RE: Do you use BITOF?

Yeah, that same test had one or two questions on using the O-Spec for file
updating (something I haven't done since I can't remember when), and some
other questions that were really out there. I think maybe there was one or
two questions on BIFs, and maybe one on defining a prototype, a couple on
date math, and I think maybe one on using a data structure define, only the
question asked about using the *LIKE keyword in Factor 1 instead of as a
D-spec keyword.  

It seemed to me that the test had been written by someone with a strong
RPGII/RPGIII background who had access to an RPGIV manual but who had never
actually done any real programming in RPGIV.

Of course, that just points out the trouble in tests like this anyway. They
test more on memorization than they do on real world, "how do you accomplish
this programming goal" kinds of things. The IBM RPGIV certification test,
which I took (and passed) a few years ago, was the same way, I thought. It
was really lucky that I'd reviewed the manual prior to taking that test as
most of the questions that were asked, in the real world, I'd have simply
prompted in the editor for the answer rather than trying to remember
semi-useless information. (e.g., "what position is the "K" in on an F-spec
keyed file?" - Who cares?!?! Prompt it!)

Oh well...that's probably all the ranting I'll do on this topic. :-0

 

-----Original Message-----
From: rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Price, Brian
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2005 1:40 PM
To: RPG programming on the AS400 / iSeries
Subject: RE: Do you use BITOF?

I had to take the exact same assessment.  It was supposed to measure RPG
IV and ILE skills.  But it was more like RPG II and III.

Brian Price
Sr. Programmer/Analyst
Jefferson Regional Medical Center
870.541.8770
priceb@xxxxxxxx
 

-----Original Message-----
From: rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Shannon ODonnell
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2005 1:32 PM
To: 'RPG programming on the AS400 / iSeries'
Subject: Do you use BITOF?

I took an RPG Assessment test the other day and to my surprise, there
were
FOUR QUESTIONS! On the results of using BITOF and BITON.  

 

I think that I have used those opcodes maybe twice in 17 years.   Now
either
I'm not doing something right or the RPG Assessment test from
BrainBench.com
is woefully out of date.


Does anyone use BITOFF and BITON on a even a semi-regular basis?

 

Shannon O'Donnell