The Howdy Glossary

REXX, or Restructured Extended Executor, is a high-level programming language designed by Mike Cowlishaw at IBM in the late 1970s to simplify mainframe job management as an alternative to JCL. It features a straightforward syntax where instructions are separated by new lines or semicolons and block structures are defined by indentation. The language's extensibility through dynamically linked libraries enables interactions with other languages like C, enhancing its versatility across various platforms such as mainframes, servers, desktops, and embedded systems.

REXX competes with languages like Python, Perl, and Tcl in the realm of ease-of-use and cross-platform compatibility. Python is renowned for its readability and extensive library ecosystem that supports web development and data science applications. Perl excels in text processing capabilities making it popular for report generation and system administration scripting. Tcl emphasizes embedding scripting capabilities into applications for GUI scripting and automation tasks. Each of these languages has distinct strengths that cater to different use cases within the programming landscape.

REXX stands out due to its simple syntax tailored for managing mainframe jobs efficiently. Its user-friendly design caters to programmers seeking quick learning curves and effective job control language alternatives. Furthermore, REXX's ability to integrate seamlessly with other languages through dynamically linked libraries broadens its adaptability across varied environments. The language's lightweight nature coupled with cross-platform compatibility makes it a compelling choice for diverse computing systems from large-scale mainframes to compact embedded devices—positioning it as an optimal solution for straightforward yet versatile task management in different computing contexts.