Re: Display subfile page number

[Robert Mullis <robertmullis99@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

You do not have to write code in multiple languages to be considered an 
ILE programmer.  I primarily code in RPG IV free format, but I make use 
of the many C++ APIs etc. that are available to bind into my programs or 
service programs.

On 3/22/2011 5:43 PM, sjl wrote:
> Jerry -
>
> I am one who (in the early 80's) learned the value of the structured
> methodology and functional decomposition (concepts taught by Dijkstra,
> Yourdon, and others).   Even before the advent of ILE I was accustomed to
> writing modular, reusable code; It was not 'bound' code on the System/38 and
> initially on the AS/400, since they only supported dynamic calls, but it was
> reusable code.
>
> In my experience, the best programmers are 'lazy' programmers - that is, I
> don't like writing the same code over and over, I prefer reusable code.
>
> In the early days, I accomplished this by either putting the reusable code
> into subroutines defined in copybooks OR putting it into sub-programs which
> were called from various other programs to achieve modularity.
>
> The shop standard where I currently work is basically to keep the OPM
> programs as OPM programs, unless there is a compelling reason to convert
> them to RPGIV - and sometimes even with a compelling reason [unless we have
> reached the limitations of the OPM compiler] it becomes very difficult to
> convince management that is worthwhile to spend any additional time on an
> existing, working program to enhance its readability and maintainability.
>
> However, when writing /new/ code, I use many aspects of the ILE -
> subprocedures, service programs, and binding source - the whole nine yards.
> I am far from being able to call myself an 'expert' on all of this stuff -
> anyone who does is blowing smoke up your a$$!
>
> I learn new techniques daily, often from viewing example code posted by
> others here on the RPG400-L list.
>
> In the final analysis, however, most AS/400 - iSeries - System i - IBM i
> programmers technically cannot call themselves 'true' ILE programmers, since
> they write most of their code in a single language - the ILE environment is
> based on the premise that you can write your modules in any of the supported
> ILE languages, and the ILE gives you the ability to bind it all together and
> run it as a single bound program...
>
> By the way, what you are doing is still considered ILE.  Under the covers,
> CRTBNDRPG creates a module then it binds it into a program...
>
> - sjl
>
>
> Jerry wrote:
>    Well, I use subprocedures but not modules and service programs (hard to
> mix
>    into the 99% RPG II code I took over) with a named activation group (or
>    *Caller).  I always thought of that as non-ILE.  Personally I don't think
>    /free counts in the equation.
>
>    Geez, Barbara, which is it?!