Direct Mode

In this chapter we describe how to run ICL in direct mode and use its variables, expressions etc. which enable us to use the VAX as a very expensive electronic calculator. In direct mode we type in commands and they are executed immediately. The alternative to direct mode is the use of procedures, in which the commands are entered into a procedure, and subsequently executed by running the procedure.

ICL is started up by using the command ICL. After a short delay ICL will respond by displaying any startup messages which have been set, followed by the prompt ICL>, meaning it is now ready to accept a command.

    $ ICL

      Interactive Command Language   -   Version 1.5-6

      - Type HELP [command] for help on ICL and its commands

    ICL>