The command-line use of DCL serves many of the daily needs of users. Repetitive or complex tasks, however, are more manageable when accomplished through DCL command procedures. Users with programming backgrounds adapt readily to writing DCL scripts. Nonprogrammers, however, can use DCL command procedures to both gain efficiency and to begin learning how to program.

This course discusses basic features of DCL as a programming language.

• Course 3 - Using Interactive DCL Commands and Procedures
  or equivalent experience.
• Course 6 - Using Logical Names
  or equivalent experience.
• Course 5 - Editing Files
  or the ability to use an editor on OpenVMS.

Using an Algorithmic Approach

• Defining What an Algorithm Contributes
  • Step-by-Step
  • Logical
  • Recipe
• Thinking About Logic
• Using Modularity

Designing Command Procedure Structure

• Using a Consistent Structural Outline
• Documenting What the Program Does
• Outline for Procedure Structure

Writing DCL Programs

• Applying Conventions
  • Comments and Labels
  • Data Types
  • Assignment Statements
• Getting, Storing, and Changing Values
  • Using Symbols as Variables
  • User Supplied Values for Symbols
  • Using Logical Names in Command Procedures
  • Using Lexical Functions
  • Using Default Parameters

Using DCL Programming Features

• Operators and Expressions
  • Numeric Mathematical Operators
  • Numeric Relational Operators
  • String Concatenation/Removal Operators
  • String Relational Operators
  • Boolean Operators
  • DCL’s Boolean Interpretation of Data
• Using Selection Statements
  • IF Statements in DCL
  • Using the Basic IF Statement