Can we concatenate an emptydataset

elonics · New User Joined: 05 Jul 2005 Posts: 49 Location: India

Hai guys,
Can we concatenate an empty dataset with a non empty dataset? if yes what will be the content of concatenated dataset?

Thanks,
Elonics.

mak_tcs · Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 11:58 am

Hi Elonics,

Could you please be elaborate? why do u want to concatnate an empty dataset?

I think if u cancatenate an empty dataset with a non empty dataset, then the resultant will be the original non empty dataset..

Thanks,
Mani

elonics · New User Joined: 05 Jul 2005 Posts: 49 Location: India

It was put to me in an interview. Are you sure the concatenated dataset will become empty datset?

Thanks,
Elonics.

mak_tcs · Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2006 12:27 pm

No, The resultant will be a non Empty Dataset.

dtalele · New User Joined: 25 Jan 2006 Posts: 13 Location: mumbai

Hi Elonics,

we can concatinate the empty dataset with the nonempty dataset & the contents will be the nonempty dataset

shinepushpan · New User Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 6

It's common for interviewers to ask questions which confuses. Let's approach the issue with a clear mind.

Concatenation means having more than one physical file for a single logical file. Assume the following JCL

//Concat dd dsn=Test.nonempty.file,disp=shr
dd dsn=Test.empty.file,disp=shr

Here for all practical purposes, these two files together is considered as a single file ie 'Concat'. When a program reads 'Concat', it starts reading from the first file till the last record and then the second file. If the second file is empty, EOF will be reached on the EOF of first file. This doesn't create a technical problem. I do not see an issue in concatenating an empty file.

If its still not clear, please let me know.