Re: CL variables in FTP commands

Normally input to a batch FTP session is done by overriding the input to
a file.  Since a file is not a CL program, you can't use CL variables in
them.

I think the normal way of writing this would be to have a RPG (or some
other HLL) create the file with the input commands immediately prior to
running the script.  so:

   1) You'd use RTVOBJD or equivalent to get the change date.
   2) You'd create your FTP input file, writing the contents of the
          date into the appropriate place in the file.
   3) You'd OVRDBF FILE(INPUT) to the newly created file.
   4) run FTP
   5) analyze the output from the FTP program, looking for errors.

Personally, I don't like this method because of step 5, above.  Trying to
figure out if an error occurred, if the transmission was successful, etc
is a nightmare!

I've been working on an FTP service program (written in RPG IV) which 
just uses sockets to do FTP directly, rather than going through IBM's
FTP client.   

If people on the list are interested, maybe I'll turn this service program
into an open source project, and others can help with it, use it, etc...
Anyone interested?


On Thu, 25 Jan 2001, Ray, Adam wrote:

> Good afternoon everyone.
> I was wondering if it is possible to use CL variables in a batch FTP
> session. I need to transfer a file from our AS/400 to one of our NT servers
> without any user intervention. The file to be put on the server is to be
> named using the files last change date. So the PUT command would look
> something like this
>       put mylib/myfile.mymbr mmddyyyy.raw
> 
> I know I can get the files change date using the CL command RTVOBJD,
> something like this:
>       RTVOBJD    OBJ(MYLIB/MYFILE) OBJTYPE(*FILE) CHGDATE(&CHGDATE)
> And I know the FTP commands would be contained in a source physical file. 
> 
> So can I use the CL variable &CHGDATE in the PUT command contained in the
> PF? My guess is it would look like this:
>       put mylib/myfile.mymbr &CHGDATE.raw
> 
> Can you do that? If not, is there another way to do this? Any input is
> appreciated.
> 
> 
> Adam Ray
> Applications Programmer
> Family Health Partners
> Voice: 816-855-1822
> Fax: 816-855-1890
> Cell: 913-221-8685
> Email: aray@fhp.org <mailto:aray@fhp.org> 
> 
> 

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