Chapter 11. Introduction
This introductory section:
vIdentifies the reference's purpose and audience
vExplains how to use the reference
vGives an overview of product features
vExplains how to read a syntax diagram.

Who Should Read This Reference

This reference describes the CICS Transaction Server for VSE/ESA REXX Guide and Reference
Interpreter (hereafter referred to as the interpreter or language processor) and the REstructured eXtended
eXecutor (called REXX) language. This reference is intended for experienced programmers, particularly
those who have used a block-structured, high-level language (for example, PL/I, Algol, or Pascal).
Descriptions include the use and syntax of the language and how the language processor “interprets” the
language while a program is running under the REXX/CICS interpreter. The reference also describes:
vProgramming services that let you interface with REXX and the language processor.
vCustomizing services that let you customize REXX processing and how the language processor
accesses and uses system services, such as storage and I/O requests.

How to Use This Reference

This part of the book is a reference rather than a tutorial. It assumes you are already familiar with REXX
programming concepts. The material in this reference is arranged in chapters:
vChapter 11, “Introduction”
vChapter 12, “REXX General Concepts”
vChapter 13, “Keyword Instructions” (in alphabetic order)
vChapter 14, “Functions” (in alphabetic order)
vChapter 15, “Parsing” (a method of dividing character strings, such as commands)
vChapter 16, “Numbers and Arithmetic”
vChapter 17, “Conditions and Condition Traps”
vChapter 18, “REXX/CICS TextEditor”
vChapter 19, “REXX/CICS File System”
vChapter 20, “REXX/CICS List System”
vChapter 21, “REXX/CICS Command Definition”
vChapter 22, “REXX/CICS DB2 Interface”
vChapter 23, “REXX/CICS High-level Client/Server Support”
vChapter 24, “REXX/CICS Panel Facility”
vChapter 25, “REXX/CICS Commands”
There are several appendixes covering:
vAppendix A, “Error Numbers and Messages”
vAppendix B, “Return Codes”
vAppendix C, “Double-Byte Character Set (DBCS) Support”
vAppendix D, “Reserved Keywords and Special Variables”
vAppendix E, “Debug Aids”
vAppendix F,“REXX/CICS Business Value Discussion”
vAppendix G, “System Definition/Customization/Administration”
vAppendix H, “Security”
vAppendix I, “Performance Considerations”
vAppendix J, “Basic Mapping Support Example”
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