On Sun, 31 Aug 2025 09:38:33 +0100, Jonathan Scott <jonathan.scott...@gmail.com> wrote:
>I've been writing mainframe software since 1973. May I say I'm sorry to those who I offended. It was not my intention and I would hope you not take it as such. >The listing and message texts of most products are not an official programming >interface. Actually, messages are official fully documented APIs of all IBM products. REXX execs are fully within their rights to process messages as documented in the message manuals. Additionally, SMP/e has HOLD AO for any message that potentially affects automation. I can't think of an HLASM message worth automating but if one existed, the expectation would be a HOLD AO if it affected automation. As for listings, this is debatable but there are several that are considered official. Various utilities (e.g. IDCAMS, SPZAP, SMP/e, various TSO commands to name a few). I doubt anyone would complain about HLASM listing but changes to LISTCAT listings would be a different story if it affected existing REXX or automation. >new users were getting confused) was to write an automated tool to mix the >case of help information We've come a long way when you consider an average text message ;). Could those people survive in today's world?
