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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.

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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



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