> We use a *simulated* method on our VSE mainframe system and need to 
> duplicate it as closely as possible. If there is native support we should 
> surely take advantage of it.

Michael:

It's been some 30 years since I've used generation data sets, so I've 
forgotten a lot of details. I recall that I used to miss them often, and 
I recall that I've always found alternatives. Under OS/400, the huge 
difference that tends to make them unnecessary is between CL and JCL.

Keep in mind that CL is not simply a 'Control Language'. It is an 
extensible programming language. If you describe your current simulated 
method, it's likely that it could be implemented via CL.

I suspect you'd be better off using alternatives such as multiple member 
support, but that won't be clear until your current processes are better 
understood.

Tom Liotta