Re: File Encapsulation Quandary

Playing devils advocate :)

- SQL can access non-IBMi databases. (with appropriate driver installed)

As can RPG with OA handler...

- SQL can read only the needed fields from a record (instead of all)

As can RPG with the right logical

- SQL doesn't get "level check" errors.

Neither does RPG if you access only via logicals whose formats don't
change when the physical file does.

- SQL can do lookups on fields that DON'T have an index built over them

Well, technically, RPG could do that the same way SQL does, start at
the beginning and read till you find it or you hit EOF. I think we'd
both agree this probably isn't a good thing to do often :)

Don't get me wrong, I love SQL. But blindly replacing CHAIN with a
SELECT INTO or otherwise mimicking RPG RLA with SQL makes little sense
IMHO.

Charles