Problems with ILE Batch FTP Programs and Activation Groups

Resolving The Problem

Using ILE CL, if the batch FTP program is compiled to use the default activation group (DFTACTGRP *YES in the CRTBNDCL command), everything runs. If the ILE CL program uses a named activation group, the program fails with CPD0772 - F/QSNDEVQ T/QSNDEVQ. The failure is on the STRTCPFTP (and FTP) commands. This could also generate a WRKPRB entry with a symptom string of:
5722 F/QTMFCLIE RC10010000
or
5770 F/QTMFCLIE RC10010000

The default value for the override scope parameter on the OVRDBF command is OVRSCOPE(*ACTGRPDFN), which means that the scope of the override is defined by the activation group. When a named activation group is used, the override is no longer in force when the FTP client is started. The solution or work-around is to add the OVRSCOPE(*CALLLVL) parameter value to the OVRDBF command. This keeps the override in scope at any higher call level than where it was issued, regardless of activation groups. As a result, you must add OVRSCOPE(*CALLLVL) to the OVERDBF command. To delete the override in your programs, use DLTOVR LVL(*). This should involve all paths or loops your program might encounter.

For reference, here is the help text for the OVRSCOPE parameter:

Override scope (OVRSCOPE)

Specifies the extent of influence (scope) of the override.

The possible values are:

*ACTGRPDFN
The scope of the override is determined by the activation group of the program that calls this command. When the activation group is the default activation group, the scope equals the call level of the calling program. When the activation group is not the default activation group, the scope equals the activation group of the calling program.

*CALLLVLP
The scope of the override is determined by the current call level. All open operations done at a call level that is the same as or higher than the current call level are influenced by this override.

*JOB
The scope of the override is the job in which the override occurs.