RE: IBM's VARPG - What can it and cant it do.

I've read here about problems with version management. 
Would it help if the VARPG application was run from the server, instead
of from the PC?

-----Original Message-----
From: boothm@ibm.net [mailto:boothm@ibm.net]
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 1999 1:09 AM
To: MIDRANGE-L@midrange.com
Subject: Re: IBM's VARPG - What can it and cant it do.


What it does do is allow an RPG programmer to write true client/server
applications including subfiles with scroll bars, update panels for
files,
pushbuttons instead of Function keys, notebooks with various data
gathered
in a orderly fashion, graphs, bar charts, colors, point and click
navigation, and windows sized to your choices instead of 80 or 132
columns. Appearance is far superior to green screen and users generally
prefer the VARPG applications better.  You will see users argue about
the
numbers being inaccurate for graphs for example when in fact they are
seeing the same old numbers in a completely new light.  There's lots of
plusses.  I think once learned and an creating your  inventory of
samples
and templates it will prove to be a rapid application development tool.

I must also say this:  IBM has been super supportive in the learning
effort.  These guys are providing service and support that is truly
above
and beyond.   I believe these comments to be true for ASNA's product
too.

What it doesn't do is provide a central point of control.  I had a lot
of
trouble getting used to keeping versions in order and knowing where I
was
in various projects.  When you modify a regular RPG program and compile
it
its up and running right then and there.  That is not the case with
client/server.  It also doesn't accept the idea of straight conversion
from cycle logic and the green screen solutions.  At first it seems
tempting but that temptation wanes in a hurry.  VARPG has taken me
longer
to get used to than I expected.  (No wise cracks!  I know, I know,
everything takes me longer than most people.)  My reaction is that
management has to be supportive of the effort because it is a real
attitude shift and there is glitchy stuff.


In <415593AAC1B1D111B21100600856D20811E944@TECHNOCRATS01>, on 06/01/99 
   at 10:57 AM, Colin Williams <Williamsc@technocrats.co.uk> said:

>Im planning on tinkering with VARPG, and want to know what VARPG can
and
>cannot do, what it does very well, and what it does badly. 

>Colin.W

-- 
-----------------------------------------------------------
boothm@ibm.net
Booth Martin
-----------------------------------------------------------

+---
| 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
+---
+---
| 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
+---