Generalized Automation Language

GAL is a very high level programming language for MVS based systems such as OS/390 and z/OS. It contains features and constructs that enable the programmer to efficiently intercept systems events and schedule responses. Somewhat akin to BASIC, GAL enables systems programmer and operators to define logic to apply to systems messages as they flow through a multi-system (sysplex) environment. GAL also enables the programmer to define events that have occurred in the past, by intercepting Action Message Retention Facility (AMRF) messages. The language has built in constructs to obtain the age of a retained message and make decisions about its fate depending on age. GAL can be used to write new systems commands, by intercepting anything that is entered into an Operator Console and interpreting it. GAL uses keywords such as names of days of the week, names of month etc. to automatically schedule events in the system. Like REXX GAL is both an interpretive language and a complied language. GAL statements can be entered to the interpreer on the fly, or entire automation scenario's can be predefined, such as for instance, the logic to define unattended operations of a system, and can be compiled offline, using the compiler program GALCOMP. GAL implements comparison by IF statements, setting of variables by the LET statement and subroutine calls. GAL allows the programmer to break into REXX, and Assembler where it is needed. The very high level nature of GAL is exemplified by the EMAIL statement, which enables the programmer to send an email alert when an event is detected that requires human intervention.