Re: OVRDBF from an RPG?

David FOXWELL wrote:

I have a Procedure1 in Module1 that calls Procedure2 in Module2. Procedure2 opens implicitly a file F2. Then it calls Procedure3 in Module3 which opens a file F3. It's possible that other procedures are called, opening files in this same, cascading manner.

So after my first call to Procedure2, I'll have Files2 and 3 open when control returns to Procedure1.

On my next call to Procedure2, I may want Files2 and 3 of a different library.

Could I just open and close my files in the beginning of Procedures2 and 3, and issue an OVRDBF in Procedure1 ?

Yes, to change the library you will need to close and reopen the files. If you are going to be opening explicitly anyway, you can consider using the EXTFILE keyword on the F-spec instead of the OVRDBF. Accomplishes the same thing and is much cleaner IMHO. You would need to pass the library name to the procedures, or else change the library list before calling them.

Depending on how frequently these procedures will be called, you may find that it is best to condition the opening and closing of the files based on whether the library has changed or not. Mind you, this will make the procedures somewhat more complex.