Process Permanent Files (PPFs)

SYS$OUTPUT (UN*X equivalent: stdout)

When interactive, points to your terminal, unless you redirect it:$ DEFINE SYS$OUTPUT filespec$ DEFINE/USER SYS$OUTPUT filespec


In batch, points to the job log unless you redirect it.

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The SYS$OUTPUT stream, which is equivalent to the UN*X standard output (stdout) stream, usually points to your terminal.

When a DCL procedure is invoked using /OUTPUT, SYS$OUTPUT points to the file specified. Similarly, when a DCL procedure is SUBMITted to batch, SYS$OUTPUT points to the batch job's log file (if any).

SYS$OUTPUT can be redirected using DEFINE (or ASSIGN). If DEFINEd in /USER mode, it will be DEASSIGNed when a program is run and that program terminates. If DEFINEd in /SUPERVISOR mode (the default if no access mode is specified in the DEFINE (or ASSIGN) command) or an “inner” (more privileged) mode, it remains in effect until explicitly DEASSIGNed.