Re: Re: Long Constant Names -- RPG400-L

Antoine,

I think the "too long" comes from one of two arguments.
One, obsolete reference to somethings called "Factor 1", "Factor 2" and 
"Result Field" from the olden days of fixed format RPG.
Two, the maximum size of a variable name in a D spec without using 
continuation characters.  Understanding that there is no consistent 
continuation rule, (among all of RPG's specifications), understandably 
frustrates some people.

Some might have you limit variable names to 10 characters to keep in the 
mindset of RPG/400 or RPGIII.  Some, might insist on 6 because their still 
in the mindset of RPGII.  (And these pathetic personnel still prefix the 
variable names with a variable type like CMCOS for the month-to-date sales 
cost from the RCM file.)



Rob Berendt
-- 
Group Dekko Services, LLC
Dept 01.073
PO Box 2000
Dock 108
6928N 400E
Kendallville, IN 46755
http://www.dekko.com





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Re: Re: Long Constant Names










Alan,

When you write 'I'm not convinced about the utility of too-long names, or 
too many of
them anyway.', you introduce two interesting concepts.

First, what is too long for a variable?

This thread's context would suggest the 15-char limit is the boundary 
between what's good and what's too long. Why is 15 characters the right 
limit? Why not 14? 16? Or 18 if we want a multiple of 3?

Secondly, you imply quantity may be factor.

I hadn't thought about that, but you could be right. When people say they 
want to prevent long names, they think about programs with many long 
names. Then, they start talking about a hard limit that each variable has 
to abide to. Yet, maybe
we approach this from the wrong angle. What about a rule stating that 90% 
of variables must be within the 15-char limit but the remaining 10% can be 
somewhat longer? Wouldn't it be a rule closer to human common sense?

You conclude with 'it won't matter too very much'. Well, I also have to 
maintain programs with 6-char variables, and I can tell you it takes much 
more time for me to understand these programs, compared to the others with 
15-char variables.

Regards.

--
Antoine CONTAL



  
  
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My inclinations are like this:

It is good practice to have a naming convention just to cut down the
time involved in naming things.

I'm not convinced about the utitility of too-long names, or too many of
them anyway.  Depending on what conventions are in use, and how much
they are faithfully followed, the longer the names are the more
variation is possible for finding what you're looking for, or finding
the variable you coded. It's one thing I didn't like when I did Cobol.
You can get lost trying to remember if you went top down in cateogory,
or regarded top-down categories at all,

Three-letter abbreviations like the IBM command-naming practice helps in
the mnemonics.

So my practice lines up maybe with Duane's in this, Michael's in keeping
the names not-too-long, jstevens with the 3-character practice, so I
guess I agree with just about everybody!

That said, whatever you wind up having to do on this one, it won't
matter too very much, and you'll get used to it of course! :-)

-- Alan


>it makes a difference when doing global find and change type changes.
>It cuts down on the number of false finds.
>
>in my experience constants are frequently grouped together.  all the
>codes for a status field is the classic example.  In such a case I
>think you have to have a naming convention.
>
>I find I spend a lot of time naming things.  almost to the point that
>I cant code it until I have named it.  having a naming convention that
>is reasonable simplifies that process.
>
>-Steve
>
>

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