RE: 20 years ago

I've always found it strange the IBM has resisted any updates to the Display File spec, or even the 5250 data stream in general.


Although we can use DSPATR(&FIELD), then load the field is all the attributes you want, and get rid of indicators all together.

A DSPATR(&DSPATR02A)
A DSPATR02A 1A P


RPG Procedure parses the input color and attribute and sets the DSPATR value accordingly.

Dspatr02A = Rtndspatr('TRQ':'RI');
Dspatr02A = Rtndspatr('WHT':'UL');


--
Chris Hiebert
Senior Programmer/Analyst
Disclaimer: Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.

From: RPG400-L <rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> On Behalf Of Gad Miron
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2022 11:33 AM
To: rpg400-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: 20 years ago



Speaking of DSPFs



Some 20 years ago (st. Peppers) I had the notion to ask IBM to let us use

Field attributes indicators in DSPFs in a more straight forward (and self

explanatory) way.

This by adding all 7 attributes of each field ( HI RI CS BL ND UL PC) to

the INDRADA area



Then we could write in the RPG program like this:

FIELD1.PC = *ON (Set on Position cursor for FIELD1)

FIELD2.RI = *ON (light up Reverse Image for FIELD2)

you get the point...



This method will also help with the limited number of indicators.



But, as I have been coding less and less during that time I kind of

dropped it.



BTH, I know that one can map names to each indicators and use named

indicators

But if IBM were to add a built-in support for this feature it would have

standardize all

reference to these field attribute and not leave it to the (lazy , like me)

programmer.



Just a flash-back



Gad