💬 Q&A Solutions

COND Parameter:

• Tests return codes from previous steps
• Bypasses step if condition is TRUE
• Works opposite to programming logic!
• COND=(4,LT) means: Skip if 4 < any previous RC

IF/THEN/ELSE:

• More intuitive programming-like syntax
• Executes steps when condition is TRUE
• Supports AND, OR operators
• Can check ABEND conditions

Example:

// Using COND (skip if RC < 4)
//STEP2 EXEC PGM=PROG2,COND=(4,LT)

// Using IF/THEN/ELSE
//    IF STEP1.RC = 0 THEN
//STEP2 EXEC PGM=PROG2
//    ELSE
//ERROR EXEC PGM=ERRPROC
//    ENDIF

PARM (EXEC statement):

• Limited to 100 characters
• Passed in memory to program
• Accessed via LINKAGE SECTION
• Good for small, simple parameters

SYSIN (DD statement):

• No practical size limit
• Read as a file by program
• Can contain multiple records
• Good for control cards, complex input

// PARM example
//STEP1 EXEC PGM=MYPROG,PARM='PARAM1,PARAM2'

// SYSIN example
//SYSIN DD *
CONTROL OPTION1
DATE=20231215
LIMIT=1000
/*

COMMAREA (Communication Area) is used to pass data between programs or between transactions in pseudo-conversational programming.

Uses:

• Pass data between LINK/XCTL programs
• Save data between pseudo-conversational transactions
• Maximum size: 32KB

How it works:

1. Calling program: COMMAREA option on LINK/XCTL/RETURN
2. Called program: DFHCOMMAREA in LINKAGE SECTION
3. Check EIBCALEN for length (0 = no COMMAREA)

* Calling program
EXEC CICS LINK
    PROGRAM('SUBPROG')
    COMMAREA(WS-DATA)
    LENGTH(100)
END-EXEC.

* Called program
LINKAGE SECTION.
01 DFHCOMMAREA PIC X(100).

IF EIBCALEN > 0
    MOVE DFHCOMMAREA TO WS-DATA
END-IF.