REXX Study Group--Outline
Why a Programming Section within the Philly OS/2 SIG?
to further our knowledge of an advanced operating system;
to develop small utilities useful to ourselves and the OS/2 community;
to stimulate SIG members.
Why Choose REXX as the Programming Language
It is a powerful command language available on many platforms, including OS/2, Windows,
and Linux;
it does not require lengthy edit-compile-test cycles to run a program;
it is used as a macro language by numerous OS/2 programs;
it can be used to manipulate WPS (WorkPlace Shell) objects;
it allows easy Internet access; and
it has an easier learning curve compared to other high-level languages, thus allowing
more SIG members to become involved.
Charter of the REXX Section
-
The REXX section aims to gradually increase the programming skills of the members
so that they feel comfortable developing small utilities for use by themselves and
the OS/2
community.
The REXX section will meet once-a-month prior to the general OS/2 SIG meeting.
A mailing-list or message board dedicated to the REXX section will be used for exchange
of questions and answers between meetings;
a web page with a description of the SIG, its activities, the lessons and utilities
will also be developed as part of the SIG web site.
The REXX section will be lead by two members (co-chairpersons) to be chosen by the
members on an annual basis.
The REXX section will initially focus on learning various aspects of REXX with a
gradual transition to developing small utilities.
Activities planned for the first four months
Develop monthly lessons on central aspects of REXX to be reviewed at subsequent
SIG meetings;
Initial topics will be:
Basic REXX program elements including:
using the REXX facility
statement syntax
data formats, strings, numbers, simple variables
stem variables
comparison operations
loops
Built-in functions including:
string manipulation
input/output
date/time
Writing Procedures including:
passing parameters
returning results
variable scope
External functions including:
working with the OS/2 file structure
manipulating desktop objects
3rd party libraries
Choose a utility that members can develop together.
Create the web page and mailing list for use by SIG members and anyone else who
has an interest in our activities.
Suggested Reading
Since we will not be able to cover all details of Rexx, we suggest the following
books to anyone interested in learning more:
Teach Yourself REXX in 21 days, William F. Schindler and Esther Schindler, SAMS
Publishing (1994) ISBN 0-672-30529-1
OS/2 Warp Rexx Reference Summary Handbook, Dick Goran, Fourth Edition, CFS Nevada,
Inc. (1997), ISBN 0-9639854-3-4, IBM Publications S246-0078-2, $35
|
