RE: Converting RPG to RPGLE

I agree completely. That is why, when given the option, I was thirst to 
suggest the entire RPG source file that my divisions programs are in 
should be converted to RPGIV. The only programs we still have that are 
RPGIII are ones I don't do maintenance on. Everything else is RPGIV, 
unfortunately due to corporate programming standards they are more RPGIV 
syntax of RPGIII code(duck and insert next rebuttal here), But another 
programmer and I are making headway in using more RPGIV items like 
subprocedures. As you've said it's easier to ask for forgiveness than 
permission. My boss once said we may start using subprocedures soon. My 
reply was I already am.

We are trying for service programs and CGI programming next. 




"Jon Paris" <Jon.Paris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> 
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10/25/2006 03:16 PM
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RE: Converting RPG to RPGLE






Not getting at you specifically Bob but ...

If it isn't broken, don't fix it,

Sorry - I don't agree and frankly think that this philosophy is doing more
to kill the platform than anything IBM has or hasn't done in terms of
marketing.

VB3 program probably weren't broken when moved to VB4, 5, 6 ... But how 
many
VB3 programs are out there today?  VB4 came out _after_ RPG IV!

The problem is two fold.  First of all programs are just about always 
broken
- they need maintenance.  I believe that by keeping them in RPG400 the
maintenance takes longer than it need and the programmer is forced to use
"old fashioned" methods to solve their programming problems.  Secondly 
when
the user asks for enhancements the decision has to be made as to whether 
to
do it in the old way or convert and do it the new way.  Often the decision
is that "it's not broken" so they do it the old way.  Another opportunity
missed.  Another possibility that the new CIO will look at the Apps and
describe them as old-fashioned green-screen rubbish.  Another nail in the
coffin.

If my programs are in RPG IV them adding new features, plugging in things
like Excel spreadsheet creation, adapting them for web, etc. etc. become
easier.

We're going to ride "it ain't broken" into the System's grave!

(Ducking and running!)


Jon Paris
Partner400

www.Partner400.com