Re: Free format H, F, D and P specs

We have taught a lot of Java/C++/C#/.Net programmers the modern RPG in recent years and most will accept the fixed format D specs - they have after all been trained to line up their definitions! But they HATE the F-spec - as do I for that matter. They make no sense other than in a historical context.

They also don't tolerate the fixed form D-specs as well once they get into subprocedures. Having to end-free and then restart after the P and D specs is a royal pain - the tolerance rapidly evaporates.

Some current RPGers (even those who use /Free extensively will not see the benefit. Frankly they are not the real target audience. We have to get new blood on the platform and anything that eases that process is a plus in my opinion.



On 2013-10-07, at 1:30 PM, Michael Ryan <michaelrtr@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Take the C and Java and VB programmers. Have them visualize an 80 column
punch card. Then show them fixed format.

I wouldn't even introduce the 96 column card.


On Mon, Oct 7, 2013 at 1:28 PM, Dave <dfx1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Maybe it's just the example at that page, but it sure looks ugly to me.
Free form calculation specifications made RPG a lot easier to read for
people coming from other backgrounds. I don't see the same advantage here,
especially with all those key words, which even RPG programmers will have
to learn. I'm for keeping such specifications in orderly columns.


2013/10/7 Scott Klement <rpg400-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

IBM has announced support for free format in the H, F, D and P specs
this morning. Check it out
https://ibm.biz/BdDMwB
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Jon Paris

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