Using the Batch Interface › EXECBAT Member—Start the Batch Interface › Rules for Coding Batch Input Control Cards

Rules for Coding Batch Input Control Cards

Use the following rules when coding the batch input control cards:

• An asterisk (*) in column 1 indicates a comment card.
• Commas must be used to separate keyword statements.
• COMMAND parameters that contain embedded blanks or commas must be enclosed in parentheses.
• A blank terminates the processing of a control card unless the blank is part of a keyword parameter that is enclosed in parentheses. Any text following a blank is considered a comment.
• A response is considered complete when a COMMAND keyword is encountered.
• To continue input control cards, code a nonblank character in column 72 of the control card.
• If a control card is not continued and a COMMAND keyword has not been encountered, the response is considered complete.
• Any keywords after the first COMMAND keyword on a control card are ignored.
• Keyword statements cannot be split across control cards. They must fit on one control card.
• Keyword statements that result in an error condition are ignored and the next keyword statement is processed.