RE: Using % type functions/using RPG IV

>>-----Original Message-----
>>From: owner-rpg400-l@midrange.com [mailto:owner-rpg400-l@midrange.com]On
>>Behalf Of Colin Williams
>>Sent: Tuesday, February 08, 2000 10:27 AM
>>To: 'RPG400-L@midrange.com'
>>Subject: RE: Using % type functions/using RPG IV

>>Customers fixing errors in vendors code - Sounds scary!

What's more scary it that it happens too damn often.  Just yesterday, I
fixed a "security setup" problem for a GL/AP package (vendor in Oregon)
where obviously the programmers have never heard of "third normal form" in
database design and won't have a fix out until their next release in July -
the code is RPGIII, last release December 1999.  Today I'm patching a
distribution package (vendor in Georgia) where their Y2K fix used the nifty
"flog a 1 left if it's a 2000 date" but didn't quite change all their code -
their programmers are buried and can't promise a fix for weeks - again the
code is RPGIII, last release July 1999.  Hey it's a living for me but it
just rots my socks!

What I see too often is crap code with a glossy face being unloaded on
smaller companies that don't have the technical resources to evaluate the
technical merits of the code.

My final word on this beaten-to-death topic:
1. buyer beware - if it's RPGIII, don't even consider it.
2. buyer beware - if it's RPGIV and doesn't use true date data types, don't
even consider it.

Welcome to the global economy of the 21st century!

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