Data type errors using the CALL command

The total length of the command string includes the command name, spaces, parameter names, parentheses, contents of variables and apostrophes used. For most commands, the command string initiates the command processing program as expected. However, for some commands some variables may not be passed as expected.

When the CALL command is used with the CMD parameter on the Submit Job (SBMJOB) command, unexpected results may occur. Syntactically, the CALL command appears the same when used with the CMD parameter as it does when used as the compiler directive for the CALL command. When used with the CMD parameter, the Call (CALL) command is converted to a command string that is run at a later time when the batch subsystem initiates it. When the Call (CALL) command is used by itself, the CL compiler generates code to perform the call.

Common problems with decimal constants and character variables often occur. In the following cases, the command string is not constructed as needed:

• When decimal numbers are converted to decimal constants.

  When the command string is run, the decimal constant is passed in a packed form with a length of LEN(15 5). It is not passed in the form specified by the CL variable.

• When a character variable is declared longer than 32 characters.

The contents of the character variable is passed as described previously, usually as a quoted character constant with the trailing blanks removed. As a result, the called program may not be passed enough data.

The following methods can be used to correct errors in constructing command strings:

• Create the CALL command string to be submitted by concatenating the various portions of the command together into one CL variable. Submit the command string using the request data (RQSDTA) parameter of the Submit Job (SBMJOB) command.
• For CL character variables larger than 32 characters where trailing blanks are significant, create a variable that is one character larger than needed and substring a non-blank character into the last position. This prevents the significant blanks from being truncated. The called program should ignore the extra character because it is beyond the length expected.
• Create a command that will initiate the program to be called. Submit the new command instead of using the Call (CALL) command. The command definition ensures the parameters are passed to the command processing program as expected.