Re: CHGPF Question

["Kahn, David" <KAHN@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dean Asmussen (DAsmussen@aol.com) wrote:

>>  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.
>
>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.

If you're going to use LVLCHK(*NO) to avoid recompiling programs that
reference the file for input, then you have no choice but to put the new
fields at the end. The programs will be using the record definition as
it was at before the layout changed. If you put the fields at the end
they simply won't see the new fields. Put them anywhere else and all
hell will break loose.

>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>>

Actually I'm all in favour of it. It doesn't do anything you couldn't do
before, and it doesn't work instantaneously. It's not "on the fly" in
that sense. It just makes a complex process simpler and less error
prone. I can't see that's such a bad thing.

Dave Kahn - TCO, Tengiz, Kazakstan
=========

e-mail:  kahn@tengizchevroil.com    (until September 30th)
         dkahn@cix.compulink.co.uk  (from  October 1st)

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