Re: Getting started with ILE, procecdures, modules ... etc

Bob Schwartz wrote:

Would someone be so kind as to tell me where I can find information on
ILE coding techniques.
I want to get myself and my programmers up to speed with the latest RPG
ILE coding standards.
Including procedures, modules, service programs ... Etc.

I don't think there is a canonical list of best practises. There isn't a simple answer to be had - using modern techniques means one needs to understand them, and if one isn't there yet... Nasty circle.

If your folks want some understanding of some of the issues involved in modern coding techniques, I'd recommend reading Steve McConnell's Code Complete. It's not RPG, but it does explain the rationale for doing various things in code, and I think that's what you're looking for. Well, it helped me anyway. For an RPG-centric view, have a look at Paul Tuohy's book about re-engineering legacy applications. You might be able to get these from http://www.midrange.com which helps support the list...

Aside from a vague and somewhat unhelpful-sounding reading list, a more useful recommendation is to do it. The next program you need to change gets converted to RPG IV (CVTRPGSRC). If you can, write a subprocedure - look for a chance to try a subprocedure, which is like a function call or a BIF. Once you have a few subprocedures, you will come across one that will be useful in more than one program. Then you can make your first service program.

The steps really are pretty small, although they don't seem like it at first. The ILE Concepts has a lot of stuff in it, but just like you don't use BITOF and MHLLZO in every RPG program, you won't be using the full power of ILE in every situation either.

Give it a whirl and post specific questions and code and the list will be thrilled to help a new ILE shop!
--buck