--- title: "Mainframe CLIST pdf and examples" description: "CLIST is an interpreted language. CLISTs can be run in background (by running JCL which executes the TSO control program (IKJEFT01)). Read more with examples." url: https://srinimf.com/2017/06/19/clist-examples/ date: 2017-06-19 modified: 2026-10-10 author: "Srini" image: https://i0.wp.com/srinimf.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/pexels-photo-5011647.jpeg?fit=1880%2C1058&ssl=1 categories: ["CLIST"] tags: ["CLIST examples", "CLIST in mainframe pdf"] type: post lang: en --- # Mainframe CLIST pdf and examples The CLIST language enables you to work more efficiently with TSO/E. You can write programs, called CLISTs, that perform given tasks or groups of tasks. From then on, you can simply invoke the CLISTs to do those tasks.  Advertisements ## **What is CLIST** The term CLIST (pronounced “sea list”) is short for Command LIST, because the most basic CLISTs are lists of TSO/E commands. When you invoke such a CLIST, it issues the TSO/E commands in sequence.[Download CLIST pdf at free of cost.](http://math.uni.lodz.pl/~arogow/os390/podr/TSO%20CLIST.pdf) Related[How to Run TSO Commands Correctly](https://srinimf.com/2020/12/20/mainframe-tso-session-the-real-purpose/) Besides issuing TSO/E commands, CLISTs can perform more complex programming tasks. The CLIST language includes the programming tools you need to write extensive, structured applications. ## **Purpose of CLIST** CLISTs can perform any number of complex tasks, from displaying a series of full-screen panels to managing programs written in other languages. The CLIST language is an interpretive language. Like programs in other high-level interpretive languages, CLISTs are easy to write and test. You don’t have to compile and link-edit them. To test a CLIST, you execute it, correct any errors, and re-execute it. The CLIST language is one of two command languages available in TSO/E. ## **According to [Wiki the CLIST](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CLIST) is as follows:** *CLIST (Command List) (pronounced “C-List”) is a procedural programming language for TSO in MVS systems. It originated in OS/360 Release 20 and has assumed a secondary role since the availability of Rexx in TSO/E Version 2. The term CLIST is also used for command lists written by users of NetView.[1]* In its basic form, a CLIST program (or “CLIST” for short) can take the form of a simple list of commands to be executed in strict sequence (like a DOS batch file (*.bat) file). However, CLIST also features If-Then-Else logic as well as loop constructs.[The best available book on CLIST find here.](http://amzn.to/2rrojdu) CLIST is an interpreted language. That is, the computer must translate a CLIST every time the program is executed. CLISTs, therefore, tend to be slower than programs written in compiled languages such as COBOL, FORTRAN, or PL/1. (A program written in a compiled language is translated once to create a “load module” or executable.) CLIST can read/write MVS files and read/write from/to a TSO terminal. It can read parameters from the caller and also features a function to hold global variables and pass them between CLISTs. A CLIST can also call an MVS application program (written in COBOL or PL/I, for example). CLISTs can be run in background (by running JCL which executes the TSO control program (IKJEFT01)). TSO I/O screens and menus using ISPF dialog services can be displayed by CLISTs. Compare the function of CLIST with that provided by REXX. --- ## **Best CLIST example** ``` 1 /********************************************************************/ 2 /* MULTI-LINGUAL "HELLO WORLD" PROGRAM. */ 3 /* */ 4 /* THIS CLIST, STORED AS USERID.TSO.CLIST(TEST), CAN BE INVOKED */ 5 /* FROM THE ISPF COMMAND LINE AS SHOWN IN THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLE: */ 6 /* */ 7 /* COMMAND ===> TSO TEST SPANISH */ 8 /* */ 9 /********************************************************************/ 10 PROC 1 LANGUAGE 11 IF &LANGUAGE = SPANISH THEN + 12 WRITE HOLA, MUNDO 13 ELSE IF &LANGUAGE = FRENCH THEN + 14 WRITE BONJOUR, MONDE 15 ELSE + 16 WRITE HELLO, WORLD 17 EXIT ``` Related Posts - [How to Execute TSO, CLIST and REXX Commands](https://srinimf.com/2014/08/04/mainframe-tso-clist-and-rexx/)DateAugust 4, 2014 - [How to Run TSO Commands Correctly](https://srinimf.com/2020/12/20/mainframe-tso-session-the-real-purpose/)DateDecember 20, 2020 - [What is Data Stack in TSO Rexx](https://srinimf.com/2016/03/02/what-is-data-stack-in-tso-rexx/)DateMarch 2, 2016 ### Share this: - - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) - [![](https://i0.wp.com/assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_gray_20.png)](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/link/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsrinimf.com%2F2017%2F06%2F19%2Fclist-examples%2F&media=https%3A%2F%2Fi0.wp.com%2Fsrinimf.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F06%2Fpexels-photo-5011647.jpeg%3Ffit%3D1200%252C675%26ssl%3D1&description=Mainframe%20CLIST%20pdf%20and%20examples) - - [Share on Tumblr](https://www.tumblr.com/share) - [Share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp](https://srinimf.com/2017/06/19/clist-examples/?share=jetpack-whatsapp) - [More](#) - - [Print (Opens in new window) Print](https://srinimf.com/2017/06/19/clist-examples/?share=print) - [Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit](https://srinimf.com/2017/06/19/clist-examples/?share=reddit) - [Share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram](https://srinimf.com/2017/06/19/clist-examples/?share=telegram) - [Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email](mailto:?subject=%5BShared%20Post%5D%20Mainframe%20CLIST%20pdf%20and%20examples&body=https%3A%2F%2Fsrinimf.com%2F2017%2F06%2F19%2Fclist-examples%2F&share=email) - ### Like this: Like Loading…