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

Another thing that I hope has not been left out of the fray is that one can Goto
a tag in the mainline, providing specific "entry points" to the mainline from
anywhere in the program.  May be dangerous in the wrong hands but very usefull.

"Sims, Ken" wrote:

> Hi all -
>
> I definitely think GOTO needs to be retained, even within free-format
> coding.
>
> I've been programming in various RPG versions for over 20 years, starting on
> the S/32.  When structured programming opcodes became available on the S/36,
> I started using them.  I do all new development in RPG IV, using file I/O
> BIFs rather than indicators.  I use procedures.  I use activation groups.
> So I'm not a old f*rt programmer who refuses to use anything new.
>
> But I still use GOTOs where appropriate.
>
> As I see it, the problem is not GOTOs, the problem is too many TAGs.  Twenty
> GOTOs all going to the same TAG is not a problem.  Twenty GOTOs going to
> twenty different TAGs *is* a problem.
>
> GOTO/TAG is a far better method to "short-circuit" out of a section of code
> than having an ugly tangle of embedded "structured" opcodes.  Or to put it
> another way, TAGs should only be at the top or the bottom of logical
> sections of codes, and the GOTOs only within the same logical section.
>
> Ken
> Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada, Inc.
> Opinions expressed are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of
> my employer or anyone in their right mind.
>
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