The CALL statement allows an embedded SQL application to call the operating system or an Ingres tool (such as QBF or Report-Writer).

When used to call the operating system, this statement executes the specified command_string as if the user typed it at the operating system command line. After the command_string is executed, control returns to the application at the statement following the CALL statement.

If the CALL statement is being used to call an Ingres tool, it is more efficient to call the tool directly, rather than calling the operating system and, from there, calling the tool.