Information Systems:IBM i Commands

As a rule (of course there are exceptions), commands are made up of three character abbreviations; usually the first letter, then the next two consonants. For example, ‘work with active jobs’ is WRKACTJOB (there aren’t two consonants in JOB after the first letter). An exception is that ‘file’ is typically just ‘F’; as in WRKSPLF (work with spool files), and CPYF (copy file).

This makes it possible for you to guess a command. For example, perhaps you want to send someone a message. The code for this is ‘MSG’. All related commands are grouped together on menus, which are named ‘CMD’ plus the code. So to see all message commands, key in GO CMDMSG and press enter.

When you find what you think is the correct command, key in that menu option and press enter. The command will not be executed; its prompt screen will be displayed. Move the cursor to the name of the command (first line on the screen), and press F1. This will tell you what the command does, and what parameters are needed. Make sure to use F12 to exit back to the menu – not Enter – if you don’t want to execute the command.