Generally, a GDG (Generation Data Group) comprises a collection of related non-VSAM data sets that are chronologically arranged. These datasets are grouped together based on a common name known as the GDG base, and each dataset associated with the GDG base is called a GDG version. A GDG base can have up to 255 generations. They are highly effective tools for processing data sets created on a periodic basis, i.e., monthly, weekly, daily, and hourly. Each processing cycle results in a new generation of the dataset. GDG can be used for a myriad of purposes, such as Invoicing, Statistics, Reporting, Back-Up, Audit Trails, etc.
