Re[3]: "extract" command enhancement (subfiles and BIFs)

     Dan,
     
     I have written similar functionality (using arrays, back on v2r2 
     before user indexes came along), but it still highlights the point - 
     you have to code a bunch of stuff to do something that the system 
     really ought to be able to handle for you.
     
     I agree that UIM looks kinda arcane, but the philosophy is brilliant - 
     the system determines the optimum panel layout to fit the data, 
     manages F24=More keys functionality, automatically requests more data 
     when required, processes all user input and list/cursor positioning as 
     per system norms...  In a way you are echoing my point that IBM should 
     have made more effort to make UIM accessible, for example by providing 
     a PDA (Panel Design Aid) tool, or whatever.
     
     How many people are using PNLGRPs for help displays?  The tag language 
     for that is a bit wierd at first, but at the end of the day it seems 
     to be just a form of SGML.
     
     ____________
     Paul Cunnane
     The Learning Company


______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re[2]: "extract" command enhancement (subfiles and BIFs)
Author:  "Dan Bale" <dbale@genfast.com> at InterNet
Date:    22-09-99 3:26 pm


     
     
Paul,
     
>   My own personal problem with subfiles is how difficult it is to code 
>   one that encapsulates all the nice list functionality.  For example, 
>   if you want "Position to:" functionality, you need SFLPAG=SFLSIZ.  If
>   you want to be able to select multiple records on different pages, and 
>   page back and forth at will without losing these selections, you
>   either code SFLSIZ>SFLPAG, or handle it manually.  And don't get me 
>   started on reliably positioning the list, and positioning the cursor 
>   in the list.
     
As far as being "able to select multiple records on different pages, and page 
back and forth at will without losing these selections", you may be interested 
in an article in the September 1999 issue of News400, "The Power of User 
Indexes" which is, I believe, the answer to the problem you describe.  In fact, 
author Gary Guthrie describes his first experience with U.I. was for this very 
reason.  I plan on checking this out soon.
     
>   I've said it before - if UIM were easier to code, it would have
>   answered a lot of my prayers.  It handles all the boring stuff like 
>   actually displaying the data and managing user input, leaving the
>   business logic to the programmer.
     
I dunno, Paul.  I've done UIM before... I think it's even more mystical than all
the subfile incantations.  Won't touch it again.
     
- Dan Bale
     
     
     
     
     
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