Invoking REXX EXECs and CLISTs from an IPCS Session

The method for invoking a REXX EXEC or CLIST from an IPCS session is the same as from a TSO/E session. You can use the implicit notation, extended implicit notation, or the EXEC command. IPCS recommends that you use the extended implicit notation (that is, precede the REXX EXEC or CLIST name with a percent sign) to invoke a REXX EXEC or CLIST from an IPCS session because it:

Reduces the chances of IPCS confusing a REXX EXEC or CLIST name with an IPCS subcommand
Results in better performance for the REXX EXEC or CLIST.

The following example shows one method for invoking a REXX EXEC or CLIST from an IPCS session.

Example: Invoking a REXX EXEC or CLIST

IPCS supplies a CLIST named BLSCEPTR in system library SYS1.SBLSCLI0. This CLIST runs the save area chain in a dump. To invoke BLSCEPTR from the IPCS dialog, do the following:

From the IPCS Primary Option Menu of the IPCS dialog, choose the COMMAND option. IPCS displays the Subcommand Entry panel.
On the command line, enter:
```
===> %BLSCEPTR
```

IPCS runs BLSCEPTR against the default dump data set. When the CLIST completes processing, IPCS displays a report on the dump display reporter panel.

You can invoke a REXX EXEC or CLIST from the command or option line of any other IPCS dialog panel. Preface the REXX EXEC or CLIST name with the IPCS primary command as follows:

------------------------ IPCS PRIMARY OPTION MENU  ----------------------------
OPTION ===>  IPCS %BLSCEPTR
                                                           ********************
   0  DEFAULTS    - Specify default dump and options       * USERID  - IPCSU1
   1  BROWSE      - Browse dump data set                   * DATE    - 95/05/14

You can invoke a REXX EXEC or CLIST from any IPCS session mode — batch, line, or dialog. IPCS batch mode is recommended for REXX EXECs and CLISTs that take a long time to complete processing.

Use the SUBMIT option of the IPCS dialog to create a batch job that invokes a REXX EXEC or CLIST. You fill in the parameters on the panel and IPCS automatically codes the JCL and submits the job. Option 5 — SUBMIT explains the SUBMIT option. If you want to code the JCL by hand, Using IPCS in Batch Mode explains the restrictions for running IPCS in batch mode and gives an example of the JCL needed to run a REXX EXEC or CLIST in batch mode.

Sometimes the types of commands used in a CLIST restrict where you can invoke the CLIST. See Table 1 for a summary of those restrictions or reference the description of the REXX EXEC or CLIST in z/OS MVS IPCS Commands.