This is a non-SAA instruction provided in REXX/CICS.
.----------. V | >>-UPPER----variable-+--;--------------------------------------><
UPPER translates the contents of one or more variables to uppercase. The variables are translated in sequence from left to right.
The variable is a symbol, separated from any other variables by one or more blanks or comments. Specify only simple symbols and compound symbols. (See page ***.)
Using this instruction is more convenient than repeatedly invoking the TRANSLATE built-in function.
Example:
a1='Hello'; b1='there'
Upper a1 b1
say a1 b1 /* Displays "HELLO THERE" */
An error is signalled if a constant symbol or a stem is encountered. Using an uninitialized variable is not an error, and has no effect, except that it is trapped if the NOVALUE condition (SIGNAL ON NOVALUE) is enabled.