How TEMPLATE supports GDG data sets

When you use the TEMPLATE utility, you can specify both absolute version references and relative references to generation data groups (GDGs) in the DSN name operand.

The first time that the data set is referenced, Db2 detects the absence of a GDG base. When (+1) or some other parenthetical relative expression is used, Db2 creates the GDG base. By default, the new base has a limit of 99 entries. Use the GDGLIMIT keyword to alter this value or prohibit this action.

After the base is created, you can specify either the absolute version G0000V00 or a relative version. If you use the PREVIEW function on the OPTIONS utility control statement, Db2 displays the GDG relative version references. GDG names are restricted to 35 characters.

A model data set, as defined in the MODELDCB option, might be required to allocate GDG data sets in your environment.