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The REXX Sourcebook (inf)

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By Dirk Terrell

About the REXX SourceBook

The REXX Sourcebook is a collection of REXX information gotten from various places on the Internet and turned into a document. Except as noted, I have not contributed any of the factual information contained herein.

Dirk Terrell

Frequently Asked Questions About REXX

By Eric Giguère

Introduction

This document is intended to serve as a useful reference for REXX-related information. It aims for breadth as opposed to depth, and references to other material are given where appropriate. Suggestions and updates should be sent to the author in an attempt to keep this document relevant and up- to-date.

Readers will notice the prevalence of OS/2-related materials in this document. Most of the REXX-related activity at this time is occurring on the OS/2 platform. This document is not intended to be OS/2-specific. The author is quite happy to include information on other platforms if you pass it on to him.

More information on REXX can also be had from the REXX Language Association.

What is REXX

REXX is a programming language designed by Michael Cowlishaw of IBM UK Laboratories. In his own words: "REXX is a procedural language that allows programs and algorithms to be written in a clear and structured way." REXX doesn't look that different from any other procedural language. Here's a simple REXX program:

/* Count some numbers */

say "Counting..."
do i = 1 to 10
say "Number" i
end

What makes REXX different from most other languages is that it is also designed to be used as a macro language by arbitrary application programs. The idea is that application developers don't have to design their own macro languages and interpreters. Instead they use REXX as the macro language and support the REXX programming interface. If a REXX macro comes across an expression or function call that it cannot resolve, it can ask the application to handle it instead. The application only has to support the features that are specific to it, freeing the developer from handling the mundane (and time-consuming) task of writing a language interpreter. And if all applications use REXX as their macro language, the user only has to learn one language instead of a dozen.

REXX and the Internet

Networks connect computers in various ways for the exchange of data. The terminology is a bit confusing to the new user. Here are the definitions this document uses:

Usenet: Not really a network, just the set of machines that exchange network news. Network news is really an extended form of electronic mail that groups messages from individuals into newsgroups that users can read using special newsreaders.

Internet: The worldwide network based on TCP/IP protocols. Besides being able to receive mail and newsgroups, these machines can use programs like ftp and telnet to communicate with other machines in real time. Most Internet machines are Unix-based.

BITNET: The worldwide network that connects many IBM mainframes. BITNET users can also transfer files using methods that are incompatible with those of the Internet.

NewsGroups

The Usenet group comp.lang.rexx exists for discussion of REXX in all its variations. Anything posted to this newsgroup also gets sent to the REXXLIST mailing list (see below) and vice-versa.

Other newsgroups of interest are machine-specific. Recommended groups are comp.os.os2.programmer and comp.sys.amiga.programmer.

FTP Sites of Interest

FTP is a file transmission protocol used on the Internet to transfer files between machines. The transfers are done in real time and usually require that the user have an account on both machines. However, many machines on the Internet support what is known as anonymous FTP, which allows users on other machines access to a limited set of files without requiring an account. Some of the more interesting sites that offer this service are:

rexx.uwaterloo.ca General repository for REXX-related information, including free REXX interpreters for Unix and DOS. An XEDIT clone for Unix and OS/2 may also be found here. Look under /pub/rexx.

flipper.pvv.unit.no The official home of Regina, one of the free Unix interpreters. An archive of the messages in comp.lang.rexx is also maintained here. Check under /pub/rexx.

ftp-os2.cdrom.com, ftp.luth.se General OS/2 archives.

wuarchive.wustl.edu General Amiga archive. Look under /pub/aminet.

Mailing Lists

Mailing lists are similar to newsgroups but use normal electronic mail to deliver the messages. The following mailing lists are mostly BITNET-based but are accessible from the Internet as well:

      List name     BITNET      Internet           Discusses
                     Node        Address
      REXXLIST      UCF1VM    ucf1vm.cc.ucf.edu    REXX in general
       AREXX-L      UCF1VM    ucf1vm.cc.ucf.edu    Amiga REXX
       PC-REXX      UCF1VM    ucf1vm.cc.ucf.edu    Personal REXX
      REXXCOMP      UCF1VM    ucf1vm.cc.ucf.edu    IBM's REXX compiler
      TSO-REXX      UCF1VM    ucf1vm.cc.ucf.edu    TSO REXX
       VM-REXX      UCF1VM    ucf1vm.cc.ucf.edu    VM/SP REXX
       UREXX-L      (none)    liverpool.ac.ak      Unix REXX

To subscribe to any of these lists, send a one-line message to the address LISTSERV@node, where node is the BITNET node or Internet address for the list you wish to join. In the body of your message should be the line

SUBSCRIBE list-name your--full-name

as in

SUBSCRIBE UREXX-L Eric Giguere

You will then be subscribed to the list and messages will start arriving in your mailbox. To send a message to the list, simply mail it to listname@node, as in UREXX- L@liverpool.ac.uk. Note the distinction between the LISTSERV address and the listname address. You can receive help by sending a HELP message to the LISTSERV address. Note that some of these mailing lists may be available on Usenet in the form of newsgroups with names starting with "bit.listserv". Ask your system administrator if you're not sure.

Thanks to Scott Ophof for providing this summary.

Gopher Service

Gopher clients may find REXX-related information at the site gopher.pvv.unit.no (Europe) and index.almaden.ibm.com (N. America).

Free REXX Productos

This sections contains information on some free REXX products.

Interpreters

There are at least three REXX interpreters available for free on the Internet. The first two are Unix based and are well-supported by their authors. The third is an MS-DOS interpreter.

Regina is Anders Christensen's REXX interpreter for various flavours of Unix and VMS. It is fairly complete and Anders even has an API for developers. It also apparently can be ported to OS/2. Anders can be reached at anders@pvv.unit.no. Regina's official home is ftp.pvv.unit.no.

REXX/imc is Ian Collier's REXX interpreter for SunOS, though it has also been ported to other Unix systems. Ian can be reached at imc@prg.ox.ac.uk.

BREXX is Bill Vlachoudis' REXX interpreter for MS-DOS. The interpreter is not complete but is quite small. Bill can be reached at bill@donoussa.physics.auth.gr.

All three interpreters are available for anonymous FTP on rexx.uwaterloo.ca in the /pub/freerexx directory, each interpreter in its own subdirectory. Regina and REXX/imc are in source form, BREXX is only available as binary.

REXX-Aware Text Editors

Also on rexx.uwaterloo.ca in the /pub/editors directory is the text editor THE by Mark Hessling (mark@snark.itc.gu.edu.au). THE is a full-featured XEDIT/KEDIT clone (by XEDIT here we mean the IBM mainframe text editor, not the X Windows editor xedit) with REXX support. THE is available in versions for OS/2 and Unix. THE's official home is on ftp.gu.edu.au in /src/THE.

Comercial REXX Products

This Section contains information on some commercial REXX products.

Interpreters

REXX interpreters are available commercially for a wide variety of systems and come standard on some operating platforms such as the Amiga, OS/2 and the IBM mainframes. The following vendors sell REXX interpreters:

The Workstation Group [Various UNIX platforms, also VMS] 6300 River Road Rosemont, IL 60018 (800) 228-0255 (US only) sales@wrkgrp.com

Quercus Systems [DOS, Windows, Windows NT, OS/2] P.O. Box 2157 Saratoga, CA 95070 (408) 867-7399 (800) 440-5944 (US & Canada) 75300.2450@compuserve.com

Simware [Novell Netware] 2 Gurdwara Road Ottawa, Ontario Canada K2E 1A2 (613) 727-1779

IBM also sells REXX interpreters for AIX and Netware.

Visual Development Enviromemnts

There are three REXX-based visual development environments available for OS/2:

VX-REXX WATCOM International 415 Phillip Street Waterloo, Ontario Canada N2L 3X2 Phone: (519) 886-3700 Fax: (519) 747-4971

VisPro/REXX HockWare 315 N. Academy St., Suite 100 Cary, NC 27513 Phone: (919) 380-0616 Fax: (919) 380-0757

GpfRexx Gpf Systems 10 Falls Road Moodus, Conn. 06469 Phone: (203) 873-3300 Fax: (203) 873-3302

REXX-Aware Text Editors

Clones of the popular XEDIT editor are available for Unix from the Workstation Group (see address above) and for DOS and OS/2 from Mansfield Software. Tritus sells an ISPF/PDF text editor with REXX support for OS/2. One Up sells SourceLink, an integrated development environment for OS/2 with REXX macro capabilities. Command Technology sells the SPF/PC editor.

Mansfield Software P.O. Box 532 Storrs, CT 06268 Phone: (203) 429-8402 Fax: (203) 487-1185

Tritus 3300 Bee Caves Road, Suite 650 Austin, Texas 78746 Phone: (512) 794-5800 Fax: (512) 7940-3833

One Up 1603 LBJ Freeway, Suite 200 Dallas, Texas 75243 Phone: (800) 678-0187

Command Technology 1040 Marina Village Parkway Alameda, CA 94501 Phone: (800) 336-3320

The OS/2 Enhanced Editor (EPM.EXE), which is bundled with OS/2, also has REXX support. Use its online help and search for the 'rx' command.

REXX Extensions

A number of vendors sell extensions to REXX:

  • Quercus Systems sells REXXLIB (a collection of over 150 REXX extension functions), REXXCOMM (a function package for accessing serial ports from REXX) and REXXTERM (a full-featured asynchronous communications program).
  • SofTouch Systems sells the GammaTech REXX SuperSet/2, a collection of over 300 REXX extension functions for OS/2.

Quercus Systems P.O. Box 2157 Saratoga, CA 95070 (408) 867-7399 (800) 440-5944 (US & Canada) 75300.2450@compuserve.com

SofTouch Systems 1300 S. Meridian, Suite 600 Oklahoma City, Okla. 73108-1751 Phone: (405) 947-8080 Fax: (405) 632-6537

REXX and ANSI

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) sets national standards for various things in the United States, including programming languages. The X3J18 REXX Standards Committee is currently defining a formal standard for the REXX language, using Mike Cowlishaw's book as its base document. The Committee meets 3 or 4 times a year and holds ongoing discussions throughout the year by electronic mail. Mgopher.pvv.unit.noembers of X3J18 are mostly REXX implementors, but anyone can participate. The Committee intends to release a draft standard next year. More information can be had from the vice-chair, Neil Milsted at nfnm@wrkgrp.com. Note that public ANSI documents relating to X3J18 can be had using the LISTSERV service at PSUVM on BITNET or by Gopher to gopher.pvv.unit.no on the Internet.

The REXX Language Association

The REXX Language Association is an independent organization dedicated to promoting the use of the REXX programming language. Activities of the RexxLA include:

  • Maintaining an electronic mail server where members share information.
  • Distributing a quarterly newsletter.
  • Providing electronic resources for access to language expertise, hints and tips, example programs, product sources, and other valuable information.
  • Developing resource guides, both printed and electronic, for publications, products, training and language experts.
  • Developing educational, guest speaker, and publicity programs to promote the use of REXX.
  • Participating in the work of standards bodies.
  • Promoting integration of REXX into all operating systems and as the common scripting language for a wide array of software.
  • Cooperating with the REXX Symposium in providing an annual conference forum.

Join today and start reaping the benefits available from an international consortium of individuals, corporations, vendors, authors and experts.

For more information, contact the REXX Language Association by mail or fax:

   RexxLA Membership
   6300 North River Road, Suite 501
   Rosemont, Illinois  60018
   Fax: (708) 696-2277

Or by electronic mail at rexxla@wrkgrp.com.

The REXX Symposium

The REXX Symposium is an annual conference devoted to REXX, attended both by users and vendors, held at the beginning of May. It is sponsored by the Stanford Linear Accelerator, with the cooperation of the RexxLA.

REXX Bibliography

Mike Cowlishaw and Linda Green have kindly provided the following partial bibliography of REXX books.

The REXX Language - M.F. Cowlishaw

    English:  ISBN 0-13-780735-X  Prentice-Hall, 1985
              ISBN 0-13-780651-5  2nd edition, 1990
    German:   ISBN 3-446-15195-8  Carl Hanser Verlag, 1988
              ISBN 0-13-780784-8  P-H International, 1988
    Japanese: ISBN 4-7649-0136-6  Kindai-kagaku-sha, 1988

The REXX Reference Summary Handbook - Dick Goran

   ISBN 0-9639854-1-8, CFS Nevada Inc., 1994

Modern Programming Using REXX - Robert P. O'Hara and

    David R. Gomberg
    English:  ISBN 0-13-597311-2  Prentice-Hall, 1985
              ISBN 0-13-579329-5  2nd edition, 1988

REXX in the TSO Environment - Gabriel F. Gargiulo

    ISBN 0-89435-354-3, QED Information Systems Inc.
    320 pages, 1990

Using OS/2 REXX - Gabriel F. Gargiulo

   ISBN 0-894-35449-3, QED Publishing Group

Practical Usage of REXX - Anthony S. Rudd

    ISBN 0-13-682790-X, Ellis Horwood (Simon & Schuster), 1990

Using ARexx on the Amiga - Chris Zamara and Nick Sullivan

    ISBN 1-55755-114-6, Abacus Books, 1991

The REXX Handbook - Edited by Gabe Goldberg and Phil Smith III

    ISBN 0-07-023682-8, McGraw-Hill, 1991

Programming in REXX - Charles Daney

    ISBN 0-07-015305-1, McGraw-Hill, 1992

Command Language Cookbook - Hallett German

    ISBN 0-442-00801-5, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1992

OS/2 2.1 REXX Handbook - Hallett German

    ISBN 0-442-01734-0, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1994

OS/2 REXX: From Bark to Byte - Inter. Technical Supp. Org. (IBM)

    IBM Document Number GG24-4199-00, 1993

REXX: Advanced Techniques for Programmers - Peter Kiesel

    ISBN 0-07-034600-3, McGraw Hill, 1992

REXX Tools and Techniques - Barry Nirmal

    ISBN 0-89435-417-5, QED Publishing Group, 1993

The ARexx Cookbook - Merrill Callaway

    ISBN 0-96-327730-8, Whitestone, 1992

Writing OS/2 REXX Programs - Ronny Richardson

    ISBN 0-07-052372-X, McGraw Hill, 1992

Writing VX-REXX Programs - Ronny Richardson

    ISBN 0-07-911911-5, McGraw Hill, 1994