Re: Edit source on a PC

Jon,

>I don't think it was an oversight.  There are a couple of points to think
>about.  First, the product won't be bug-free and you can't apply service
>packs to the try-and-buy version. That also means that you can't upgrade
>the syntax checker (for example) as new features are added to RPG IV.

But can you download a new try-and-buy? <g>  And there are still
hordes of people stuck out there on CISC who can only drool over the
new features.  (Or those whose code has to remain compatible with
CISC.)

>Second, it's an integrated package and the editor is only one small
>portion.  

I don't know if I'd call it a small part, but there certainly are
other considerations.

>You can't submit compiles without connecting, 

But there are also other ways of doing this, and since the editor is
extensible, the launch of the compile could be just as automated.
Integrating the event file might be more interesting, but perhaps
doable by downloading the libr/EVFEVENT(mbr) after the compile.  The
various CRTxxx commands list this under the help text for
OPTION(*EVENTF).

>you can't use the
> debugger (which some people think is worth the price of admission)

It may be; I haven't used it.  I'm just playing devil's advocate here.

>effectively can't use the verifier (another major value-add item).

Granted, there are several value adds.  I'm not going to dispute that,
but it is hard to agrue with "free" for the base editor.  And editing
on the PC and compiling on the 400 is still way better than doing both
on the 400.

>offer the basic editor as part of the ADTS package ...

>the rational was to get folks using modern tools to enable them to prove
>the base value proposition for themselves.

I think it is a great idea.  Even without the value adds, using a good
PC based editor can do wonders for your productivity.  I've been doing
my editing on PCs since 1990 and there is no way I'd switch back to
SEU.
+---
| This is the Midrange System Mailing List!
| To submit a new message, send your mail to MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com.
| To subscribe to this list send email to MIDRANGE-L-SUB@midrange.com.
| To unsubscribe from this list send email to MIDRANGE-L-UNSUB@midrange.com.
| Questions should be directed to the list owner/operator: david@midrange.com
+---