Return codes from PDF edit macro commands

Every CLIST edit macro command sets variable &LASTCC with a return code. REXX edit macros set variable RC. The return codes range from 0 to 20.

0: Shows normal completion of the command.
2, 4, and 8: Information return codes. They show a special condition that is not necessarily an error. These return codes can be tested or ignored, depending on the requirements of the macro.
For some cases of RC=8, the ISPF system variables ZERRSM (short error message text) and ZERRLM (long error message text) are set. For more information on ZERRSM and ZERRLM, see z/OS ISPF Dialog Developer's Guide and Reference.
12 and higher: Error return codes. Normally an error return code causes the macro to end abnormally and an error panel to appear. The error panel shows the kind of error and lists the statement that caused the error condition.
The ISPF system variables ZERRSM (short error message text) and ZERRLM (long error message text) are set for error return codes. For more information on ZERRSM and ZERRLM, see z/OS ISPF Dialog Developer's Guide and Reference.

Often, the only two possible return codes are 0 and 20. The CAPS command is an example of such a command. Any valid form of CAPS issues a return code of 0.

The dialog variables ZEDMSGNO (message identifier), ZEDISMSG (short message text) and ZEDILMSG (first 240 bytes of the long message text) are available to be tested for or displayed within edit macros. These variables contain values relating to any message that would have been displayed at the terminal had the user issued the command directly from the command line. They can be useful in situations where the return code does not provide enough detail.