Sources for External Data Structures

John Carr CDP wrote:
> Personally
> Before we get *PRTF's implemented in RPG, I would rather see (for 10 years
> now)  getting my externally defined data structures Initialized from the
> values from the DDS  DFT (Default value)of each field implemented!!!!
>
> TORONTO are you listening?  IBM has been talking of pushing the business
> definitions out of the language and into the data base where they belong
> (Triggers, RI, ETC) However they have forced us to HARD CODE initial values
> for variables(data base entities) in our programs.

Hi John!  I was hoping to say that you'll be getting this one.
Unfortunately, while I was away on vacation, it was pulled from our
development plan.   :-(

Anyways, that's what's not in plan.  Here's what we are still working
on for the next release of ILE RPG IV:

- New D-Spec keyword VARYING to define varying length character and
  graphic fields.  Of course, this means we also recognize varying
  length fields defined in externally described files.
- Indicator data type (type N)
- New built-in functions:
  -- %REPLACE for string manipulation
  -- %CHAR to convert date/time/timestamp/graphic types to character
  -- %STATUS
  -- %ERROR
  -- %EOF
  -- %FOUND
  -- %OPEN
- New opcode extender (E) to eliminate need for error indicator (used
  with new bif %ERROR)
- New H-Spec keywords to specify compiler options in the RPG source
  (rather than on the CRT command)
- additional date formats used with MOVE opcode
- Keywords IMPORT and EXPORT can take parameters to specify a mixed-case
  external name.
- New F-spec keyword INDDS to specify a 99 byte data structure which
  holds conditioning and response indicators for the file.  So each
  display and printer file can have its own separate indicator area.

Of course, the usual disclaimers apply:  Since we have not formally
announced anything, none of this can be considered a formal
commitment; plans may change; etc.

I know this can't make up for the disappointment of not getting the
EDS DFT initialization, but I hope you will still like what we do
deliver in this release.

Cheers!  Hans

Hans Boldt, ILE RPG Development, IBM Toronto Lab, hboldt@vnet.ibm.com
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