Rexx Programmer's Reference (Programmer to Programmer)

If you've spent time on IBM platforms - especially mainframe or midrange - chances are you know Rexx. Over a million developers recognize its productivity, power, and simplicity. Nowadays, it'll run on everything from Palm and Windows handhelds to Linux and Solaris boxes. Whether you're refreshing your skills or learning Rexx for the first time, you've hit the jackpot with Rexx Programmer's Reference.Howard Fosdick covers all the language basics, from syntax to style, but that's just the beginning. There's plenty of coverage of "modern" Rexx: GUIs, web programming, SQL and XML interfaces. There's a lengthy section on today's most powerful Rexx tools and implementations, from Regina and Reginald to the newly open-sourced Open Object Rexx. Finally, there are references to everything from NetRexx to mainframe extended functions.There aren't a lot of new Rexx books out there. Fortunately, this one's terrific. Introduction To Scripting And Rexx -- Language Basics -- Control Structures -- Arrays -- Input And Output -- String Manipulation -- Numbers, Calculations And Conversions -- Subroutines, Functions, And Modularity -- Debugging And The Trace Facility -- Errors And Condition Trapping -- The External Data Queue Or Stack -- Rexx With Style -- Writing Portable Rexx -- Issuing System Commands -- Interfacing To Relational Databases -- Graphical User Interfaces -- Web Programming With Cgi And Apache -- Xml And Other Interfaces -- Evolution And Implementations -- Regina -- Rexx/imc -- Brexx -- Reginald -- Handhelds And Embedded Programming -- Rexx For Palm Os -- R4 And Object-oriented Roo! -- Object Rexx -- Object Rexx Tutorial -- Ibm Mainframe Rexx -- Netrexx. Howard Fosdick. Programmer To Programmer--cover. Includes Bibliographical References (p.[531]-[533]) And Index. Whether you're new to Rexx or are an experienced Rexx programmer, this comprehensive reference offers you what you need to know in order to work with this easy yet powerful scripting language on any level. After a quick overview of the basics of Rexx, you'll move on to more advanced scripting topics such as portable code and optimal coding style.Later chapters cover the most common Rexx interfaces and tools and introduce and demonstrate how to use Rexx with operating systems, SQL databases, Web servers, and XML. You'll also learn about the many free Rexx interpreters and the unique advantages of each. By the end of the book, you'll have learned special techniques that you can use to make the most of the power and flexibility of Rexx. - Originally developed for mainframes but highly portable across platforms-from servers to desktops to handhelds-Rexx is an easy yet powerful scripting language that's widely used for rapid application development. - Covers Rexx interpreters for specialized functions-object-oriented, mainframe, and handheld. - There are 8 different free Rexx interpreters optimized for different platforms and uses. This book shows how to use them all. - Shows how to script for GUIs, databases, web servers, XML, and other interfaces. - Details how to make the best use of Rexx tools and interfaces, with examples for both Linux and Windows. - Includes a tutorial with lots of examples to help people get up and running. "Whether you're new to Rexx or are an experienced Rexx programmer, this comprehensive reference offers you what you need to know in order to work with this easy yet powerful scripting language on any level. After a quick overview of the basics of Rexx, you'll move on to more advanced scripting topics such as portable code and optimal coding style." "This book is for programmers on any platform who are either looking to learn Rexx or already use it and want to expand their knowledge of Rexx. A basic knowledge of programming is assumed."--Jacket