iSeries (AS/400) Automating Operations Using CL

Introduction

The versatility of CL is appreciated by operators on the iSeries. This three day course provides a further dimension to CL by introducing the process of writing simple CL programs. CL programs can be developed by operators to automate tasks, such as handling messages, etc.

What you will learn

On completion of this course, you will be able to:

• Define the structure of a CL program.
• Identify the components of a CL command.
• Use PDM and SEU to enter and prompt CL commands.
• Write simple procedural CL programs.
• Write CL programs with conditional logic and branching.
• Trap errors in CL programs.
• Define and use variables and parameters.
• Write simple CL commands.
• Create simple SDA menus.

Who should attend

The course is for operations staff who will be responsible for the development of procedures on the iSeries using CL programming.

Pre-requisites

Delegates should be familiar with the hands-on operation of the iSeries. This may be achieved by attendance on the iSeries OPERATIONS course, followed by a further period of hands-on experience.

Prior programming experience is not required for this course. This course is less suitable for application development staff, who are recommended to attend the iSeries CL PROGRAMMING course instead.

Course content

• What are CL programs
• Terminology
• What you need for the job
• Writing the program
• Compiling the program
• Running and testing the program
• Frequently used commands
• The Programming Development Manager (PDM)
• Commands
• Creating a Source Physical File
• Using the SEU editor
• A skeleton program
• Compiling a CL program
• A sample CL program
• Sending messages
• CL program variables
• Declaring variables & Initialisation
• Changing values in variables
• The CL Command CHGVAR
• Retrieve commands
• Conditional processing
• The IF command
• The ELSE command
• DO, ENDDO and Nesting
• The GOTO command
• Passing parameters
• Error messages
• Identifying error messages
• Trapping errors in a CL program
• Checking for object existence
• A Message file
• Message descriptions
• Send User Message (SNDUSRMSG)
• Send Program Message (SNDPGMMSG)
• Why use data areas?
• Commands to access data areas
• Accessing a Data Area in a CL program
• Creating a CL Command
• Command source statements
• The CMD statement
• The PARM statement
• The QUAL statement
• Example commands
• Setting up an Operations Procedure List
• Using SDA to create a menu

Materials

A course manual with supporting documentation is provided. The course includes extensive practical exercises to demonstrate the CL programming techniques being taught on this course. Exercises have a strong bias towards developing operational procedures.

Schedule