REPLY is an operator response to a system or application message that requests a reply (WTOR). Jobs pause, awaiting operator input, and continue once a reply is entered.
A paused phone menu: the system asks a question and waits. Only when you press a key (reply) does it proceed.
Operators use the system console or SDSF panels to view outstanding replies and respond.
1R 42,YES
Responds to outstanding WTOR number 42 with text YES. The exact number and text depend on the message.
System utilities, subsystems, or site exits may issue a WTOR. COBOL can participate through site APIs, but there is no standard COBOL WTOR verb.
1WTOR 'ENTER Y TO CONTINUE, N TO ABORT',REPLY,1,ECB
Example shows an assembler macro style. Replies are then entered via console.
| Mistake | Problem | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No timeout | Job waits forever | Set timeouts or automation |
| Ambiguous prompts | Wrong replies from operators | Clear messages with valid choices |
| Overuse of WTOR | Operational burden | Use configuration, not prompts |
| Concept | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| WTOR | Write to operator with reply | Prompt that pauses a job |
| REPLY | Operator command to answer WTOR | R 42,YES |
| SDSF H | Outstanding replies panel | Monitor and respond |
1. What does REPLY refer to on z/OS?
2. What happens if a job issues a WTOR?
3. Should production batch jobs depend on REPLY often?
4. Where do you see pending replies?
5. Is REPLY a COBOL keyword?