RE: Is this the Free-Format that we asked for?

Hi folks,
I'm kinda new to this group, but I've never used GOTO in all the time I've
been programming in RPG, although I've came across it in VERY old code. I
was taught AGAINST using it, which I fully agree with. 
I remember using it as a youngster on BBC Micros(as with GOSUB on Amstrad
CPC's) and having it is no longer an issue. 
2 words: Dead wood.
As for the semi colons, it seems like an effort to allow programmers from
different backgrounds to warm to RPG, and make it `easier on the eye` for
them if they have programmed previously in C etc.

regards,

Brian.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: George J. Vitek [SMTP:vitekg@ctpf.org]
> Sent: Thursday, November 02, 2000 2:14 PM
> To:   RPG400-L@midrange.com
> Subject:      Re: Is this the Free-Format that we asked for?
> 
> Totally agree with John Taylor!
> 
> John Taylor wrote:
> 
> > Folks,
> >
> > News/400 is hosting a feedback forum related to the new enhancements
> within
> > the upcoming release of RPG 5. The forum is sponsored by IBM, and
> includes
> > the participation of both Barbara, and Hans.
> >
> > As most of you are aware, the biggest enhancement to the new release is
> the
> > free-format "CF-spec" that has been discussed at length on this list.
> Here
> > is an example, straight from an article written by George Farr, of how
> we
> > would code the new free-format statements:
> >
> > /free
> >
> >     Read(n) MASTER;
> >     If (not %EOF);
> >       /copy something
> >          For i = 0 to num;
> >               x = y(i);
> >          EndFor;
> >     EndIf;
> >
> >  /endfree;
> >
> > I'd like you to take notice of the semi-colon at the end of each
> statement.
> > According to the new rules, each program statement MUST terminate with a
> > semi-colon - ala C/Java.
> >
> > The only reason that Java required this at all is because it was
> designed to
> > closely resemble C syntax, in order to facilitate adoption of the
> language
> > by existing C programmers. Why C had it in the first place is beyond me.
> But
> > now we're being shackled with the same superfluous baggage.
> >
> > There is no shortage of free-format languages that have managed to do
> the
> > job without requiring the programmer to type an explicit end of
> statement
> > character. Why does RPG need one? Think about this folks. EVERY SINGLE
> LINE
> > of code needs the new terminator. How many extra keystrokes will that
> amount
> > to in a given day of coding? And what is it gaining you? NOTHING!
> >
> > One other point that should be brought to your attention is the
> elimination
> > of the GOTO statement from the free-format specifications. How many of
> you
> > have code that looks like this:
> >
> > P   DataOk       B
> >                              PI               N
> >
> >  *  Clear error conditions
> > C                         Clear              GlobalErrStruct
> >
> >  *  Perform an edit
> > C                         If        Not SomeCondition
> > C                         Eval        MsgID = 'ERR1000'
> > C                         Eval        MsgData = 'MyDiagData'
> > C                         Eval        CursorOnField1= *On
> > C                         Goto       Proc_Error
> > C                         Endif
> >
> > *  Perform a bunch of other edits
> >
> >    * Clean up & Exit
> > C                          Return       *On
> >
> >    * Errors found
> > C  Proc_Error       Tag
> > C                           Eval      GenErrorID = *On
> > C                           CallP     SndDiagMsg( MsgID: MsgData:
> '*CALLER')
> > C                           Return     *Off
> >
> > P  DataOk            E
> >
> > Granted, it's not the only way to accomplish the goal, but (IMO) it is
> clean
> > and simple. You may choose to do it using nested IF's, or one big
> SELECT, or
> > a handful of other ways. But the point is that you have a choice. Now,
> IBM
> > has decided to take away one of our choices in the matter.
> >
> > If any of you have an opinion with respect to either of these
> limitations, I
> > urge you to speak up now. Once released, the chances of us getting this
> > changed will be slim for the GOTO, and absolutely NONE for the statement
> > terminator.
> >
> > Ideally, you can participate in the feedback forum at
> www.as400network.com
> > to share your opinions. If you can't do that, then please share them on
> this
> > list; since we know that Hans & Barbara monitor it.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > John Taylor
> > Canada
> >
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