For more robust programming needs, use the simple, but powerful, REXX programming language. QMF supports REXX in both the OS/390 and z/OS, and VM environments. REXX is an interpreted programming language. It runs immediately without compilation, and is directly available from within QMF forms and procedures. Outside QMF, applications written in REXX can use QMF's query and report-writing function through the callable interface.
QMF does not need to be running when a REXX program is started; a REXX program can initiate a QMF session through the callable interface. By directing commands to QMF for execution, a REXX program can run queries, create reports, export and import data, or start an interactive table editing session with QMF's Table Editor. A REXX program can end the QMF session and continue processing the information. Using the callable interface, you can also start an application while you are running QMF. Your application can run QMF commands, queries, or procedures and retrieve the results. For example, your application can generate a letter to each employee that is based on a combination of job type and years of service.