Transferring Files

Attributes for Transport Files

File attributes describe the organization and format of the data in the transport file that is transferred to a target computer. A transport file must have these attribute values:

Logical record length (LRECL)

Block size (BLKSIZE)

Record format (RECFM)

Note: In some cases, a block size value of less than 8000 bytes might be more efficient for your storage device. The block size value must be an exact multiple of the logical record length value. [cautionend]

CAUTION:: For z/OS only, you must specify a Block Size that is 80 or a multiple of 80 (for example, 160, 240, 320).

Although not required, file attributes can be set for all other source computers. File attributes are declared according to the source computer that the transport file is created on and the transfer method used.

In addition, you must specify file attributes for files in operating environments that require them by using the communications software protocol. For example, if you transfer a transport file from a UNIX operating environment to a z/OS operating environment, you must specify file attributes through the communications software.

Besides setting file attributes for those operating environments that require it, ensure that your communications software does not alter the default file attribute settings for any operating environment.

Alternatively, in order to transfer a transport file from a source computer to tape and then from tape to disk at the target computer, you use operating environment-specific commands that define the input and output devices for the operating environments involved in the transfer.

After the transport file is created, it must then be transferred to the target computer either across the network or by means of a mountable magnetic medium such as a disk or a tape.

File attributes that are set incorrectly can corrupt or invalidate a transport file.

For details about setting file attributes or using tape commands for these operating environments, see the appropriate topic:

	OpenVMS
	z/OS
	UNIX
	Windows

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