What are symbolic parameters and why is it required?

1.	What are symbolic parameters and why is it required?
Answer» In general, any parameter that varies with every execution of a program should be considered a symbolic parameter. By using symbolic parameters, the procedure becomes more flexible. The procedure will not have to be altered each and every time a small and recurring change is made at a particular place. In symbolic parameters, an ampersand (&) PRECEDES the STRING of 1 to 7 alphameric characters. It is mandatory to put an alphabetic character after &. JCL statements do not permit symbolic parameters to appear in the name or operation fields; they may only appear in the operand field. On a PROC or EXEC statement, if more than ONE symbolic parameter is ASSIGNED, only the first is used.

Answer»

In general, any parameter that varies with every execution of a program should be considered a symbolic parameter. By using symbolic parameters, the procedure becomes more flexible. The procedure will not have to be altered each and every time a small and recurring change is made at a particular place.

In symbolic parameters, an ampersand (&) PRECEDES the STRING of 1 to 7 alphameric characters. It is mandatory to put an alphabetic character after &. JCL statements do not permit symbolic parameters to appear in the name or operation fields; they may only appear in the operand field. On a PROC or EXEC statement, if more than ONE symbolic parameter is ASSIGNED, only the first is used.

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