Re: Base utility?

//--- forwarded letter -------------------------------------------------------
> X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.71.1712.3
> Date: Mon, 23 Feb 98 10:36:21 -0500
> From: "Tony" <ath@tir.com>
> To: MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com
> Reply-To: MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com
> Subject: Base utility?

> 
> I need some help. I have to find a way to squeeze as many unique identifiers
> as I can into two positions. I also need it to increment easily. I've
> considered converting to hex, but it just doesn't provide enough identifiers
> within two positions.  Is there a  way to use a different base and simply
> add 1 to get the next ID?  How do I count from 00 to ZZ?
> 
> base 10 = 00 thru 99 = 100 IDs  and   base 16(hex) = 00 thru FF = 256 IDs
> 
> Tony
> 

Hello Tony,

I realise that a number of appenders have answered this and that you will 
probably use Peter 
Coffin's base36 example.  However, most of the others suggested using a binary 
data type.  Great 
idea in theory but a problem in RPG.  RPG III/400  does not provide true binary 
support: a 2-byte 
RPG binary variable can only contain a maximum value of 9999 due to the way RPG 
messes about.

RPG IV does provide true binary support but only if you define the variable as 
an INTEGER.  In that 
case a 2-byte integer can hold a maximum value of 32767 because RPG integers 
are always signed 
numbers.

If you are using a language other than RPG with true binary/integer support 
then this is not an 
issue but it may be of interest to others.

Regards,
Simon Coulter.

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// FlyByNight Software         AS/400 Technical Specialists
// Phone: +61 3 9419 0175      Mobile: +61 3 0411 091 400
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