Scripting facilities of ARexx

More than just macros

Macros provide the vital feature of encapsulating command sequences into a new command. As a scripting language, ARexx carries that a step further, allowing the script author to do things that can't be encapsulated as a command sequence.

Can deal with external data files

While a macro can cause the application to deal with files in whatever manner it allows, a script can open an external file, parse it for the pertinent parts, and issue commands to the application based on the contents of the file.

Can queery the user

Unless the application specifically allows for it, a macro won't be able to queery the user for information. An ARexx script can always do so (via RexxArpLib), even if the application in question provided no such facility.

Can use programming constructs

As a scripting language, ARexx makes available a full range of programming features - conditionals, looping, and program variables.

Should be able to do everything the user can do

See everything for details.

And may be able to do more than the user can

While there shouldn't be anything that the user can't do, a scripting language may provide features that aren't usefull to the user at the keyboard, but would be very difficult or time-consuming for the user to do by hand.

On to IPC facilities, back to macro facilities, or up to what is ARexx.