IBM TSO/E REXX User Manual

You can also use an exec processing routine to invoke an exec in a TSO/E address
space. Two reasons to use them in TSO/E are:
v To pass more than one argument to an exec. When invoking an exec implicitly or
explicitly, you can pass only one argument string. With IRXEXEC, you can pass
multiple arguments.
v To call an exec from a program other than a CLIST or exec.
Using IRXJCL to Run an Exec in MVS Batch
To run a REXX exec in MVS batch, you must specify program IRXJCL in the JCL
EXEC statement. SYSEXEC is the default load DD. Running an exec in MVS batch
is similar in many ways to running an exec in the TSO/E background, however,
there are significant differences. One major difference is that the exec running in
MVS batch cannot use TSO/E services, such as TSO/E commands and most of the
TSO/E external functions. Additional similarities and differences appear in
“Summary of TSO/E Background and MVS Batch” on page 180.
The following series of examples show how an MVS batch job named USERIDA
invokes a REXX exec in a PDS member named
USERID.MYREXX.EXEC(JCLTEST). The member name, JCLTEST, is specified as
the first word after the PARM parameter of the EXEC statement. Two arguments,
TEST and IRXJCL, follow the member name. Output from the exec goes to an
output data set named USERID.IRXJCL.OUTPUT, which is specified in the
SYSTSPRT DD statement. The SYSTSIN DD statement supplies the exec with
three lines of data in the input stream. This exec also uses EXECIO to write a 1-line
timestamp to the end of the sequential data set USERID.TRACE.OUTPUT, which is
allocated in the OUTDD statement.
USERID.JCL.EXEC
//USERIDA JOB 'ACCOUNT,DEPT,BLDG','PROGRAMMER NAME',
// CLASS=J,MSGCLASS=H,MSGLEVEL=(1,1)
//*
//MVSBACH EXEC PGM=IRXJCL,
// PARM='JCLTEST Test IRXJCL'
//* | | | |
//* Name of exec <-----> | |
//* Argument <--------->
//OUTDD DD DSN=USERID.TRACE.OUTPUT,DISP=MOD
//SYSTSPRT DD DSN=USERID.IRXJCL.OUTPUT,DISP=OLD
//SYSEXEC DD DSN=USERID.MYREXX.EXEC,DISP=SHR
//SYSTSIN DD *
First line of data
Second line of data
Third line of data
/*
//
Running Execs in a Non-TSO/E Address Space
178
z/OS V1R1.0 TSO/E REXX User’s Guide

IBM TSO/E REXX Specifications

General

Brand	IBM
Model	TSO/E REXX
Category	Computer Hardware
Language	English

Summary

Part 1. Learning the REXX Language

Chapter 1. Introduction

Explains the REXX programming language, its features, and suitability for various users.

Chapter 2. Writing and Running a REXX Exec

Details the process of writing, running, and understanding REXX execs, including syntax rules and common issues.

Chapter 3. Using Variables and Expressions

Covers REXX variables, expressions, operators, and tracing techniques for data manipulation and calculations.

Chapter 4. Controlling the Flow Within an Exec

Explains how to alter REXX exec execution using conditional, looping, and interrupt instructions.

Chapter 5. Using Functions

Describes REXX functions, including built-in, user-written, and packages, and how to use them.

Chapter 6. Writing Subroutines and Functions

Guides on writing, calling, and passing information to REXX subroutines and functions.

Chapter 7. Manipulating Data

Covers REXX data manipulation using compound variables, stems, and various parsing techniques.

Part 2. Using REXX

Chapter 8. Entering Commands from an Exec

Explains how REXX execs can interact with the operating system by issuing TSO/E and host commands.

Chapter 9. Diagnosing Problems Within an Exec

Details techniques for diagnosing and debugging REXX execs using tracing and special variables.

Chapter 10. Using TSO/E External Functions

Describes TSO/E external functions available for interacting with the system and performing specific tasks.

Chapter 11. Storing Information in the Data Stack

Explains how to use the REXX data stack for temporary storage, passing information, and managing buffers.

Chapter 12. Processing Data and Input/Output Processing

Covers dynamic REXX expression modification and processing data to/from data sets using EXECIO.

Chapter 13. Using REXX in TSO/E and Other MVS Address Spaces

Explains how to run REXX execs in TSO/E and non-TSO/E MVS address spaces and available services.

Part 3. Appendixes

Appendix A. Allocating Data Sets

Guides on creating and allocating data sets, including checklists for ISPF/PDF and ALLOCATE commands.

Appendix B. Specifying Alternate Libraries with the ALTLIB Command

Details using the ALTLIB command to specify and manage alternative libraries for implicit execution.

Appendix C. Comparisons Between CLIST and REXX

Compares REXX and CLIST languages, highlighting similarities and differences in features and capabilities.

Appendix D. Notices

Provides legal notices, warranty disclaimers, copyright, and trademark information.

Bibliography

TSO/E Publications

Lists IBM publications related to TSO/E, including administration, CLISTs, and general information.

Related Publications

Lists IBM publications related to z/OS MVS and ISPF, covering system programming and administration.

Index