Expanding a field in a file or adding a new field to the file

Hi everyone
Before I forget - we are on V7r3
Are we all sitting comfortably - then let me begin

We presently hold tokens instead of credit card numbers and the web service calls that are made for settling, authorization, refunds etc. use the token
The token was of a length that we could store it in the old credit card number field - 17 characters
However - we have been informed that the size of the token is going to increase - to larger than 17 characters

I understand that there will be NUMEROUS service programs, files, programs etc, that will need to be changed and tested

Here is my question -
Opinion based or fact based - What would be better -

1. expanding the present field from 17 to a much larger field (say 50 - just in case of future increases)

2. Adding a new field (at the end of all the files)

Each has their own foibles (for want of a better word)
For example:-

Option 1 - EVERY program that even touches any of the files that this type of file change is applied to will need to be re-compiled (minimum) - even if the program has nothing directly to do with this expanded field. However it will be the same field name, therefore only need to be concerned about the new field size and what is happening to that field (populating another field for example)

Option 2 - EVERY program, service program etc. will need to be changed to use the new field name. Not only need to be concerned about replacing the old field name with the new field name within the program, service program etc. but also need to be concerned about the new field size and what is happening to that field (populating another field for example)


If anyone has more options - please feel free to pass those on

As always - all answers gratefully accepted

Alan Shore
E-mail : ASHORE@xxxxxxxx
Phone [O] : (631) 200-5019
Phone [C] : (631) 880-8640
'If you're going through hell, keep going.'
Winston Churchill