Re: RPG Service Program vs Include Source for Shared Subprocedures and SQL Calls

The only time I recommend /INCLUDE is for license key/security functions in vendor software. And that only so someone can't try to bypass them.


Brian May



Profound Logic Software

Principal Technology Evangelist


http://www.profoundlogic.com<http://www.profoundlogic.com/>
<http://www.profoundlogic.com/>

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________________________________
From: RPG400-L <rpg400-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> on behalf of Richard Schoen <richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2026 4:13 PM
To: rpg400-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <rpg400-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: RPG Service Program vs Include Source for Shared Subprocedures and SQL Calls

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Hi All,

In the Python, Java and .Net world I usually create Python classes, jar files or DLLs to contain shared functionality.

Because most IBMi shops have an interesting mix of RPG code bases I'm trying to determine whether I should create a service program or use includes for shared functionality at a customer site.

With service programs, write once, bind and use everywhere.

With copy books, just include on-the-fly.

In the past I've leaned towards copybooks, but I'm curious what others think. I'm a little cautious of burying SQL functionality into one or more service programs.

Real-world thoughts appreciated.

Thanks

Regards,
Richard Schoen
Web: http://www.richardschoen.net
Email: richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>

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