COMMON POWERUp 2026

Did you know your CL programs can run SQL statements directly — no RPG required? In this quick, practical session, you’ll learn how to combine the simplicity of CL with the power of SQL to automate and simplify everyday IBM i operations. Simon will demonstrate how to use the RUNSQL and RUNSQLSTM commands to perform tasks such as clearing or updating data, saving results to output files, and even controlling system operations dynamically. You’ll see examples of using SQL for file maintenance, logging, and automation — all inside standard CL programs. If you still think CL is limited to DLTF, CPYF, and SAVLIB, this session will change how you write job control forever.

Learning Objectives:

Learning Objectives = After attending this session, participants will be able to: - Use the RUNSQL and RUNSQLSTM commands within CL programs. - Perform file updates, inserts, and deletes directly from CL. - Capture SQL results and use them to control job flow. - Combine CL and SQL for more efficient batch and automation scripts.