# Object REXX

> object-oriented scripting language for the operating system OS/2

**Wikidata**: [Q2437099](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q2437099)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Object_REXX)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/object-rexx

## Summary
Object REXX is an object-oriented scripting language originally developed by IBM for the OS/2 operating system. First released in 1988, it functions as a cross-platform programming language influenced by Smalltalk and the classic REXX language. It is currently distributed under the Common Public License, with its most recent stable release, version 5.0.0, launched in May 2023.

## Key Facts
- **Inception:** The language was created in **1988**.
- **Developer:** It was developed by **IBM** (International Business Machines Corporation).
- **Paradigm:** It is an **object-oriented programming** language and is classified as an object-based language.
- **Operating System:** While originally associated with **OS/2**, the software is **cross-platform**.
- **Latest Version:** The stable version is **5.0.0**, released on **May 10, 2023**.
- **License:** The language is distributed under the **Common Public License**.
- **Influences:** The design of Object REXX was influenced by **Smalltalk** and **REXX**.
- **File Extensions:** Scripts typically use the file extensions **.rxs** or **.rex**.
- **Website:** The official project website is **oorexx.org**.

## FAQs
### Q: What is Object REXX used for?
A: Object REXX is a scripting language designed for communicating instructions to a machine. It serves as an object-based programming language that allows for object-oriented scripting across different operating systems.

### Q: Who created Object REXX?
A: Object REXX was created and developed by IBM, the American multinational technology corporation, in 1988.

### Q: Is Object REXX still updated?
A: Yes, the language is actively maintained. The most recent stable release as of 2023 is version 5.0.0, released on May 10, 2023.

### Q: What languages influenced Object REXX?
A: The language was influenced by Smalltalk and REXX, blending traditional scripting with object-oriented concepts.

## Why It Matters
Object REXX represents a significant evolution in the REXX family of languages, bridging the gap between procedural scripting and modern object-oriented programming. Developed by IBM, it extended the capabilities of classic REXX—widely used on mainframes and OS/2—by incorporating concepts from Smalltalk, enabling more complex data handling and software design patterns.

Its longevity is notable; originating in 1988, it has adapted to modern computing environments. Unlike many legacy systems that remain tied to deprecated hardware, Object REXX transitioned to a cross-platform model. It is supported by an active community, evidenced by the release of version 5.0.0 in 2023. As an open-source solution under the Common Public License, it provides a free, robust tool for developers needing an object-based language that retains the simplicity of REXX syntax.

## Notable For
- **IBM Heritage:** Developed by one of the world's largest technology corporations, IBM.
- **Hybrid Paradigm:** Successfully combines traditional REXX scripting with object-oriented features influenced by Smalltalk.
- **Longevity:** A development history spanning from 1988 to 2023 (and ongoing).
- **OS/2 Roots:** Historically significant as a key scripting language for the OS/2 operating system.
- **Open Source Availability:** Available under the Common Public License via oorexx.org.

## Body

### Development and History
Object REXX was developed by **IBM** and officially recorded as having an **inception date of 1988**. It is classified as both a **programming language** and an **object-based language**. While originally prominent on the **OS/2** operating system, the language has evolved to become **cross-platform**.

The project is currently managed under the umbrella of **Open Object Rexx (ooRexx)**. The official website is located at `https://www.oorexx.org`.

### Technical Specifications
The language follows the **object-oriented programming** paradigm. It draws significant influence from **Smalltalk**, a pioneering object-oriented language, as well as **REXX**, its direct predecessor.

*   **File Extensions:** Source files typically use the extensions `.rxs` or `.rex`.
*   **License:** It is distributed using the **Common Public License**.
*   **Package Names:** The software is packaged as `ooRexx` in openSUSE and is available via MacPorts as `oorexx`.

### Version History
The development of Object REXX has continued through the 21st century with the following notable releases documented in the source material:

*   **Version 4.1.3:** Released on July 7, 2013.
*   **Version 4.2.0:** Released on February 23, 2014.
*   **Version 5.0.0:** Released on May 10, 2023. This is marked as the **stable version**.

### Digital Identifiers
*   **Freebase ID:** `/m/04w43s`
*   **Microsoft Academic ID:** 2778657340 (discontinued)
*   **Wikipedia:** Available in 7 languages (German, English, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Turkish).

## References

1. [Source](https://sourceforge.net/projects/oorexx/files/oorexx/4.1.3/)
2. [Source](https://sourceforge.net/projects/oorexx/files/oorexx/4.2.0/)
3. [ooRexx (Open Object Rexx) -  Browse /oorexx/5.0.0 at SourceForge.net](https://sourceforge.net/projects/oorexx/files/oorexx/5.0.0/)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013