COMMON POWERUp 2026

IBM Made a huge number of enhancements to the CL language starting with V5R3 through i 7.1. WHile the changes slowed after that most CL programmers ignore all these changes and continue to write unreadable code with gotos and tags. Come to get a detailed look at examples of the new functions including DOFOR, DOWHILE, DOUNTIL and SELECT, and how they allow programming CL in a much more structured format, and allow you to banish goto to the bit-bucket. Learn about the many new process flow options and variable types in the CL language such as integer, signed integer, and pointer variables and how to use them. Get tips on how to simplify the compiling of CL programs and command objects. Find out how to provide direct feedback to IBM on your needs for the CL language -- they want to know if these changes are helping you and what to enhance next.

Learning Objectives:

Learn what IBM has added to the CL language since your learned it Learn how to leverage some of these enhancements to better access user spaces and APIs Learn what IBM has added to Command objects in recent releases.