FTP

File Transfer Protocol

Enhanced Definition

Standard protocol for transferring files between systems over TCP/IP networks, supported on mainframes for data exchange with distributed platforms. FTP enables cross-platform file transfers and dataset management.

Key Characteristics

- TCP/IP-based file transfer
- Client-server architecture
- ASCII and binary transfer modes
- Directory navigation and file listing
- Batch and interactive operation
FTP Transfer Modes:
- ASCII Mode: Text file transfers with EBCDIC-ASCII conversion
- Binary Mode: Raw data transfer without conversion
- JES Mode: Mainframe-specific for job submission
- EBCDIC Mode: EBCDIC text without conversion
- GET: Retrieve file from remote system
- PUT: Send file to remote system
- MGET/MPUT: Multiple file transfers
- CD: Change directory
- LS/DIR: List directory contents
- RENAME: Rename remote files
- DELETE: Remove remote files
Mainframe-Specific Features:
- Dataset name conventions
- Space allocation for uploads
- DCB attribute specification
- Job submission via FTP
- SYSOUT retrieval
z/OS FTP Subcommands:
- SITE: Execute site-specific commands
- LOCSITE: Local site parameters
- QUOTE: Send literal commands
- FILETYPE: Specify transfer type

Use Cases

- Transferring files between mainframe and PC
- Uploading data to mainframe applications
- Downloading reports and extracts
- Submitting batch jobs remotely
- Automating file exchange processes