XCTL is used to call the other programs in CICS environment but it won’t expect the control back to the calling program. When the XCTL is coded in the program, the calling program will not receive the control back.

Instead of returning the control back, it returns the control to the next upper level. If no upper level existed, the control returns to the CICS. XCTL transfers control from one application program to another at the same logical level.

If the subprogram modified, then the calling program doesn’t require to be recompile hence XCTL will use the dynamic calling of the sub programs. Subprograms called using XCTL needs PPT entry in CICS region.

The called program is released once the control transferred to calling program using XCTL. If the calling program is not already in main storage then it is loaded.

Syntax -

Parameters -

PROGRAM(program-name) -

Program name is mandatory entry in XCTL command. Specifies the program name to which the control is passed unconditionally and from where the control not expecting back. Program name is of 8 characters length which includes alphanumeric characters.

COMMAREA(data-area) -

COMMAREA is optional entry in XCTL command. Specifies the communication area that is passing to the called program.

Calling program always passes the pointer to the data area to called program. Subprogram or called program needs to receive it by using DFHCOMMAREA declaration in LINKAGE SECTION.

LENGTH(data-value) -

LENGTH is optional entry in XCTL command. LENGTH is 16-bit(half-word) binary value that specifies the length of the communication area.

If negative value supplied, ZERO length will be assumed. Do not specify 0 (zero) for LENGTH, because the resulting behaviour is unpredictable and the EXEC CICS XCTL command might fail.

CHANNEL(channel-name) -

CHANNEL is optional entry in XCTL command. Specifies the channel made available to the invoked program or called program or linked program. Channel name is of 16 characters length which contains alphanumeric characters and special characters.

If less than 16 characters given, the remaining characters at the right most characters will be filled with spaces. If the specified channel does not exist, it is created.

INPUTMSG(data-area) -

INPUTMSG is optional entry in XCTL command. Specifies the data to be supplied to the called program when it first issues RECEIVE statement.

The data remain available until the RECEIVE or RETURN statement executes. INPUTMSG is required when a particular program requires both commarea and message that required for RECEIVE command.

If a linked-to chain exists, CICS supplies the INPUTMSG data to the first RECEIVE command run in the chain. INPUTMSG cannot be used at the same time as DATALENGTH.

INPUTMSGLEN(data-value) -

INPUTMSGLEN is optional entry in XCTL command and mandatory when INPUTMSG coded with XCTL Statement. INPUTMSGLEN is a half word binary value that specifies the length of the INPUTMSG.

Error Conditions -

Below are the list of error conditions may occur in combination. If more than one occurs, only the first is passed to the application program.