Re: iPhone Rich UI

Nathan Andelin wrote:

Joe Pluta wrote:
Too many examples on the list of late have used proprietary
internal frameworks and frankly that's not showing anybody
anything.

To be fair, I didn't understand either code sample. But from a programming point of view, I don't see much difference between methods evoked from class libraries vs procedures evoked from service programs.

The issue is not the mechanics, but how it is supplied and supported. I'm simply showing examples of a purchased, supported IBM i language developed using a supported IBM i tool, just like we've done on these lists since it was a bulletin board. RDi-SOA is a licensed IBM product for IBM i developers.

I suppose your real point is that one is backed by IBM, and more likely to gain wider acceptance, while the other is backed by Aaron Bartell. If that's your point, I see it, but personally side more with the Aaron for several reasons. First, I'd rather run native code. Second, I'd rather develop in RPG. Third, I relate better with small companies.

I guess the focus has always been on IBM tools (CGIDEV2 falls into sort of a gray area). It's rarely been about vendor tools, except to note that they perform a specific function (or don't <grin>) and to contact the vendor. Occasionally there's a hint about a specific product, and if there's enough interest, the product gets its own list.

If the programming discussion is now opened to commercial vendor tools, that's a different direction than the past. We've never, for instance, debated LANSA code or AS/SET programming except when the tool blows up. Maybe more such discussion is needed. I note that Crispin wants to include commercial frameworks in the discussion, and Mark suggests a separate list for frameworks. Maybe that's the answer: discussion that revolve around commercial products should go into a separate list, and leave midrange-l for discussion of IBM i software.

Or maybe midrange-l becomes a commercial marketplace where tool vendors hawk their wares.

Personally, I think that comparing EGL and RPG is different than comparing EGL and a third-party commercial tool. I think that since EGL and RPG are IBM licensed products, the former falls into the charter of the midrange-l lists as I've known them, while the latter comparison is a white paper that ought to be on the vendor's site, not posted on the lists.

But this *will* be my last post on the topic (and yes, I promise <smirk>). I think it's important that I shut up, but equally important you all need to tell David what would best help you as a community. Me, I want the platform to survive, and that's why I love RDi (nee WDSC) and now RDi-SOA; I think they breathe new life into the platform. You each have your own needs and its up to you to let David know what those are.

Joe