RE: Best document formatting language

Thanks Rich, 

Rich Duzenbury wrote:

> If I'm writing an AS/400 app, standard 66 line by 132 column 
> SCS spooled files are my first choice.  They are easiest to 
> create and most well supported by the system. 

We also do. Normal tekst is not a problem.

> If it needs to be somewhat fancy, I've had success using the 
> IBM AFP driver to create overlays on the AS/400.  I've also 
> had success in using the POSITION DDS keyword in external 
> print files, which gives some basic font capabilities and all 
> points addressable text.  The drawback to the AFP driver is 
> that to make changes you have to go back to the PC, 
> regenerate the overlay, upload it, and re-create it.  

We are already creating AFPDS spoolfiles with very good results. 
The pain is when we want to convert AFPDS to a format that is readable
on other platforms.
It seems that only IPS (Infoprint) can do this with good results.
So that's why I'm looking to another formatting language.

> If it needs to be really fancy, then I go the postscript 
> route.  I've got complete control of the entire page, and I 
> can easily emit PS from RPG.  I don't have to fiddle with the 
> AFP driver to get it to work.  I must have postscript 
> printers installed, however.  It's also harder to write than 
> a simple spooled file.

Ok, it might be harder than a simple spoolfile, but is it much harder to
learn than AFP ?
And is it possible to convert PS _on the iSeries_ to another format?
ps2pdf in PASE ?

> If it needs to be posted to web or e-mail, then I go the PDF route.
> This means converting spooled files directly to PDF on the 
> AS/400, or writing PDF from RPG, or using PC tools to build 
> the PDF, whichever is most appropriate for the project.

You mean pdf via ps ? Or do you directly write pdf formats?

Best regards,
Arco Simonse
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