Knowledge Management

Question:
Hi!
Can we do a mass files deletion using ABAP Program without specifying the exact file name? If we use 'OPEN DATASET' and 'DELETE DATASET' command, it requires a specific filename. If I want to delete files in the server begins with SW, can I delete SW* ( wildcard filenames), what command can we use in the ABAP program in order to achieve this ? Do you have any suggestion by calling OS command within the ABAP program to do this.
Your advice will be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Teddybear
Answer:
Hi deedee
use this fm WS_EXECUTE
Hope that helps.
_________________
Regards
Abaper
Answer:
Don't think that WS_EXECUTE will help for server files.
Some options that I can see.
1. If you have an appropriate OS command defined, such as rm 'additional parameters' you can use that via SM49 or via FM SXPG_CALL_SYSTEM.
2. If you have access to write code in the system in question, you could do the old:
  Data: v_command(254) type c.
  v_command = 'rm /usr/sap/path/etc/SW*'.
  CALL 'SYSTEM' ID 'COMMAND' FIELD V_COMMAND
                ID 'TAB'     FIELD I_TAB-*SYS*.
3. Ask someone who has OS access to delete the files for you.
4. Don't screw with this stuff unless you KNOW what you are doing.
Answer:
Hi
If you debug transaction AL11 you will find that it uses some systemcalls to read the files in a given directory on the server.
It is fairly easy to reproduce these calls in your own program, so you shoud be able to pick up the filenames and then perform a delete-dataset.
Brian
Answer:
Just to help you along...
In AL11 - Form "GET_DIRECTORY" performs a call to "FILL_FILE_LIST" which reads the actual files.
Just start AL11 - use /H to enter debug mode and pick a directory and you should be right about there...
Thats it
Brian
Answer:
Thanks everybody for the input!
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TB