Certain IBM® programs produce
standard return codes. For example, a compiler or linkage editor
returns a code of 8 to indicate serious errors in the compiled
or link-edited program; the program may not execute correctly.
Before executing a newly compiled or link-edited program, test the
return code from the compiler or linkage editor; if it is 8, bypass
execution of the program.
In user-written programs, assign a return code to signify a certain
condition. For example, STEP1 of a job reads accounts that subsequent
steps process. STEP1 sets a return code of 10 if delinquent accounts
are found. STEP3 processes only delinquent accounts. Before STEP3
executes, test the return code from STEP1:
- If the return code from STEP1 is 10, indicating delinquent accounts,
execute STEP3.
- If the return code from STEP1 is not 10, bypass STEP3.