VAX/VMS Command Language

This document is the "VAX/VMS Command Language User's Guide," published in August 1978. It serves as both a tutorial and a comprehensive reference for the VAX/VMS Digital Command Language (DCL), aimed at all users, including application programmers, system programmers, operators, and managers.

The manual is divided into two parts:

• Part I: Using the Command Language provides an overview of DCL and VAX/VMS operating system concepts. It covers accessing the system, understanding the command environment, syntax for entering commands (including qualifiers, parameters, and special characters), and interpreting system messages. It also details file specifications, logical names, directory hierarchies, and the management of disk and tape volumes (protection, initialization, mounting, and access). Additionally, this section describes commands pertinent to program development and control, debugging, exit and condition handlers, and process concepts (priorities, privileges, quotas, and I/O streams). A significant portion is dedicated to command procedures and batch jobs, explaining their creation, execution, and advanced features like defining synonyms and controlling execution flow.
• Part II: Command Descriptions offers detailed, alphabetical reference information for each DCL command, including their format, qualifiers, parameters, and usage examples.

Key functionalities highlighted include extending DCL through user-defined synonyms and command procedures, managing files and devices, and utilizing DCL for program development and batch processing. The document also explains the integrated HELP command for on-terminal assistance and methods for customizing terminal characteristics.