Condition
Enhanced Definition
In mainframe computing, a **condition** refers to a logical expression or a status that is evaluated to determine the subsequent flow of execution or processing. It is fundamental for controlling job step execution in JCL, branching logic within COBOL programs, and managing error handling across various z/OS components. In the mainframe and z/OS context, a "condition" primarily refers to a status, state, or a set of criteria that determines the flow of execution, decision-making within a program, or the success/failure of an operation. It is often represented by return codes, status flags, or logical expressions evaluated during processing.
Key Characteristics
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- Evaluated to Boolean: A condition is always evaluated to either
trueorfalse. - Based on Return Codes: In JCL, conditions frequently check the return code (
RC) issued by a preceding job step or program. - Based on Data Values: Within programming languages like COBOL, conditions compare data values, flags, or states.
- Controls Execution Flow: Determines whether a JCL step should execute, which block of code in a program should run, or if an error handling routine should be invoked.
- Can be Compound: Multiple simple conditions can be combined using logical operators (
AND,OR) to form complex expressions. - Critical for Error Handling: Used to detect and respond to error situations, ensuring robust and resilient applications.
- Evaluated to Boolean: A condition is always evaluated to either
Use Cases
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- **JCL Step
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