Control Language Programming for IBM i

Whether you are a novice programmer who needs to get up to speed on the ins and outs of CL or an experienced professional looking for a daily CL reference, this comprehensive book is the guide you need. Here, you will find all the must-know basics of the CL language, as well as full coverage of its latest and most powerful features--including structured programming capabilities, file processing enhancements, and the Integrated Language Environment (ILE).

The book introduces the basics quickly for those without any previous knowledge of CL. Progressing methodically into more complex processes and concepts, it guides readers smoothly toward a professional grasp of CL programming techniques and style.In addition to 25 chapters covering CL from start to finish, the book includes a condensed reference appendix to the most commonly used CL commands, as well as appendices addressing the essentials of programming tools and debugging. End-of-chapter review questions and programming assignments complete your master course in CL and make the book suitable for use in a classroom or tutorial setting. Students who plan careers as IBM i programming professionals will find this book essential reading.

With Control Language Programming for IBM i, you will:

• Learn the role of CL in the IBM i environment
• Understand the IBM i user interface and programming tools
• Recognize the data types supported by CL and when to use them
• Use program variables-including pointer-based variables and data structures
• Use structured statements to organize CL processing and control workflow
• Perform program and procedure calls-passing parameters
• Understand critical ILE concepts-including procedures and activation groups
• Integrate IBM application programming interface (API) programs with CL