Getting started with i5/OS command line

This topic discusses how to use the i5/OS™ command line operational interface.

The i5/OS command line interface is preferred by many iSeries™ professionals because it is faster and more powerful than the iSeries Navigator interface. However, for inexperienced users it is more difficult to use because it requires a knowledge of the i5/OS CL commands.

To use the i5/OS command-line interface, type a CL command on the command line and press F4. If you need additional lines to enter commands, type the CL command CALL QCMD on the command line and press Enter. Note that CL commands can be entered in upper or lower case.

The list of commands that you can use for managing integrated Linux servers are:

Commands Description
ADDNWSSTGL Add Server Storage Link
CRTNWSSTG Create NWS Storage Space
DLTNWSSTG Delete NWS Storage Space
DLTLNXSVR Delete Linux Server
DSPNWSSTG Display NWS Storage Space
INSLNXSVR Install Linux Server
RMVNWSSTGL Remove Server Storage Link
VRYCFG Vary Configuration
WRKNWSSTG Work with NWS Storage Spaces
WRKNWSSTS Work with NWS Status

To use the i5/OS command-line interface you need to either gain access to a twinax-attached terminal, or more commonly, set up a 5250 (green screen) emulator under Windows® or a supported browser. Both the iSeries Access program product and IBM® Personal Communications product come with a 5250 emulator, which is a chargeable option. In order to use 5250 sessions to communicate with i5/OS, you need to have ordered the Enterprise package for your iSeries. If you do not have the Enterprise package, your 5250 capability is limited to console functions only.