DDS vs DDL. Record format level

I've got a handful of DDS physical files, some that have existed since the
late 80s, that I'm converting to DDL. I'm generating the DDL using QSQGNDDL
and creating the new SQL tables.

It's important that the record format level does not change between the
existing physical file and the new SQL table because of the number of RPG
programs compiled against the existing level of file.

I have done this countless times in the past but am running into a snag
tonight. Fields defined as varlen in the DDS, and as varchar in the SQL are
resulting in a record format level change. I have been able to prove that
it's the varlen/varchar fields by removing those fields from both the DDS
and DDL and the resulting levels match. However, any time I add one or more
varchar, the levels change.

I've tried numerous options including null, not null, allocate(0) and it
doesn't make a difference.

The record lengths match between the file and the table. The record format
names match. The field names/positions/lengths/attributes all match.

Using DSPFFD, the DDS file shows the variable length field like this:
SVMODL CHAR 40 42 147 Both SVMODL
Field text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : VEHICLE MODEL
Variable length field -- Allocated length : None
Coded Character Set Identifier . . . . . : 37
while the table looks like this:
SVMODL CHAR 40 42 147 Both SVMODL
Field text . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . : VEHICLE MODEL
Variable length field -- Allocated length : None
Default value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . :
''
Coded Character Set Identifier . . . . . : 37

I believe I can set the new tables' record format level checking to *no
since for all intents and purposes the files ARE identical. But that goes
against every programming reflex I've developed.

Any thoughts or suggestions?
Thanks.




TROY HYDE, Upgrades and Standards Manager

FLEX : 800 262 3539

Troy.Hyde@xxxxxxxxxxx





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