Re: RPG IV program - comments requested

["Peter Dow" <pcdow@xxxxxxxxx>]

> Also, I don't think it would be a good idea, if using the /COPY, to use
external
> definitions for the prototype, since another program that /COPYes the file
in may
> not use the same files, so won't have the definition for the variable.

What I meant was, use an external definition of the prototype *other* than a
/COPY. I suppose /COPY is an external definition. BTW, unless you specify
the library and file on the /COPY, you could easily get an outdated version
of the /COPY. If you're working on the calling program, which /COPY did the
called program use? And vice versa.

Ok, the prototype makes it simpler for the compiler to determine whether a
particular call to the procedure is valid. So in the calling program you
should use a prototype. Being lazy, I still feel the compiler should get
this from the called program or procedure. And DSPPGM or DSPMOD should show
it.

However, in the called program or procedure, why is it necessary to put the
prototype? Isn't all this information in the program interface?


Another question to clarify my hazy understanding of these concepts - near
as I can tell, a service program is similar to a DLL (dynamic link library).
Is this true, or do they need to be bound to a program at compile time? And
if they are  bound at compile time, are only the called procedures within
the service program bound, or the whole thing?


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