use of date type fields

[John Carr <74711.77@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

RE:     use of date type fields

>We're embarking on some database design issues and I wanted to know how
>others felt about the use of date type fields versus just numeric type
>fields (format would be CCYYMMDD).  
>
>What overhead (if any) would there be to convert numeric fields to date
>type fields to do certain date interval calculations?
>
>Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.
>Dan

Dan
We have been doing all new systems(for the last 3 years) using L date data
types(and Time and Timestamp data types).  And we are converting all older 
systems to date data types for the Y2K project (almost done).  

We have seen NO DISCERNIBLE performance issues.  However our users LOVE
being able to do date math in their Queries(Query/400) and we love being
able to use it in OPNQRYF and natively in RPGIV.

No Fuss,  No Muss,  No Program Gymnastics.  Pure and Simple.

(I also believe someone said that IBM will/has almost eliminate any 
performance issues with the Date data type - Neil P. was that you??)

John Carr
EdgeTech

P.S. Ironically I wrote this first and hit the "Send Later" button so I
could continue reading and then I read this;

I'll sit back now and let John Carr fill you in on his practical experiences in
this area.

You're right Jon,  here it is.  Don't have a heart attack when you read
my next one.

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