Re: CHGPF Question

[DAsmussen@xxxxxxx]

Vernon,

(BTW, what's with the HTML field attributes?)

In a message dated 97-09-18 18:41:24 EDT, you write:

<<snip>>
> Agreed. John Sears is great, but this question is too broad for a simple
>  answer. Truth is, it depends. Like, where do you put the new fields, in
>  the middle or the end? Should be at the end, but we don't always do as we
>  should, do I? Then you <bold>might</bold> not have to recompile dependent
>  programs. If in the middle, you'll definitely need to recompile.

True, but _MAN_ he can take you down to the bit level in two seconds, even if
you only ask him how he's been :-)!  Why should the fields go at the end?
 With the prevalence of query tools, I'd think that you'd want them grouped
with like elements.

>  What if you change attributes of a field? Then you'll need to 
>  recompile.

Depends on what attributes you changed and whether or not you wanted your
program to take advantage of them.  Personally, from a "purist" standpoint, I
disagree completely with the entire premise of the new CHGPF functions.  If
the customer WANTED an SQL database, they'd have bought a PC with SQL Server
or some such and used the ALTER TABLE command -- but they didn't.  They
wanted an AS/400.  Known for its reliability, ease of maintenance, and
cross-application integrity.  Having the ability to change files and fields
"on the fly" takes the AS/400 two steps back to program-described files.  If
I wanted THAT, I'd have stayed with the S/36...
<<snip>>

Regards,

Dean Asmussen
Enterprise Systems Consulting, Inc.
Fuquay-Varina, NC  USA
E-Mail:  DAsmussen@AOL.COM

"BPCS - Better Programs Coming Soon."
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