CL character sets and values

This topic explains the usage of the EBCDIC character sets, special characters, and IBM^® -defined fixed values called predefined values.

• Character sets
  The control language uses the extended binary-coded decimal interchange code (EBCDIC) character set.
• Special character use
  Special characters can be used only in these special ways or inside quoted character strings or comments.
• Symbolic operators
  A variety of characters can be used as symbolic operators in CL commands.
• Predefined values
  Predefined values are IBM-defined fixed values that have predefined uses in the CL and are considered to be reserved in the i5/OS™ operating system.