Re: RPG Cycle

[Charles Fregeau <n5hsr@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

The RPG II programming cycle is nearly obsolete.  There are still a few
shops that use it.  In order to use the programming cycle, one file has
to be designated as Input Primary.  The program then does the file
opening, reading and closing for this file for you, which was a good
thing when all one was doing was generating reports.  Basically, the
programming cycle initializes the indicators and opens the files in the
program, then reads a record from the primary file and runs through all
the Calculation specs, and associated Output specs.  Then it goes back
and repeats reading primary file, executing calc specs, etc., until it
reaches end of primary file.  Then it does Output Total specifications,
and closes all files and ends.  It was basically designed for batch
report program generation.  In RPG IV, it is much easier to use the full
procedural files and control the reading of the various files.  The last
time I used the programming cycle was to write a fast, small file
correction program that involved about 10 Calc specs.

Charles R. Fregeau

Chris Beck wrote:
> 
> What does everyone think of the RPG cycle, for todays programming?
> 
> I got my programming degree in 98 and I never heard a word about a RPG cycle 
>in school.
> I now have gotten a new manager, who comes from a RPG II background and 
>thinks wonders of the cycle.
> 
> Also if anyone has any or can point me to info on the cycle.
> 
> Thanks for all your guys (and gals) input, I have learned more from this list 
>than all my RPG classes.
> 
> 
> 
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