Noscratch and Noempty parameter of GDG

hemant26 · New User Joined: 14 Sep 2006 Posts: 7

tell me the difference between noscratch and noempty parameter of GDG

muthuvel · Posted: Fri Sep 15, 2006 11:55 am

The difference between empty and noempty is
EMPTY
specifies that all the generation data sets are to be uncataloged When the maximum is exceeded (each data set's non-VSAM entry is automatically deleted from the catalog).

NOEMPTY
specifies that only the oldest generation data set is to be uncataloged when the maximum is reached.

The difference between scratch and noscratch is

SCRATCH
specifies that the generation data set's DSCB is to be deleted from the volume's VTOC when the generation data set is uncataloged. Direct access device space management (DADSM) removes the data set's DSCB from the VTOC, erases the data set's space on the volume, and makes the space available to other system users. The generation data set ceases to exist. For SMS-managed GDSs, SCRATCH also specifies that the NVR is to be removed from the VVDS when the data set is uncataloged.

NOSCRATCH
specifies that the generation data set's DSCB is not to be removed from the volume's VTOC when the generation data set is uncataloged. The data set's DSCB in the volume's VTOC is left intact and can be used to locate the data set. Your program, however, can process the data set by using a JCL DD statement to describe and allocate the data set.

Thanks,
Muthuvel.

shankarravi1984 · New User Joined: 15 Sep 2006 Posts: 9 Location: pune

hi hemanth,
noscratch is given when you want delete your oldest version of gdg member logically not physically
noempty is given when you want to repalce your new veresion with oldest version
scratch is given when you want delete your oldest version of gdg member physically not logically
empty is given when you want to repalce your new version by replacing all your oldest version

diwa_thilak · Posted: Thu Sep 21, 2006 11:45 am

hi hemanth,

Let me explain wat i have understood by these terms,

Noscratch : It will not delete the GDG versions when the max number of versions for the GDG is reached.

scratch : It will scratch the older versions of the GDG, giving space for the newer versions.

Empty : It will empty the GDG versions

NoEmpty : It will not empty the GDG versions, rather it will delete the older versions of the GDG.

Correct me if i am wrong.

Thanks,
Diwakar Dayalan

Nobody is perfect. I am Nobody.
ibmmainframes.com/viewtopic.php?p=50039#50039

Shija · New User Joined: 18 Aug 2023 Posts: 2 Location: India

Hi Hemanth - Sharing my understanding of SCRATCH/NOSCRATCH with GDG.

SCRATCH - Assume it's like SHIFT+DELETE - You cannot recover it!

NOSCRATCH - like a simple DELETE, where you can recover from the recycle bin!

EMPTY & NOEMPTY: If my GDG is of limit 4, then what will happen if 5th generation is created - 2 options here

(1) Delete the oldest gen, i.e 1st gen alone & create 5th gen (NOEMPTY)
(2) Delete all existing gen & create 5th gen (EMPTY)

Hope this helps.

Joerg.Findeisen · Posted: Thu Sep 28, 2023 10:40 pm

You should always specify SCRATCH, even if the DSN resides on Tape.

Phrzby Phil · Posted: Fri Sep 29, 2023 1:31 am

Shija - Note that you just answered a question from 17 years ago that had in fact already been answered.

I visualize a skeleton at their computer glad to have the answer.

Shija · New User Joined: 18 Aug 2023 Posts: 2 Location: India

I think i overlooked at it, thanks