HLASM symbols can include the underscore character. I looked at the IEABRCX macro and saw where it used it as a prefix in an OPSYN. So, in my messing around, I created a macro in my source code which I called __LA (posted in a previous message). Of course, __LA is not a valid member name, according to normal z/OS syntax. I couldn't create an __LA source member in my maclib using ISPF. But, in this case, I'm not doing batch compiles. I'm actually compiling from the z/OS UNIX shell prompt, via a make file, using the "as" command. One option on the "as" command is -I to specify an additional macro library (multiple -I options if more than one is needed). Well, the maclib specified in the -I can be either a PDS or a UNIX subdirectory. __LA is a perfectly valid UNIX file name. And, nicely, if I have an macro named __LA in the subdirectory referenced by the -I switch, HLASM will gladly read and use it. Nifty.
What is the big deal? Well, I remember how everybody complains when IBM "steps on" their macro name. But, if you name your internal macro with a _ in it, which is valid in an HLASM symbol, but which cannot be easily used in a PDS member name, the probability of IBM "stepping on" it is greatly reduced. And you should be able to use the subdirectory name in your batch compiles simply by including it in the SYSLIB for the assembler. From looking, _ is the only such character. John McKown Systems Engineer IV IT Administrative Services Group HealthMarkets(r) 9151 Boulevard 26 * N. Richland Hills * TX 76010 (817) 255-3225 phone * [email protected] * www.HealthMarkets.com Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail message may contain confidential or proprietary information. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message. HealthMarkets(r) is the brand name for products underwritten and issued by the insurance subsidiaries of HealthMarkets, Inc. -The Chesapeake Life Insurance Company(r), Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of TennesseeSM and The MEGA Life and Health Insurance Company.SM
