Let’s See Those Command Parameters

August 31, 2005 Hey, Ted

I have a CL program that builds a command in a variable, which it passes to QCMDEXC for execution. If I run the program in a job that logs CL program messages, the job log contains a nearly useless message that tells me that the “CALL command contains parameters.” Is there a way for me to make the system show me the CL command that is being executed?

–Mitch

I share your frustration, Mitch. I know of nothing in the operating system that would make the job log show the command that is being executed. If you have access to

Submit a Prompted Command to Batch

August 31, 2005 Hey, Ted

If I put a question mark before a command name in a CL program and run the program interactively, the system prompts the command, allows me to fill in the blanks, and then executes the command. Is there a way to prompt the command, then send it to batch for execution?

–Mark

Yes, there’s an API for this sort of thing. First, here’s the type of code you’re running interactively.

? SAVOBJ
MONMSG     MSGID(CPF6801) EXEC(RETURN)

The system prompts the Save Object (SAVOBJ) command. If the user presses Enter, the system runs the command. However, if the user presses F3 or

Admin Alert: Changing Your Mind When Loading Group PTFs

August 31, 2005 Joe Hertvik

Most administrators are familiar with the standard PTF application process, where OS/400 PTFs are loaded on a partition and then applied during the next unattended IPL. But there may be times when you need to skip IPL PTF application because of a bad PTF or a tight IPL schedule. Is there a way to back out of IPL PTF processing and delay PTF application for another time?

The answer is yes. IBM gives you a green-screen option for loading PTFs onto your system and then picking and choosing which PTFs to apply and which PTFs to skip during an IPL.