RE: X-Spec (was: "RPG isn't cool") -- MIDRANGE-L

I think there are advantages and disadvantages to both.  I learned C++
before I learned RPG.  Probably because I'm lazy and not the sort of person
you'd want your kids hanging around with <g>, I like RPG for rapid
development.  A lot of things you need to code in C/C++ are done for you in
RPG.  File IO is the best feature, but SELECT and CLEAR are pretty darned
good.

As far as logic and structured programming are concerned, I'm not sure
there's much difference.  It's one of those "nut behind the wheel" things.
It's not hard to write a C or C++ program that has all global variables ,
does everything in line, and uses GOTOs.  BREAK and CONTINUE--LEAVE and
ITER's cousins are *not* considered last resorts in C.  There's also the
vice of terseness where things that could be stated clearly in 3 lines of
code are crammed into one line even though either way would compile to the
same executeable code.  (RPG does have matching record indicators, though.) 

 


-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Crothers [mailto:bob@cstoneindy.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 12, 1999 1:38 AM
To: 'MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com'
Subject: RE: X-Spec (was: "RPG isn't cool")


The main drawback of C for LOB (line of buisness) type programs is 
file I/O.  On the AS/400, it is very weak.  This means Database & 
device IO (screens, print files, etc).

But, for logic and structured programing, it is great.  And if you 
move up to C++, it is MUCH MUCH better.  C++ is to C the way ILE/RPG 
is to RPG II.

And I know for a fact that it does not take a reasonable RPG 
programmer very long to learn C.  The syntax is different, but the 
concepts are not.

C++ is not such an easy step because it adds the "object oriented 
programming" model into the mix.  That means not only new syntax, but 
fundamental concept changes also (but VERY worth it).

Bob

-----Original Message-----
From:   Rob Berendt [SMTP:rob@dekko.com]
Sent:   Tuesday, May 11, 1999 5:18 PM
To:     MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com
Subject:        RE: X-Spec (was: "RPG isn't cool")

I remember having an online discussion years ago on the old NEWS/400 
bulletin
board with Paul Conte about his constant haranguing of RPG.  While he 
felt that
RPG had many drawbacks he felt that it was a better language for 
business programs
than C was.  Was it just database or was it something else?






bob@cstoneindy.com on 05/11/99 05:05:41 PM
Please respond to MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com@Internet
To:     MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com@Internet
cc:     

Subject:        RE: X-Spec (was: "RPG isn't cool")

Instead of making RPG more like C, how about making C more like RPG?

Before everybody starts throwing flaming emails, stop and think about
it.

What is the best part of RPG?  The Database IO.  In RPG, it So easy to 
use and very effective.

What is the bad part of RPG?  The fixed form and highly structured
stuff.  Short names.  Etc.

What is the good part of "C"?  Highly flexible, free form, multiple
data types, and stuff like that.  What RPG is bad at.

What is the bad part of "C"?  Database!  The database support, well it 
sucks.  Hard to use...hard to manage...and harder to figure out!

But, the rest of "C" is very good.  And, it is not hard for an RPG
programmer to learn C.

Then you don't have to worry about "breaking" RPG.  And to give
descent Database to C, you only have to add some functions.

Just a thought...I'll go back into lurk mode.

Bob

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