How to send my most recent dataset by FTP?

Question

I am using IBM Mainframe TSO to view files from a dataset. I recently have been told to start FTPing the latest generation dataset everyday to a folder on my desktop. The problem is that the FTP script I have only lets me FTP a file with the exact name I put. Everyday the dataset changes.

How can I write a script that will FTP the latest generation? Please see example below of how the dataset changes:

Dataset

8/30/18 - KIBI.AL242422.REPORT.G6441V00
8/31/18-  KIBI.AL242422.REPORT.G6442V00
9/1/18 -  KIBI.AL242422.REPORT.G6443V00
9/4/18 -  KIBI.AL242422.REPORT.G6444V00
9/5/18 -  KIBI.AL242422.REPORT.G6445V00

command.bat

ftp -i -s:Command.txt
quit

command.txt

open sc01.sample.com
USER NAME
PASSWORD
get 'KIBI.AL242422.REPORT.G6441V00'

Lonnie

What is the client you are using? You should be able to access 'KIBI.AL242422.REPORT(0)' and the host would resolve that for you. – Sharpwitted

Will this work? In the FTP Client cd /KIBI and then get AL242422.REPORT(0). Are you pulling from the mainframe or pushing? What client are you using? – Sharpwitted

@Sharpwitted if he is using windows cmd and zOS using the relative GDG as you suggested will work. I do this everyday. It will resolve the relative name to the fully qualified name – Kursk

Hi Hogstrom this worked. Thank you very much! Just had to add the "(0)' – Lonnie

Answer 1

What your referring to are Generation Data Groups. You can refer to the files in relative form where (0) is the most current. (-1) is the previous generation, etc. In your case you want to access the dataset by relative reference. In your FTP client do the following:

cd KIBI

get AL242422.REPORT(0)

The system will determine which of the datasets is the one you want. Its a nice feature.

Sharpwitted

As an aside the reader should be extremely aware that without the subscript you will get them ALL as a concatenation. – Ipsus