Quick Answer
The correct approach is to use FTP to transfer flat files. This is the most feasible method because File Transfer Protocol (RFC 959) is natively supported by legacy mainframe systems like IBM z/OS, allowing data engineers to acquire data without modern APIs or direct database connectivity. Mainframes can export data as flat files—such as CSV or EBCDIC-encoded text—which FTP can reliably transfer, making it a low-overhead solution that avoids costly system modernization or complex middleware. On the CompTIA Data+ DA0-001 exam, this question tests your understanding of data acquisition methods for legacy environments, often appearing as a scenario where candidates must choose between FTP, APIs, ODBC, or manual entry. A common trap is assuming mainframes require modern connectors, but remember: mainframes predate APIs and rely on file-based transfers. Memory tip: “FTP for flat files on the big iron” — if it’s a legacy mainframe, think FTP and flat exports.
This DA0-001 practice question tests your understanding of mining and acquiring data. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A data engineer needs to acquire data from a legacy mainframe system that does not support modern APIs or direct database connectivity. Which approach is most feasible?
Re-platform the mainframe to a modern system
Why wrong: Re-platforming is expensive and time-consuming, not a quick acquisition method.
Use a database gateway
Why wrong: The mainframe lacks support for modern gateways.
Use FTP to transfer flat files
FTP is a standard, simple method for file transfer from legacy systems.
Manual data entry
Why wrong: Manual entry is error-prone and not scalable.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Use FTP to transfer flat files
Option C is correct because FTP (File Transfer Protocol, RFC 959) is a widely supported, low-overhead method for transferring flat files (e.g., CSV, EBCDIC-encoded text) from legacy mainframe systems that lack modern APIs or direct database connectivity. Mainframes like IBM z/OS natively support FTP, allowing the data engineer to schedule periodic file exports without requiring system modernization or complex middleware.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Re-platform the mainframe to a modern system
Why it's wrong here
Re-platforming is expensive and time-consuming, not a quick acquisition method.
Use a database gateway
Why it's wrong here
The mainframe lacks support for modern gateways.
Use FTP to transfer flat files
Why this is correct
FTP is a standard, simple method for file transfer from legacy systems.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Manual data entry
Why it's wrong here
Manual entry is error-prone and not scalable.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may assume a database gateway (Option B) is always the best integration approach, but the question explicitly denies direct database connectivity, making FTP the only practical option that leverages existing mainframe capabilities without major infrastructure changes.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, mainframe FTP often uses EBCDIC-to-ASCII translation and record-oriented file structures (e.g., FB, VB) that must be handled correctly to avoid data corruption. In real-world scenarios, the data engineer might need to configure FTP in binary mode for non-text data or use QUOTE TYPE E to preserve EBCDIC encoding, then perform post-transfer conversion. Additionally, mainframe FTP can be automated via JCL (Job Control Language) to generate flat files on a schedule, making it a reliable batch-oriented solution.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Mining and Acquiring Data — This question tests Mining and Acquiring Data — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Use FTP to transfer flat files — Option C is correct because FTP (File Transfer Protocol, RFC 959) is a widely supported, low-overhead method for transferring flat files (e.g., CSV, EBCDIC-encoded text) from legacy mainframe systems that lack modern APIs or direct database connectivity. Mainframes like IBM z/OS natively support FTP, allowing the data engineer to schedule periodic file exports without requiring system modernization or complex middleware.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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