Re: MSGCON vs. MSGID?

David asked...

>Does anyone know if there are any pariticular advantages to using 
>MSGID in a display file instead of MSGCON for displaying constants?

As mentioned earlier, being able to change screen text without 
recompiling the DSPF is the main advantage in a non-NLS setting, this can 
"fix" some user complaints with much less stress.

Performance is one disadvantage to MSGID, though slight, if a client is 
at the "knee of the curve" they sometimes may see this as sending them 
over.

Using MSGCON, the performance disadvantage disappears, as the DSPF is 
bound to the message at compile time, but multiple DSPF objects must be 
handled, each created from the same DSPF source and a different MSGF. 
Each MSGF may become available at a different release time due to the 
complexities of translation logistics. This may be less of a problem if 
you're using sufficient Change Management techniques. <G>

Another advantage is the ability to create an application able to change 
languages on the fly using a command key, as demonstrated by our Globix 
NLS enabling tool, which allows free conversion between literal, MSGCON, 
and MSGID DSPF source, optionally expanding fields to take advantage of 
available screen space.

Problem is only MSGCON is supported for PRTFs, not MSGID. This means 
supporting multiple objects on the PRTF side, even though not needed on 
the DSPF side. (Someone more up on the latest releases, please tell me 
this has finally changed!)

Jerome <=== works for NLS translation conversion services and tools 
company, thanks!



/* -=- -=- -=- -=- -=- -=- -=- -=- -=- -=- -=- -=- -=- -=- -=- -=- -=- */
/* Jerome Hughes                        jromeh@aol.com                 */
/* InterPro Consulting Services         www.interproinc.com            */
/* Rosemont IL USA                      these are my own opinions only */
/* OMNI User Communications Director    www.omniuser.org               */
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"With the breakdown of the Medieval system, the gods of Chaos, Lunacy, 
and Bad Taste gained ascendancy." -- written on a Big Chief tablet by 
Ignatius J. Reilly, in John Kennedy Toole's _A Confederacy of Dunces_


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