Parameters

expression

   Defines the test to be performed. The expression can consist of
   one or more numeric constants, string literals, symbolic names,
   or lexical functions separated by logical, arithmetic, or string
   operators.

   Expressions in IF commands are automatically evaluated during
   the execution of the command. Character strings beginning with
   alphabetic characters that are not enclosed in quotation marks
   (" ")  are assumed to be symbol names or lexical functions. The
   command language interpreter (CLI) replaces these strings with
   their current values.

   Symbol substitution in expressions in IF commands is not
   iterative; that is, each symbol is replaced only once. However,
   if you want iterative substitution, precede a symbol name with an
   apostrophe (')  or ampersand (&).

   The command interpreter does not execute an IF command when it
   contains an undefined symbol. Instead, the command interpreter
   issues a warning message and executes the next command in the
   procedure.

   For a summary of operators and details on how to specify
   expressions, see the OpenVMS User's Manual.


command

   Specifies the DCL command or commands to be executed, depending
   on the syntax specified, when the result of the expression is
   true or false.