Just recently I had to expand the UPC fields here from 11 to 14 bytes (which
should have been done years ago, but no one noticed until I pointed it out).
In that case it was pretty much necessary to rebuild the files and tables,
display panels, and many programs.
However, when adding new data elements, I will often just create an adjunct
file that can be joined to the existing table or file. That is, if the data
elements are "specialized" (i.e., low usage). For example, adding a flag to
a customer record that indicates some condition, such as local tax code.
Only a few programs need that information so I don't have to expand the
customer master (which is used by *tons* on programs). And, yes, I have add
to later add other things to the adjunct file, but still a lot fewer
programs to re-compile.
For us poor people that cannot afford a CMS it just depends upon the
situation (or judgment call).
Jerry C. Adams
IBM i Programmer/Analyst
When two trains approach each other at a crossing, they shall both come to a
full stop and neither shall start up until the other has gone. - Kansas law
--
A&K Wholesale
Murfreesboro, TN
615-867-5070
-----Original Message-----
From: rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of David Gibbs
Sent: Friday, July 08, 2011 11:37 AM
To: RPG programming on the IBM i / System i
Subject: Re: RPG - I'm not dead yet!
*** NOT REALLY TOPICAL TO THE DISCUSSION, BUT ... ***
On 7/8/2011 10:51 AM, john e wrote:
In MY experience, with RPG...In almost all situations i was in,
adding a simple field to a table required compilation of all 1000+
RPG programs.
This is where a good change control system helps.
Add a field to a file, promote the change from development to QA, all the
programs that use that file are automatically recompiled.
david
(who works for MKS, a change control solution provider, in addition to
running midrange.com)
midrange.com
