Re: Count String

[Jerry Adams <jerry@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Perhaps, but then sometimes one can search and search and still come up 
empty.  If you really think about it, a large number of the questions 
asked here can answered from the manual and/or reference books.  
Personally I prefer trying to find the answer via some research because 
it seems that I retain the knowledge longer than if someone just tells 
me the answer.  And yet I have submitted some questions that, once the 
answer came across, seemed pretty basic, even rudimentary.

So, perhaps, sometimes the answer is *not* to show the code, but to 
point out where the answer (and perhaps further reading) can be found.  
Vern's response was good; adding "check out the %BIF section" would have 
been a little more helpful. 

One aside: The OP didn't indicate what version of RPG is being used.  
One can do this in RPG II (speaking from personal experience), but it's 
a heck of a lot harder.  In that case referencing the RPG IV manual 
would be unproductive.

	* Jerry C. Adams
*IBM System i Programmer/Analyst
B&W Wholesale Distributors, Inc.* *
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Bill Brosch wrote:
>    Right, but look at the process from a different perspective:
>
>    Rather than searching for the answer to this question Srinivas asks his
>    question here.  He is then able to continue working on a different part of
>    his project without stopping to do this (simplistic) research.  After he
>    finishes the other part of his project, he can then come back here & get
>    the answer.
>
>    By not doing the research himself, he has:
>    Saved time by not doing the research
>    Multi-tasked by having someone else get him the answer
>
>    Bill
>
>    SJL wrote:
>
>  Vern wrote:
>
>   
>
>  Hi Srinivas
>  I must ask - are you able to see the manuals? I think you should be able to get to the
>  IBM site and see the PDF of the ILE RPG Reference. The thing I always do is do a
>  search - once in the PDF, Ctrl-F and put in the word "length" - you will get to the
>  answer quickly.
>  It is fine to ask these things here, but it is important also to say what you have done
>  to find the answer already. You will do better in the future once you learn how to
>  find information yourself, like we all have had to do!
>     
>
>  Vern -
>
>  I think it is once again time to remind people about
>  "How to Ask Questions the Smart Way",
>  by Eric Steven Raymond
>
>  See:
>  http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html
>
>  There is some very good advice here on seeking help, but unfortunately this web page
>  is considered by many to be a hacker-related site, so many corporate web filters
>  will prevent you from reaching it.
>
>  If so, view it from home!
>
>  - sjl
>
>   
>