%Parms vs %addr and shop vs consulting (was something else completely)

Disclaimer - maybe too long, some topics might be off topic for rpg list.

Rob,

When I refer to "OPM" I don't mean RPG/400, only the method of compile /
implementation, not programming - I write all new pgms in rpgle - just
without a lot of service pgms/binding/activation groups other than using
the defaults.  I'm familiar with most of the concepts, and have used them
on a limited basis (usually when designing/writing whole subsystems from
scratch.  I've done a fair bit of RPG-CGI stuff that I've incorporated ILE
concepts) but very seldom have used them when modifying older systems -
again, at an hourly billable rate - programmer do no harm.

I've had very little reason to call legacy programs (which is what I'm
talking about) from a command, but if I did, I would create the command
with default values for each parameter so they would be passed whether it
was keyed or not.  If I were to add a parm to a program that had a command
attached, I would change the command as well.

If writing a "RTVJOBA" type of program, I see only a little value in using
a command rather than a strait call.  I don't need any validation, because
I'm writing the program and would test it before installation anyway.  I
know how the program is going to behave, because I looked at the source.
plus, you wouldn't be able to use the command when calling it from an rpg
program, and expect to retrieve the return variable (or can you?  I'm
unaware of a way to call a command from rpg with return variables).

And yes, a consultant CAN be an agent of change, and I push new
technologies whenever I can, but you still have to go with what the guy who
signs the check says.  And more often than not - he says "don't learn new
technologies on my dime".  When paying for a consultant, bean counters
don't know ILE from beans.

I sometimes think about working in a shop rather than consulting, for many
reasons including maybe someday having the time to learn ALL of the cutting
edge stuff right away - but I like having my paycheck come from one place
while I get to work with as many as 2 to 10 different companies a year.
Plus I like the challenge of jumping into a new situation and seeing how
quick I can figure it out.   At my current assignment, the client has had 3
relatively complex projects, involving interfacing to a package (without
source) and 20+ year old in-house stuff, on thier plate for around 3 or 4
years and no one in-house had the time (or more probably the talent) to get
around to them.  I was contracted for 250 hours to complete them - finished
them in 200 hours and now I have 5 more projects on my plate!

This from a company that has never outsourced (other than package
implementation) in the past.  Oh it's good to be good!

Regards,

Rick

Rob sez:

> Okay, so lets say that you call an OPM program, with a command and not
CALL.  And that command only passes the first parameter and requests back
the 4th parameter, sort of like RTVJOBA, how do you handle the missing 2nd
and 3rd parameter?

I've worked for the same company since 1986.  Before that I did my 2.5
years with a consultant company, and 1/2 year on my own prior to that.
Nope, wouldn't work for a consultant again.

A consultant can be an agent of change.

And, as you requested, I'll stay out of the RPGLE vs RPG/400 argument.
Even my slightest comments will trigger a barrage.


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