Re: *entry and PR with same program as EXTPGM

In normal subprocedure usage, you define the prototype first, then write out the procedure itself, using the PI - procedure interface. It is the PI that gives you your actual variables - those in the PR are just for readability - names there are not required, just the data type and modifiers.

Now for a MAIN procedure - not a subprocedure - the prototype (PR) and the PI end up close together, or can - at any rate, they need to be above all other code. So the main body is really now a procedure but it does not use the P-specification.

The greater flexibility for defining parameters is a plus - will most use it much? Maybe not for awhile, but you can't do much with PLISTs, as compared to prototypes.

MHO
Vern

Jerry Adams wrote:

Chamara,

In the situation you illustrated, the ExtPgm( ) isn't really required. But obviously doesn't cause any problems. As Adam (I think) said, the PR definitions should be in a copy book somewhere. So in the copy book the ExtPgm( ) keyword makes sense since it may be a candidate for inclusion in another program that calls this one.

I don't know for a fact, but I doubt there is any advantage in using either method to define the parameters (*Entry list). My bet is that it's the PI structure that defines the PList and that the PR is just along (syntactically) for the ride. If that's true (big IF), the compiler will generate the same code for both.

The "advantage" is in the eye of the beholder. Like someone else said, I hated using PList when I moved to free format. When Jon told me about this method at a COMMON session, I jumped on it because, well, it just looks neater.

Jerry C. Adams
IBM System i Programmer/Analyst
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-----Original Message-----
From: rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Chamara Withanachchi
Sent: Wednesday, April 15, 2009 8:00 AM
To: RPG Programming on the AS400 / iSeries
Subject: *entry and PR with same program as EXTPGM

Hi all,

Can someone clarify me what is the different between *ENTRY and coding a procedure as the same name of the program and using EXTPGM keyword

Ex;

Abcpgm pr extpgm('ABCPGM')
Parm1 10a

Abcpgm pi
Parm1 10a


Regards,

Chamara Withanachchi
IBM Certified Power System Expert
RPG Programmer (owner of www.rpgiv.info)
WWW.RPGIV.INFO
Mob: +971 50 5698644
Tel: +971 6 5595887
chamaraw@xxxxxxxxxx
www.rpgiv.info i want to be future ready. i want control. i want an i.


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