RE: RPG and SQL Compilers

Jon Paris wrote:

>>> I understand what the precompiler does.  What I dont understand 
>>> is why it is necessary to have an SQL precompiler at all.
>>>
>>> Why not have the RPG compiler Understand SQL.

>A much better solution would be to have RPG simply understand the "Start of
>SQL stuff" and "End of SQL stuff" and to pass all the code between these
>two to the SQL compiler.  The SQL processor would then compiles its code
>"asking" the RPG compiler (via an API) for information on the size and type
>of the host variables etc.  This way neither compiler has to know anything
>about the other and each is free to implement whatever changes they like
>with zero impact to the other.  This is closer to the method used in other
>DB2 "flavors".
-snip-
>One question that recently came up during some discussions I had with the
>developers on this topic is "what about compatibility?"  How long would the
>old and new methods have to co-exist?  Would it be satisfactory to freeze
>the current pre-compiler?  How many years before it could be phased out
>completely (remember that keeping it available with new releases is _not_ a
>zero cost item).

In the short term, the best solution is to have the Big iSeries Boss tell
Rochester and Toronto to work together to make a uniform product.  Wasn't
tight integration one of the selling points of the platform?

In the long term, I am missing how an internal compiler change affects me,
the application programmer.  Let's assume that Toronto and Rochester decide
to go the API route.  No more pre-compiler.  PDM changes to use CRTRPGPGM
instead of CRTRPGSQL for SQLRPG et al.  My source type can remain SQLRPG or
I can make it RPG and the compiler will work either way, transparently to
me.  CRTSQLRPG now calls the regular RPG compiler instead of the SQL
pre-compiler.  So... "what about compatibility?"

The current situation is horrible.

Buck Calabro
Aptis; Albany, NY
"Nothing is so firmly believed as
 that which we least know" -- Michel Montaigne
Visit the Midrange archives at http://www.midrange.com
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