NetRexx - Easy scripting

The Rexx language was created by Mike Colishaw in 1970 for IBM, and implemented on the IBM 370. It was used as a scripting tool on OS/2. NetRexx is a new, object oriented version which was written in 1997, and which compiles into Java bytecode and runs with the Java Virtual Machines.

Features

NetRexx source may be either compiled into bytecode, or directly interpreted.
- It is an Object oriented scripting language.
- Uses Java classes in the code.
- Methods are terminated by another method or the end of the file. "Return" is used only to return a value.
- Block of statements are delimited by "do..end".
- The select case ... when construct if the NetRexx equivalent of switch ... case, but more powerful.
- A general loop construct with options, replaces severals ones of other languages.
- String is the default type for variables.
- The body of a function is terminated by a blank line, that is perhaps unique to this language.
- Fixed size array and dictionary are composite types.

Why to use NetRexx?

- Intended to replace Java with a simplest syntax. This is an alternative to Jython (Java Python), but less powerful.
- Can make applets, uses the Java's API.
- Using a same language for scripting and applications.
- Not widely used apart on IBM's environments.

Sites

• NetRexx
  The official site where is downloadable the compiler.
• Rexx
  Official website.

Sample code

-- A script
         
loop label prompt forever 
   reply=ask 
   select
     when reply.datatype('n') then say reply**3
     when reply='Quit' then leave prompt 
     otherwise say 'eh?' 
        end 
     end prompt          
say 'Done.' 

-- An applet 
         
class HelloApplet extends Applet 
method init 
  resize(200, 40)
         
method paint(g=Graphics) 
  g.drawString("Hello world!", 50, 30)
                 
-- The applet is loaded with this html code: 
<applet code="HelloApplet.class" width=200 height=40> </applet>