RE: How can I get away from using DFU for data input to Queries?

midrange-l-request@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:

>   7. How can I get away from using DFU for data input to Queries?
>      (Dave Odom)
>
>How can I get away from using DFU as a data input mechanism for queries?
> I'd prefer to use formatted screens/menus and REXX or CL.  I don't want
>to use any RPG unless absolutely necessary as a driver "stub" to display
>screens/menus.  I can do what I ask on other IBM platforms using REXX
>and screens built with XEDIT or the like, but can't seem to find the
>same facility on the iSeries.

Dave:

You apparently can't use DFU programs because you don't have the CHGDTA command 
because you don't have the DFU product at the second site. You can, however, 
use UPDDTA on pretty much any AS/400. That _might_ work for what you.

CL can work with DDS display files, but its ability to update data files is 
limited. You technically can 'write' records into files by populating the input 
buffer to the QLGSORT API, and you can also use a generic QM Query to run 
dynamic (or static) SQL statements. QM Query is by far the easiest and most 
popular option.

Both REXX and CL can handle UIM panel groups which can have advantages over 
display files for formatted input; I'm not aware of REXX being able to use DDS 
display files, but ICBW. And both REXX and CL can call many of the DSM APIs -- 
you might feel adventurous. REXX can execute dynamic embedded SQL statements 
for writing to files without having to create a *QMQRY object. I _think_ REXX 
could also be adapted to output to at least some PFs by way of overrides to 
REXX output, but SQL is bound to be a better choice in the long run.

If this really is limited, few records added and run infrequently, perhaps a 
command shell would be a good interface. The command-processing program would 
place all the parm values into whatever file is involved and the command itself 
would be the "display file". A command interface opens other possibilities.

Tom Liotta

-- 
Tom Liotta
The PowerTech Group, Inc.
19426 68th Avenue South
Kent, WA 98032
Phone  253-872-7788 x313
Fax    253-872-7904
http://www.powertech.com


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