Re: Is this the Free-Format that we asked for?

First of all, John,
thnak you very much for this info!

<snip>
As most of you are aware, the biggest enhancement to the new release is the
>free-format "CF-spec" that has been discussed at length on this list. Here
>is an example, straight from an article written by George Farr, of how we
>would code the new free-format statements:
>
>
>/free
>
>     Read(n) MASTER;
>     If (not %EOF);
>       /copy something
>          For i = 0 to num;
>               x = y(i);
>          EndFor;
>     EndIf;
>
>  /endfree;
>
>I'd like you to take notice of the semi-colon at the end of each statement.
>According to the new rules, each program statement MUST terminate with a
>semi-colon - ala C/Java.
>
>The only reason that Java required this at all is because it was designed to
>closely resemble C syntax, in order to facilitate adoption of the language
>by existing C programmers. Why C had it in the first place is beyond me. But
>now we're being shackled with the same superfluous baggage.
>
>There is no shortage of free-format languages that have managed to do the
>job without requiring the programmer to type an explicit end of statement
>character. Why does RPG need one? Think about this folks. EVERY SINGLE LINE
>of code needs the new terminator. How many extra keystrokes will that amount
>to in a given day of coding? And what is it gaining you? NOTHING!

Do we need to code the + to continue on the next line? I assume: NO. As i'm 
trying to avoid spaghetti, i use quite some lines. So this would make some 
EVALs easier to read and would sum up to no win/no loss, maybe.

>One other point that should be brought to your attention is the elimination
>of the GOTO statement from the free-format specifications.

<snip>

I appreciate it! GOTO, handled with care and some mercy to others, is 
*sometimes* clearer than another constructions. But i happily say good bye 
to GOTO, as i never can be sure of that. The other point that hits my eye 
is that your code has two exit points. I don't like that, too.

>Granted, it's not the only way to accomplish the goal, but (IMO) it is clean
>and simple. You may choose to do it using nested IF's, or one big SELECT, or
>a handful of other ways. But the point is that you have a choice. Now, IBM
>has decided to take away one of our choices in the matter.

You still have the choice to not use it. When i interpret the /free and 
/endfree compiler directives correctly, one can code the TAG and the GOTO 
in the fixed format scheme. And i think that RPG III and fixed format RPG 
IV will be supported for quite a time...

>Ideally, you can participate in the feedback forum at www.as400network.com
>to share your opinions. If you can't do that, then please share them on this
>list; since we know that Hans & Barbara monitor it.

I'll have a look at it, but thank you for putting this on this list!

Mit freundlichen Grüssen / best regards

Anton Gombkötö

e-mail Office   :       mailto:Anton.Gombkoetoe@avenum.com
Homepage        :       http://www.avenum.com

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