Introduction to REXX
Display Messages and Create Files
  Table of Contents  v-16.01.01 - rxparm01.htm 
  Introduction
  Pass JCL Parameters to REXX
  REXX, get Parameters from JCL
  JCL, Pass Parameters to REXX
  Display Multiple Messages
  REXX, Display Multiple Messages
  JCL, Display Multiple Messages
  Create and Populate a File
  REXX, Populate a File
  JCL, Define and Create the File
  Queues & User-Defined SYSOUT
  The REXX Program
  The JCL Member
  Ancillary Programs
  Create a PDS for the REXX Programs
  Summary
  Software Agreement and Disclaimer
  Downloads and Links
  Current Server or Internet Access
  Internet Access Required
  Glossary of Terms
  Comments or Feedback
  Company Overview
The SimoTime Home Page 

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Introduction

This document describes a few programs that use basic functions provided with the REXX Programming Language. The programs originally executed on an IBM Mainframe. In recent years the programs have been copied and executed in a Windows environment using the Enterprise Edition of Micro Focus Studio.

We have made a significant effort to ensure the documents and software technologies are correct and accurate. We reserve the right to make changes without notice at any time. The function delivered in this version is based upon the enhancement requests from a specific group of users. The intent is to provide changes as the need arises and in a timeframe that is dependent upon the availability of resources.

Copyright © 1987-2025
SimoTime Technologies and Services
All Rights Reserved

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Pass JCL Parameters to REXX

This is a very simple REXX program that will get the parameters passed from JCL via the PARM= keyword and display a message to the screen.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section REXX, get Parameters from JCL

The following (RXPARMX1.rex) is the source code member for the REXX program.

/* ********************** REXX ********************** */
SAY "* RXPARMX1 - EXEC PGM=IRXJCL,PARM='RXPARMX1 2 3'"
ARG FIRST SECOND
RESULT = FIRST + SECOND
SAY "* RXPARMX1 - The Result is" RESULT
/* ************************************************** */
/* End of Program Execution
*/
SAY "* RXPARMX1 - End of Program Execution"
EXIT 0

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section JCL, Pass Parameters to REXX

The following (RXPARMJ1.jcl) is the JCL Member that will execute the REXX program.

//RXPARMJ1 JOB SIMOTIME,ACCOUNT,CLASS=1,MSGCLASS=0,NOTIFY=&SYSUID
//* *******************************************************************
//*       This JCL Member is provided by SimoTime Technologies        *
//*           (C) Copyright 1987-2019 All Rights Reserved             *
//*             Web Site URL:   http://www.simotime.com               *
//*                   e-mail:   helpdesk@simotime.com                 *
//* *******************************************************************
//*
//* Text   - Use IRXJCL to execute a Rexx Program
//* Author - SimoTime Technologies
//* Date   - January 01, 1992
//*
//* This JCL Member will execute IRXJCL. The PARM= keyword will caused
//* the IRXJCL program to execute the Rexx program RXPARMX1 and pass
//* the remaining parameters that are numeric values to the RXPARMX1
//* program.
//*
//* *******************************************************************
//* Step 1 of 1, Get Parameters and post to SYSTSPRT...
//*
//REXXEXEC EXEC PGM=IRXJCL,PARM='RXPARMX1 1 2'
//SYSEXEC  DD  DSN=SIMOTIME.PDS.REXXLIB,DISP=SHR
//SYSTSPRT DD  SYSOUT=*
//
//*

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Display Multiple Messages

This is a simple REXX program that will get the parameters passed from JCL via the PARM= keyword and displays multiple messages to the screen.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section REXX, Display Multiple Messages

The following (RXPARMX2.rex) is the source code member for the REXX program.

/* ********************** REXX ********************** */
SAY "* RXPARMX2 - Starting Program Execution"
ARG FIRST SECOND
RESULT = FIRST + SECOND
SAY "* RXPARMX2 - The Result is" RESULT
/* ************************************************** */
/* Prepare the Next test, display four message lines
*/
MESSAGE.1 = "This is Message Line 001..."
MESSAGE.2 = "This is Message Line 002..."
MESSAGE.3 = "This is Message Line 003..."
MESSAGE.4 = "This is Message Line 004..."
SAY "* RXPARMX2 - Display the four message lines"
DO I = 1 to 4
  SAY "* RXPARMX2 -" MESSAGE.I
END I
/* ************************************************** */
/* End of Program Execution
*/
SAY ""
SAY "" RESULT
SAY "* RXPARMX2 - Finished Program Execution"
EXIT 0

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section JCL, Display Multiple Messages

The following (RXPARMJ2.jcl) is the JCL Member that will execute the REXX program.

//RXPARMJ2 JOB SIMOTIME,ACCOUNT,CLASS=1,MSGCLASS=0,NOTIFY=&SYSUID
//* *******************************************************************
//*       This JCL Member is provided by SimoTime Technologies        *
//*           (C) Copyright 1987-2019 All Rights Reserved             *
//*             Web Site URL:   http://www.simotime.com               *
//*                   e-mail:   helpdesk@simotime.com                 *
//* *******************************************************************
//*
//* Text   - Use IRXJCL to execute a Rexx Program
//* Author - SimoTime Technologies
//* Date   - January 01, 1992
//*
//* This JCL Member will execute IRXJCL. The PARM= keyword will caused
//* the IRXJCL program to execute the Rexx program RXPARMX2 and pass
//* the remaining parameters that are numeric values to the RXPARMX2
//* program.
//*
//* *******************************************************************
//* Step 1 of 1, Display multiple messages...
//*
//REXXEXEC EXEC PGM=IRXJCL,PARM='RXPARMX2 3 4'
//SYSEXEC  DD  DSN=SIMOTIME.PDS.REXXLIB,DISP=SHR
//SYSTSPRT DD  SYSOUT=*
//SYSSTIN  DD  DUMMY
//*

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Create and Populate a File

This is a sample REXX program that will get a parameter passed from JCL via the PARM= keyword and write records to a disk file.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section REXX, Populate a File

The following (RXPARMX2.rex) is the source code member for the REXX program.

/* ********************** REXX ********************** */
SAY "* RXPARMX3 - Starting Program Execution"
ARG USERTAG
SAY "* RXPARMX3 - The User Tag is" USERTAG
/* ************************************************** */
/* Prepare records to populate a file
*/
RECORDS.1 = USERTAG "This is Record 001..."
RECORDS.2 = USERTAG "This is Record 002..."
RECORDS.3 = USERTAG "This is Record 003..."
RECORDS.4 = USERTAG "This is Record 004..."
/* ************************************************** */
/* Create and Populate a File
*/
"EXECIO * DISKW RXDATA80 (OPEN"
"EXECIO 4 DISKW RXDATA80 (STEM RECORDS."
"EXECIO * DISKW RXDATA80 (FINIS"
/* ************************************************** */
/* End of Program Execution
*/
SAY "* RXPARMX3 - Finished Program Execution"
EXIT 0

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section JCL, Define and Create the File

The following (RXPARMJ3.jcl) is the JCL Member that will execute the REXX program.

//RXPARMJ3 JOB SIMOTIME,ACCOUNT,CLASS=1,MSGCLASS=0,NOTIFY=&SYSUID
//* *******************************************************************
//*       This JCL Member is provided by SimoTime Technologies        *
//*           (C) Copyright 1987-2019 All Rights Reserved             *
//*             Web Site URL:   http://www.simotime.com               *
//*                   e-mail:   helpdesk@simotime.com                 *
//* *******************************************************************
//*
//* Text   - Use IRXJCL to execute a Rexx Program
//* Author - SimoTime Technologies
//* Date   - January 01, 1992
//*
//* This JCL Member will execute IRXJCL. The PARM= keyword will caused
//* the IRXJCL program to execute the Rexx program RXPARMX3 and pass
//* the remaining parameters to the RXPARMX3 program.
//*
//* *******************************************************************
//* Step 1 of 2, Delete any previously created file...
//*
//GETREADY EXEC PGM=IEFBR14
//RXDATA80 DD  DSN=SIMOTIME.DATA.RXDATA80,DISP=(MOD,DELETE,DELETE),
//             STORCLAS=MFI,
//             SPACE=(TRK,5),
//             DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,DSORG=PS)
//*
//* *******************************************************************
//* Step 2 of 2, Create and populate a new QSAM file...
//*
//REXXEXEC EXEC PGM=IRXJCL,PARM='RXPARMX3 TESTDATA'
//SYSEXEC  DD  DSN=SIMOTIME.PDS.REXXLIB,DISP=SHR
//SYSTSPRT DD  SYSOUT=*
//SYSSTIN  DD  DUMMY
//RXDATA80 DD  DSN=SIMOTIME.DATA.RXDATA80,
//             DISP=(NEW,CATLG,KEEP),
//             STORCLAS=MFI,
//             SPACE=(TRK,5),
//             DCB=(RECFM=FB,LRECL=80,DSORG=PS)
//SYSOUT   DD  SYSOUT=*
//*

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Queues & User-Defined SYSOUT

This is a sample REXX program that will get a parameter passed from JCL via the PARM= keyword and write records to a user-defined SYSOUT spool file.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section The REXX Program

The following (RXPARMX4.rex) is the source code member for the REXX program.

/* ********************** REXX ********************** */
/* Get the Parameter (or Arguments) from the PARM=
   Keyword of the EXEC statement in the JCL Member.
   Write the Startup message and the parameter value
   to the SYSOUTU1 (SYSOUT for user content). The
   SYSOUTU1 must be predefined in the JCL.
*/
ARG JCLPARM
QUEUE "* RXPARMX4 - Starting Program Execution"
"EXECIO" queued() "DISKW SYSOUTU1 (FINIS"
QUEUE "* RXPARMX4 - The JCL Parameter is" JCLPARM
"EXECIO" queued() "DISKW SYSOUTU1 (FINIS"
/* **************************************************
   Fill the Queue with three items. Write the queue
   (all items in queue) to the SYSOUTU1 File using
   one EXECIO statement.
*/
QUEUE "* RXPARMX4 -" JCLPARM "Queue Stack Entry 001"
QUEUE "* RXPARMX4 -" JCLPARM "Queue Stack Entry 002"
QUEUE "* RXPARMX4 -" JCLPARM "Queue Stack Entry 003"
QUEUE "* RXPARMX4 -" JCLPARM "Queue Stack Entry 004"
"EXECIO" queued() "DISKW SYSOUTU1 (FINIS"
/* **************************************************
   Write the Finished message to the SYSOUTU1
*/
QUEUE "* RXPARMX4 - Finished Program Execution"
"EXECIO" queued() "DISKW SYSOUTU1 (FINIS"
exit 0

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section The JCL Member

The following (RXPARMJ4.jcl) is the JCL Member that will execute the REXX program.

//RXPARMJ4 JOB SIMOTIME,ACCOUNT,CLASS=1,MSGCLASS=0,NOTIFY=&SYSUID
//* *******************************************************************
//*       This JCL Member is provided by SimoTime Technologies        *
//*           (C) Copyright 1987-2019 All Rights Reserved             *
//*             Web Site URL:   http://www.simotime.com               *
//*                   e-mail:   helpdesk@simotime.com                 *
//* *******************************************************************
//*
//* Text   - Use IRXJCL to execute a Rexx Program
//* Author - SimoTime Technologies
//* Date   - January 01, 1992
//*
//* This JCL Member will execute IRXJCL. The PARM= keyword will caused
//* the IRXJCL program to execute the Rexx program RXPARMX4 and pass
//* the remaining parameters to the RXPARMX4 program.
//*
//* *******************************************************************
//* Step 1 of 1, The RXPARMX1 program is expected to write to SYSOUTU1.
//*
//REXXEXEC EXEC PGM=IRXJCL,PARM='RXPARMX4 TESTPARM'
//SYSEXEC  DD  DSN=SIMOTIME.PDS.REXXLIB,DISP=SHR
//SYSTSPRT DD  SYSOUT=*
//SYSSTIN  DD  DUMMY
//SYSOUTU1 DD  SYSOUT=*
//*

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Ancillary Programs

This section describes additional utilitarian programs and procedures that are used to configure and support the execution of the REXX programs.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Create a PDS for the REXX Programs

The following (RXMKPOJ1.jcl) is the JCL member that will create a PDS for the REXX Program Members.

//RXMKPOJ1 JOB SIMOTIME,CLASS=1,MSGCLASS=0,USER=SIMOTIME,NOTIFY=CSIP1
//* *******************************************************************
//*       This JCL Member is provided by SimoTime Technologies        *
//*           (C) Copyright 1987-2019 All Rights Reserved             *
//*             Web Site URL:   http://www.simotime.com               *
//*                   e-mail:   helpdesk@simotime.com                 *
//* *******************************************************************
//*
//* Text   - Create a PDS for the Rexx Program Members
//* Author - SimoTime Technologies
//* Date   - January 01, 1992
//*
//* *******************************************************************
//*
//PODEFINE EXEC PGM=IEFBR14
//SYSOUT   DD   SYSOUT=*
//REXXLIB  DD  DSN=SIMOTIME.PDS.REXXLIB,
//             DISP=(NEW,CATLG,CATLG),
//             STORCLAS=MFI,
//             SPACE=(TRK,5),
//             DCB=(DSORG=PO,LRECL=00080,RECFM=LSEQ)
//*MFE: %PCDSN=C:\SIMOSAM1\DEVL\REXXLIB\*.REX
//* The following comments are for the preceding two (2) Statements.
//* The RECFM=LSEQ is a Micro Focus extension. For the Mainframe this
//* would need to be changed to RECFM=PS.
//*
//* The //*MFE statement is a Micro Focus extension that is used to
//* specify the PCDSN or physical location of the folder containing
//* the PDS Members.
//* The \*.REX defines the extension that is used to dynamically
//* populate the PDS.
//* Since the //*MFE statement starts with //* it would be treated
//* as a JCL comment statement on the mainframe.
//*

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Summary

This document describes a few programs that use basic functions provided with the REXX Programming Language. This document may be used to assist as a tutorial for new programmers or as a quick reference for experienced programmers.

In the world of programming there are many ways to solve a problem. This documentation and software were developed and tested on systems that are configured for a SIMOTIME environment based on the hardware, operating systems, user requirements and security requirements. Therefore, adjustments may be needed to execute the jobs and programs when transferred to a system of a different architecture or configuration.

SIMOTIME Services has experience in moving or sharing data or application processing across a variety of systems. For additional information about SIMOTIME Services or Technologies please contact us using the information in the  Contact or Feedback  section of this document.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Software Agreement and Disclaimer

Permission to use, copy, modify and distribute this software, documentation or training material for any purpose requires a fee to be paid to SimoTime Technologies. Once the fee is received by SimoTime the latest version of the software, documentation or training material will be delivered and a license will be granted for use within an enterprise, provided the SimoTime copyright notice appear on all copies of the software. The SimoTime name or Logo may not be used in any advertising or publicity pertaining to the use of the software without the written permission of SimoTime Technologies.

SimoTime Technologies makes no warranty or representations about the suitability of the software, documentation or learning material for any purpose. It is provided "AS IS" without any expressed or implied warranty, including the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. SimoTime Technologies shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, special or consequential damages resulting from the loss of use, data or projects, whether in an action of contract or tort, arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of this software, documentation or training material.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Downloads and Links

This section includes links to documents with additional information that are beyond the scope and purpose of this document. The first group of documents may be available from a local system or via an internet connection, the second group of documents will require an internet connection.

Note: A SimoTime License is required for the items to be made available on a local system or server.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Current Server or Internet Access

The following links may be to the current server or to the Internet.

Note: The latest versions of the SimoTime Documents and Program Suites are available on the Internet and may be accessed using the Link to Internet icon. If a user has a SimoTime Enterprise License the Documents and Program Suites may be available on a local server and accessed using the Link to Server icon.

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore An Enterprise System Model that describes and demonstrates how Applications that were running on a Mainframe System and non-relational data that was located on the Mainframe System were copied and deployed in a Microsoft Windows environment with Micro Focus Enterprise Server.

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore The ASCII and EBCDIC Translation Tables. These tables are provided for individuals that need to better understand the bit structures and differences of the encoding formats.

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore The File Status Return Codes that are used to interpret the results of accessing VSAM data sets and/or QSAM files.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Internet Access Required

The following links will require an internet connect.

This suite of programs and documentation is available to download for review and evaluation purposes. Other uses will require a SimoTime Software License. Link to an Evaluation zPAK Option that includes the program members, documentation and control files.

A good place to start is The SimoTime Home Page for access to white papers, program examples and product information. This link requires an Internet Connection

Explore The Micro Focus Web Site for more information about products (including Micro Focus COBOL) and services available from Micro Focus. This link requires an Internet Connection.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Glossary of Terms

Link to Internet   Link to Server   Explore the Glossary of Terms for a list of terms and definitions used in this suite of documents and white papers.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Comments or Feedback

This document was created and is maintained by SimoTime Technologies. If you have any questions, suggestions, comments or feedback please use the following contact information.

1. Send an e-mail to our helpdesk.
1.1. helpdesk@simotime.com.
2. Our telephone numbers are as follows.
2.1. 1 415 763-9430 office-helpdesk
2.2. 1 415 827-7045 mobile

 

We appreciate hearing from you.

Table of Contents Previous Section Next Section Company Overview

SimoTime Technologies was founded in 1987 and is a privately owned company. We specialize in the creation and deployment of business applications using new or existing technologies and services. We have a team of individuals that understand the broad range of technologies being used in today's environments. Our customers include small businesses using Internet technologies to corporations using very large mainframe systems.

Quite often, to reach larger markets or provide a higher level of service to existing customers it requires the newer Internet technologies to work in a complementary manner with existing corporate mainframe systems. We specialize in preparing applications and the associated data that are currently residing on a single platform to be distributed across a variety of platforms.

Preparing the application programs will require the transfer of source members that will be compiled and deployed on the target platform. The data will need to be transferred between the systems and may need to be converted and validated at various stages within the process. SimoTime has the technology, services and experience to assist in the application and data management tasks involved with doing business in a multi-system environment.

Whether you want to use the Internet to expand into new market segments or as a delivery vehicle for existing business functions simply give us a call or check the web site at http://www.simotime.com

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An Introduction to REXX, Programs that Display Messages and Create Files
Copyright © 1987-2025
SimoTime Technologies and Services
All Rights Reserved
When technology complements business
http://www.simotime.com