RE: Field type for Array index

I looked at this once upon a time.

What I discovered is that arrays in MI could only be referenced by a binary 
field.  

Since most RPG programs used packed fields for array indexes, the compiler 
developers built the compiler to generate code to CPYNV (copy numeric variable) 
from the packed field to a binary work field that was then used to reference 
the array.

Although using a binary index will work slightly better, it may be confusing to 
those that follow after you.  I decided that it wasn't worth the effort, given 
the benefit.  After all, CPYNV has *got* to be fast on just about any AS/400 
going, and the compiler handles it automatically.

I should add that this is old RPG, I'm not sure if theres any reason or benefit 
with RPGLE.

YMMV.

Regards,
Rich
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-rpg400-l@midrange.com [mailto:owner-rpg400-l@midrange.com]On
Behalf Of Alan Addison
Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2000 9:54 AM
To: RPG400-L@midrange.com
Subject: Field type for Array index


many a year ago I read that binary fields were the "best" for indexing
arrays...  Was I full of hot air?

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