Re: use of date type fields

> I prefer CCYYMMDD.  However this will take 5 bytes packed while the date data
> type takes only 4 bytes and gives you automatic editing.

I also use CCYYMMDD and find that this technique the most commonly used. Older 
systems tend to use CYYMMDD a lot.

> IBM has issued a ptf to speed up the date processing.

I am curious about the PTFs for performance. Will this be available for all 
operating systems or is this just another RISC only thing? 

>  The problem is default date cannot be all zeros.

I use date data types inside of RPG IV as a rule. The ability to work with 
dates is fantastic. It is an inconvenience to have to check for the date being 
equal to zero before I can use it though! In my opinion, a date of 01/01/0000 
is more ridiculous than 00/00/0000.

Joe Teff
QDS
Bloomington, MN
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