[Info-vax] Very simple DCL question

[Stephen Hoffman]

On 2023-01-01 15:52:57 +0000, Arne Vajhj said:

> On 12/31/2022 7:07 PM, Stephen Hoffman wrote:
>> On 2022-12-31 21:03:24 +0000, Arne Vajhj said:
>>> .title  realp
> 
>> Didn't review the code, definitely some things I'd do different,
> 
> Probably also better. But ...
> 
>> but it seems this code is expecting traditional (#8) and not extended 
>> (#16) parsing.
> 
>  >>          cmpl    r2,#8                   ; while n <= 8
> 
>  > #16
> 
> This is interesting. One can get COM files to accept 16 parameters?
> How?

I'd usually suggest reading the manuals.

Officially: "With OpenVMS Version 8.4, DCL commands and qualifiers have 
been enhanced to support upto [sic] 16 parameters as command line input 
with command procedures. For more details on DCL enhancements, see the 
HPE OpenVMS Version 8.4 New Features and Documentation Overview guide."

Alas, the OpenVMS User's Guide lacks this particular DCL update. "These 
symbols, named P1, P2, and so on through P8", "  and... P7 = "" P8 = "" 
but no P9, and "DCL places parameters passed to command procedures in 
the local symbols P1 to P8.", etc.  I also see DCL examples with the 
INQUIRE command used, too. 🤮

Somebody (and I'm pretty sure I know who it was) did fix the @ 
documentation in the DCL Dictionary, not that most folks will know or 
will remember that @ is documented there. 
https://docs.vmssoftware.com/vsi-openvms-dcl-dictionary-a-m/

I'd expect there are some other gaps in the docs for the features added 
in the V8 era.

The docs need some help. Some recipes are needed, too. VSI was working 
on their version of DEC TIMA/STARS articles (many of which are 
effectively recipes), and which will help those with support.




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