VX/DCL - OpenVMS DCL

Description

VX/DCL is a fully compatible implementation of the VMS/OpenVMS Digital Command Language (DCL) for Linux and Windows. It enables seamless migration and execution of VMS DCL scripts and commands on x86 Intel Linux, ensuring that existing .COM files and DCL-based automation workflows continue to function without modification.

VX/DCL integrates with VX/RT, offering a comprehensive runtime environment, VMS-style logical names, file system translation, and a fully functional command-line interface (CLI). The implementation also includes full support for VMS lexicals, logicals, symbols, and command processing.

Key Features

• Run VMS DCL Scripts on Linux and Windows

• Execute .COM files without modification.

• Supports VMS logicals, symbols, lexicals, and commands.

• Fully compatible with DCL system utilities.

• Automatic File System Translation

• Converts VMS-style file paths to Linux paths and vice versa.

• Example:

$ f$vms_to_linux("DUA0:[a.c.b]TEXT.TXT")
/vms_disk/a/b/c/TEXT.TXT

$ f$linux_to_vms("/vms_disk/a/b/c/TEXT.TXT")
DUA0:[a.c.b]TEXT.TXT

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• Full CLI & Scripting Support

• Supports over 130 DCL commands.

• Allows Linux commands to run from the $ prompt.

• Enables interactive and script-based execution.

• Integrated with Sector7 Migration Tools

• VX/JSP for print & batch queue management.

• VX/RMS for file system compatibility.

• VX/SORT for SORT/MERGE operations.

• Captive Accounts & Secure Environments

• VX/DCL can replace Linux shells to provide a VMS-like interactive experience.

• Supports VMS user environments with logical names and login scripts.

File System Compatibility & Path Translation

VX/DCL retains full compatibility with VMS file systems, including:

• Logical name mapping

• Device table management

• Automatic case conversion for file specifications

Example: VMS to Linux File Mapping

VMS Path	Linux Equivalent
DUA0:[A.B.C]FILE.TXT	/vms_disk/A/B/C/FILE.TXT
SYS$LOGIN:LOGIN.COM	/home/user/LOGIN.COM

VX/DCL ensures transparent conversion, allowing VMS scripts to work without modifications.

DCL Commands Supported in VX/DCL

VX/DCL implements over 130 VMS DCL commands, ensuring seamless migration for existing workflows.

Command	Function
ALLOCATE	Assigns a device to a process.
ASSIGN	Creates a logical name.
COPY	Copies files from one location to another.
CREATE	Creates new files or directories.
DELETE	Removes files or directories.
PRINT	Submits print jobs.
SUBMIT	Submits batch jobs.
SHOW QUEUE	Displays job queue status.
SET DEFAULT	Changes the current working directory.

VX/DCL ensures that all essential VMS commands are implemented, allowing command procedures and interactive use without modification.

Example: Running a VMS DCL Script on Linux

$ @my_script.com

Example: Interactive DCL Session on Linux

$ VX/DCL
$ SHOW TIME
27-JAN-2025 10:45:12.34
$ SHOW DEFAULT
DUA0:[USER.DIRECTORY]
$ DIRECTORY
DUA0:[USER.DIRECTORY]
FILE1.TXT;1
FILE2.DAT;1
$ LOGOUT

VX/DCL ensures that VMS users can work within a familiar command-line environment, even when running on Linux or Windows.

Conclusion

✅ Migrate and execute VMS DCL scripts on Linux/Windows without modification

✅ Supports over 130 DCL commands, logicals, symbols, and lexicals

✅ Full API support, including LIB$, SYS$, and CLI$ calls

✅ Seamless file system translation between VMS and Linux paths

✅ Integration with Sector7 migration tools (VX/JSP, VX/RMS, VX/SORT)

VX/DCL is the only solution that guarantees full VMS DCL compatibility on Linux and Windows, making migration seamless and ensuring continuity of existing automation workflows.