RE: open source rpg compiler

["Steve Richter" <srichter@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

-----Original Message-----
From: rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Scott Klement
Sent: Friday, May 02, 2003 5:54 PM
To: RPG programming on the AS400 / iSeries
Subject: Re: open source rpg compiler

>
> What I am suggesting is that IBM release the source code of the RPG
> compiler.  Also, do whatever has to be done to make sure that any
derivative
> compiler would require the underlying websphere.  This assures that IBM
does
> not lose any revenue from the sale of an RPG offshoot compiler.
>

>Do you honestly believe that iSeries people are going to learn the
>proprietary language that the RPG compiler is written in, in order to add
>their own enhancements?    These same people who are unwilling to upgrade
>to RPG IV despite OBVIOUS benefits?

of course not.  but if a 3rd party software house creates a new language
from  the rpg base then the RPG shop would pay to license it and use it for
their own work.

>Okay, so there are a few of us who might be willing to learn the language
>and play with it.   Now what?   What are we going to add, that we couldn't
>already add by writing service programs?   Maybe a MOVE op-code to the
>free-form syntax, but what else?

I would like to add constructor and destructor procs.  Exception handling
could also be improved, even if it just works with the CEEHDLR type APIs.
IFS files on the F Spec line.  There are a lot of ways rpg could be improved
while still retaining its framework style.

>I think what would happen is that very few people would actually be
>interested in maintaining it.   Now that it's open-sourced, IBM might not
>feel like spending as much money on enhancing it themselves...  now the
>language gets stale.   Finally, due to lack of involvement, they scrap the
>project completely, and RPG dies out.

Screw free source! I am suggesting that IBM open/free source the compiler so
that 3rd party software houses can enhance and sell a derived, open or
closed source, compiler.

Steve