On 18.04.2024 02:22, Andrew Rowley wrote:
On 18/04/2024 4:39 am, Rony G. Flatscher wrote:
As you know already Rexx it would be easy for you to learn about what ooRexx
adds to Rexx.
...
Notabene: you write one ooRexx program that will be runnable without any changes on Windows,
Linux and macOS. This means you develop it e.g. on Windows at home and execute it in a Linux
s390x subsystem at work and vice versa. ;)
...
A dynamic and dynamically typed language as ooRexx allows to forgo many of the declarations a
static and statically typed language mandates, thereby simplifying coding quite considerably.
I find Rexx difficult because explicit declarations and static typing (as well as tightly
controlled scopes) actually make programming easier, in general.
That is interesting and fine.
They show up bugs in the code and make it easier to write correct programs.
The mileage of people here vary including the Java people themselves who have started to reduce the
need of explicit declarations like the new "var" (imitating JavaScript) instead of strict types or
foregoing the static main method such that one can at least code the main method without the
explicit declarations. The motivation about these changes is to make Java easier, reduce typing
needs and the like.
Of course a static and statically typed languages with a compiler must define as much rules as
possible, such that the compiler can check for them all. The more rules the more time consuming and
the more difficult to learn a language.
The IDE is also an important factor.
Yes, indeed.
In the case that you use IntelliJ (available for all major platforms) you could add the ooRexx
plugin which syntax checks and syntax highlights normal Rexx programs and ooRexx programs. There is
even a mode for mainframe REXX programs in it. The ooRexx IntelliJ plugin can be downloaded from
<https://sourceforge.net/projects/bsf4oorexx/files/Sandbox/aseik/ooRexxIDEA/GA/2.2.0/>. You download
the zip archive and have IntelliJ load it in its plugin menu, just follow the instructions on that page.
One feature you get with this plugin is a documentation feature of Rexx and ooRexx programs (just
use the right mouse button).
I already write programs on my Windows laptop and run them on z/OS using Java
:-)
Yes, that makes sense! :)
---rony
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