Re: Reasons for using RPGIV

I loved the reference to Mr. Peabody - I also love those old cartoons. It's a shame when they are more entertaining (and more intelligent) than the current crop of prime-time soap operas... er, um... dramas.

I also came from a S/34 / 36 background, so I started with RPGII. The jump to RPG/400 (RPGIII) wasn't bad at all. The way I moved on from there was, quite simply, baby steps.

RPG/400
RPG IV - fixed format
RPG IV - free format
ILE (modules, binding, service programs, etc.)

Initially, when an RPG/400 program needed to be modified, I would convert it to fixed format RPG IV and make the enhancements. Perhaps the coworker is afraid of too big a jump. I would do a test conversion of one of her RPG/400 programs to fixed-format RPG IV and ask her if she can read the source. If she can then her arguments are moot, and that may be the little bump that she needs to take her first baby step.

(Ok, I'm ready. My terminology was probably not perfect so, flame away...)

~TA~


"Richard Marion" <DPCMarion@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message news:mailman.38524.1302699824.2702.rpg400-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx...

If memory serves, JDE was written in RPG/400 style coding. She may want to
keep everything in RPG/400 to maintain similar thought processes with
existing JDE code.

I loved RPG II (yep I am from the S/34-36 era). It was a major step for me
to go to RPG/400. To learn the new op-codes and form positions. I now
code in RPGLE and SQLRPGLE. When I need to modify an existing RPG/400
program, I have to switch my thinking utilizing Mr. Peabody's "Way-Back"
machine (yep, watched a lot of cartoon's as a child too). Having to
remember, Oh yea, I can't do that this way in this version.

That being said... I think one of the best reasons to code in RPGIV/LE is
that, like RPG II, RPG III/400 will eventually be discontinued (perhaps in
50 years). When that day finally comes, just think about the work to
convert all your existing programs at the same time. I think it is better
to convert as modifications dictate. This gives all a chance to learn the
new faster techniques. Yes, you will have mis-matched code for a while, but
it will be a cost savings in the long run. Contractors will be faster and
program more efficiently using modern techniques.

Rich