IBM TSO/E REXX User Manual

Built-In Functions
Over 50 functions are built into the language processor. The built-in functions fall
into the following categories:
v Arithmetic functions
These functions evaluate numbers from the argument and return a particular
value.
v Comparison functions
These functions compare numbers and/or strings and return a value.
v Conversion functions
These functions convert one type of data representation to another type of data
representation.
v Formatting functions
These functions manipulate the characters and spacing in strings supplied in the
argument.
v String manipulating functions
These functions analyze a string supplied in the argument (or a variable
representing a string) and return a particular value.
v Miscellaneous functions
These functions do not clearly fit into any of the other categories.
The following tables briefly describe the functions in each category. For a complete
description of these functions, see z/OS TSO/E REXX Reference.
Arithmetic Functions
Function Description
ABS Returns the absolute value of the input number.
DIGITS Returns the current setting of NUMERIC DIGITS.
FORM Returns the current setting of NUMERIC FORM.
FUZZ Returns the current setting of NUMERIC FUZZ.
MAX Returns the largest number from the list specified, formatted according
to the current NUMERIC settings.
MIN Returns the smallest number from the list specified, formatted according
to the current NUMERIC settings.
RANDOM Returns a quasi-random, non-negative whole number in the range
specified.
SIGN Returns a number that indicates the sign of the input number.
TRUNC Returns the integer part of the input number, and optionally a specified
number of decimal places.
Comparison Functions
Function Description
COMPARE Returns 0 if the two input strings are identical. Otherwise, returns the
position of the first character that does not match.
DATATYPE Returns a string indicating the input string is a particular data type, such
as a number or character.
Built-In Functions
Chapter 5. Using Functions 63

IBM TSO/E REXX Specifications

General

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