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

Totally agree with John Taylor!

John Taylor wrote:

> Folks,
>
> News/400 is hosting a feedback forum related to the new enhancements within
> the upcoming release of RPG 5. The forum is sponsored by IBM, and includes
> the participation of both Barbara, and Hans.
>
> 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!
>
> One other point that should be brought to your attention is the elimination
> of the GOTO statement from the free-format specifications. How many of you
> have code that looks like this:
>
> P   DataOk       B
>                              PI               N
>
>  *  Clear error conditions
> C                         Clear              GlobalErrStruct
>
>  *  Perform an edit
> C                         If        Not SomeCondition
> C                         Eval        MsgID = 'ERR1000'
> C                         Eval        MsgData = 'MyDiagData'
> C                         Eval        CursorOnField1= *On
> C                         Goto       Proc_Error
> C                         Endif
>
> *  Perform a bunch of other edits
>
>    * Clean up & Exit
> C                          Return       *On
>
>    * Errors found
> C  Proc_Error       Tag
> C                           Eval      GenErrorID = *On
> C                           CallP     SndDiagMsg( MsgID: MsgData: '*CALLER')
> C                           Return     *Off
>
> P  DataOk            E
>
> 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.
>
> If any of you have an opinion with respect to either of these limitations, I
> urge you to speak up now. Once released, the chances of us getting this
> changed will be slim for the GOTO, and absolutely NONE for the statement
> terminator.
>
> 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.
>
> Regards,
>
> John Taylor
> Canada
>
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