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[rajeshkoratti]

Hi
I have a cobol program which writes into an output file.

In the JCL i have given DISP(NEW,CATLG,DELETE) as the Disp params for the output file.

Now my program writes into the output file only under certain conditions.

My requirement is like this :

If the program is not writing into the output file, the file should not be created at all. In simpler terms i dont want an empty file to be created.
Is there any means i can handle this in the JCL?
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Thanks and Regards..
Rajesh

[Cogito-Ergo-Sum]

Let the DISP be as is. After your program step is over, code a step to count the number of records in the empty file. If empty, some RC would be set. Test that RC using IF statement of JCL and code a step to delete the file.

If you want to get more stylish, call IDCAMS from your program to delete the file. You can search for an example in this helpboard (I think, Kolusu posted an example.) This approach has a disadvantage that, the DSN would be hard-coded in the program. Deleting a file via DD name using IDCAMS has not worked for me before.
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ALL opinions are welcome.

Debugging tip:
When you have eliminated all which is impossible, then whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.
-- Sherlock Holmes.

[Jaya]

Rajesh,