Re: Service Program Question

Paul,

Thank you very much for your advice. Since the modules were created sometime ago, there is no way to use a wildcard type logic for entering module names. I am leaning toward the binding directory route since I only have to add the new modules names when updating service program. It also provides a listing for other developers reference that may need to see what modules are in the service pgm along with a common method of maintenance.

This is my opportunity to get implement a sound practice from the beginning instead of trying to change a bad practice into a good one.

I will look a little deeper into the CMS to see why it does not appear to retaining the original module names.

Jim Minisce



----- Original Message ----
From: Paul Tuohy <tuohyp@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: RPG programming on the IBM i / System i <rpg400-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, March 26, 2009 10:48:10 AM
Subject: Re: Service Program Question

Hi Jim,

If all of your modules start with the same character (e.g. TXT in your
case) you can use a generic for the module name on the CRTSRVPGM command
(my preferred method). Or you may want to consider renaming the modules
so this would work.

Alternatively, the binding directory works just fine - it means you
won't inadvertently forget a module name.

It might also be worth while taking a closer look at your CMS - they
usually have multiple options for handling the creation/re-creation of
service programs.

Regards

Paul Tuohy
ComCon
www.comconadvisor.com
www.systemideveloper.com





Jim Minisce wrote:

Hi All,

I am updating a service program (TXTUTILS) that includes several modules (I am actually adding a couple more modules). There currently is a binding directory (TXTUTILS) that has only one entry, which is the service program (TXTUTILS). There are many RPG programs that reference the binding directory within the H specs in order to use the subprocedures. I am also using binder language to handle the signatures. Since we use a CMS application to move the code from DEV, QA and PROD, I am getting tired of entering each module in the CRTSRVPGM command.

My question is this: Would it be considered best practice to create another binding directory that contains all the modules that make up the service program and reference that on the CRTSRVPGM command or am I adding another level of complexity that really does not add value? The goal would be to minimize and simplify the promotion process through the change management application.

Thank you in advance for your input.

Jim Minisce
Godiva Chocolatier, Inc.