Re: Who's using ILE RPG IV and Activation Groups

To me, it looks like it adds complexity, without adding value.  I link
programs together with calls and parms.  I suspect ILE was ment to lure
software vendors from other platforms to the AS400.  I have heard of an ILE
order entry program that opens up 200 file.  It is slow getting started. 
It would be better to open up 50 files to begin with, and open up the
others if needed.  Maybe it will have more application when we get into a
visual environment.  IBM doesn't always deliver what we developers
(programmers) want and need.  I remember 

5292    - graphical terminal
DIF     - display information facility
DE RPG  - data entry RPG

Many times IBM makes things so complicated, it is impractical to use.  Take
journaling for instance.  Suppose I want to know who changed a field in the
item master.  This should be as easy as pressing F5 that field in the Item
master update program.  You could spend several man years to making that
happen to a few of your files.  Triggers are just as complicated.  Both
functions are powerful, but not easy to use.  I think IBM should work
harder at making thing easy to use.  Activation groups do not meet my
expectations.  Thankfully, I have the option not to use them.

Steven Easton
seaston@ionet.net
http://www.ionet.net/virtual/dpma/


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