I want to do (fill in the blanks) with REXX

superk · Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 6:41 pm

Inquiring minds want to know!

So many topics start "I want to do (something) using REXX". I'm always curious, but why REXX, particularly for someone who's not currently a REXX programmer or for an application that may see some real production use.

enrico-sorichetti · Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 6:49 pm

Hi Kevin!
it happens too often, not only for REXX,
that the tool is chosen before the overall requirements are laid out

that' s why a few times I have answered...
if ... had the competence to choose the tool ... should not have the need to ask how to do it

dick scherrer · Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 10:15 pm

ofer71 · Posted: Wed May 20, 2009 11:01 pm

To complete dick's insight:

dbzTHEdinosauer · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 12:33 am

Marso · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 2:08 am

Many topics also start with "I want to build a tool..." (in REXX)
Sometimes, it sounds so much like "I draw the short straw and they gave me that crazy task nobody else wanted"

And why in REXX?
I think because everything that can be done from the keyboard can also be done automatically using REXX (and TSO and ISPF).
And if you have to do it 2000000 times

, then building a tool is not such a bad idea

...

dbzTHEdinosauer · Posted: Thu May 21, 2009 4:27 am

Marso,

I agree, as I am sure any experienced developer would,
that repetitive tasks should be supported by Edit Macros or REXX SCRIPTS.

For a developer, most of the ISPF panels provide the necessary tools.
Scraping multiple Lists (cats and dsi's) with REXX Scripts are second nature.

Systems/Operations people need more involved/complex tools.
Don't see many requests from systems types here for help with REXX tools.
Most of the Threads requesting tools are from rookie developers,
who, for the most part, don't even have a grasp of ISPF and the tools available.

I think you are too optimistic about the Thread Starters -
I am, obviously, to pessimistic.

Besides, it is mostly - give me the code.
I see 1 thread asking for help with their code for every 20 gimmes.
[End Rant]

Peter Poole · New User Joined: 07 Jan 2009 Posts: 50 Location: Scotland

Plus Rexx is (effectively) a freebie available at every Big Blue shop. We saved a LOT of money at one site by converting all third party software routines down to Rexx and ditching licenses... I think the only one that survived was SAS/MXG left on a single LPAR license, and that could have been killed off if someone had been wiling to put the large one-time up front money into a conversion project.

Cheers.