AS/400 Control Language

CL ( Control Language German: Control Language ) is a batch-oriented programming language for the IBM operating systems CPF and later OS/400.

Use

CL is designed for the automation of system processes, controlling the configuration, or to start from RPG programs with parameters. It is not a suitable language for programming applications whose complexity goes beyond a display screen.

Overview of functions

The control language CL includes the following functions:

  • Commands to call the program
  • Logical functions for branches
  • Message Control
  • Parameter control device for variable exchange with other programs

Development

Back in 1979, contained the IBM System/38 with the control program CPF and the control language CL. More than 250 commands enabled the users of this system to access a large part of the system functions. The CL commands can be both interactive and can be used in batch mode.

In the OS/400-Releaseversion V5R3, it allows for the first time loops and switch-case.

Since V5R4 also procedural programming is possible. So you can create quite complex with CL programs, even if that is not the main purpose of this language.

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