# REXX

> interpreted programming language

**Wikidata**: [Q685820](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q685820)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rexx)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/rexx

## Summary
REXX is an interpreted programming language developed by IBM in 1979, designed by British computer scientist Mike Cowlishaw. It belongs to the command line interface language category and is known for its use in procedural programming with dynamic typing.

## Key Facts
- REXX is an interpreted programming language created in 1979.
- It was developed by IBM and designed by British computer scientist Mike Cowlishaw.
- REXX is part of the IBM Systems Application Architecture standards, which began in 1987.
- It's categorized as a command line interface language, programming language, and interpreted language.
- The stable version is ANSI X3.274, which was established in 1996.
- REXX supports procedural programming and structured programming paradigms with dynamic typing.
- Its file extensions include cmd, bat, exec, rexx, rex, and EXEC.
- REXX was influenced by PL/I, ALGOL, CMS EXEC, and EXEC 2.

## FAQs
### Q: What is REXX used for?
A: REXX is an interpreted programming language primarily used for command-line scripting and procedure control in computer systems. It's designed to be easy to use for tasks like text processing, system administration, and automation.

### Q: Who created REXX?
A: REXX was developed by IBM in 1979 and was designed by British computer scientist Mike Cowlishaw, who worked at IBM during its creation.

### Q: What is the significance of REXX's typing discipline?
A: REXX employs dynamic typing, which means variables don't need to be declared with specific types and can hold different types of data during runtime, making the language flexible and easier to use for scripting tasks.

### Q: How does REXX compare to other command line interface languages?
A: REXX distinguishes itself through its readability, English-like syntax, and minimal syntax requirements. Unlike some other command line languages, REXX was designed to be both a programming language and a command processor, making it versatile for both simple scripts and complex applications.

## Why It Matters
REXX was created to fill a need for an easy-to-use yet powerful scripting language that could be used across different IBM systems. It played a crucial role in the evolution of command-line interfaces by offering a more natural language syntax compared to other programming languages of its time. Its influence extended to modern scripting languages through its emphasis on readability and simplicity. REXX was particularly significant in IBM's Systems Application Architecture, where it served as a standard language for scripting across different platforms. The language's design philosophy of simplicity and versatility has made it enduringly relevant in environments where automated text processing and system administration are required.

## Notable For
- REXX is known for its readable, English-like syntax that makes it easier for non-programmers to understand and use.
- It was one of the first widely adopted scripting languages to implement dynamic typing, allowing greater flexibility in data handling.
- REXX has influenced the design of later scripting languages through its emphasis on simplicity and readability.
- Despite being created in 1979, REXX maintains a presence in modern systems due to its versatility and adaptability across different computing environments.
- The language has a minimal number of reserved words, making it easier to learn and use compared to more complex programming languages.

## Body
### History and Development
REXX (Restructured Extended Executor) is an interpreted programming language that was developed by IBM in 1979. The language was designed by British computer scientist Mike Cowlishaw, who was working at IBM during its creation. REXX was created as part of IBM's Systems Application Architecture, a set of standards for computer software that was established in 1987. The language was influenced by earlier languages including PL/I, ALGOL, CMS EXEC, and EXEC 2.

### Technical Characteristics
REXX is categorized as a command line interface language, programming language, and interpreted language. It supports procedural programming and structured programming paradigms. The language employs dynamic typing, which means variables don't need to be declared with specific types and can hold different types of data during runtime. REXX has several file extensions, including cmd, bat, exec, rexx, rex, and EXEC.

### Version and Standardization
The stable version of REXX is ANSI X3.274, which was established in 1996. This standard version helped ensure consistency across different implementations of the language. The language has been widely documented in various standards, including its GNDA ID (4196484-6), YSA ID (Y108843), and YSO ID (11785).

### Usage and Applications
REXX is primarily used for command-line scripting, text processing, and system administration tasks. It's designed to be both a programming language and a command processor, making it versatile for both simple scripts and complex applications. Despite being created in the late 1970s, REXX continues to be used in legacy systems and modern IBM environments.

### Influence and Legacy
REXX has influenced the design of later scripting languages through its emphasis on simplicity and readability. Its minimal number of reserved words and English-like syntax have made it a model for user-friendly programming languages. The language continues to have a presence in modern computing environments, demonstrating its enduring relevance.

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## References

1. [Source](https://github.com/JohnMarkOckerbloom/ftl/blob/master/data/wikimap)
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Quora
4. National Library of Israel