Re: Content Assist (with COBOL)

   Thanks Vern.

   That is almost word for word what  5.1.0.3 has for help.  It does get me
   started, and I have experimented a little (when I have the time).  I
   thought that IBM might give access to the existing COBOL templates, or
   tell me where they are, so they can be altered for how I code.  But going
   to the templates options through the menus only gives me some of the free
   form RPG templates to alter.  None of the ILE COBOL templates show up.  I
   would like the ability to alter the given templates, so there are not more
   Evaluate, If, Read, Write, etc templates than needed.

   There is also an import and export function that is not described in the
   help, but I guess that I will have to find out how that works by my self. 
   I hope that if I export from 5.1.0.3 and import into 5.1.2 when I get it
   installed and running, that they will be compatible.

   I do get a list of variables for COBOL  when I prompt after an IF
   statement.  The list has to be navigated with page up and down keys, and
   with the arrow keys.  I would like to see the list jump to the first
   variable with the letter I type.  For example, if I display a list of
   variables, or of commands, and I type the letter 'e' I would like to have
   the list positioned at the first variable or command that starts with that
   letter.  Commands I know really well for COBOL, but the variables could be
   a big help with the list.

   Jim

    
   At 07:40 AM 9/11/2004, you wrote:

     Jim

     Here's help text from 5.1.2:
     =================================
     Completing code with content assist

   Snip  <the help text quoted>

     ================================

     Change the references above to the appropriate item under Remote
     Systems.

     Also, it appears that the "Insert Variable" feature is not implemented
     in the iSeries template editor. Someone (Aaron Bartell?) mentioned that
     it seemed the $(cursor) variable did not work. It's too bad if these are
     not available. I found the possible variables in the Java Templates item
     in Preferences - maybe some will work.

     Looks like a lot of experimentation.

     HTH and hope it matters in your release.
     Vern

     At 06:03 PM 9/10/2004, you wrote:

          Thanks Vern, I got this in my inbox.  This is what started me
       looking at
          Content Assist, and templates.  The tech tip did not go into more
       detail
          than what I have in my post.  I'm looking for some in depth
       insight, or
          how others use it to advantage.  I like that it will pull a list of
       my
          fields for me, but wish that I could jump down the list easier when
       I
          don't remember the exact name of the field I want.

          Jim

          At 04:33 PM 9/10/2004, you wrote:

            The August 12, 2004 Programming Tips newsletter at
            www.iseriesnetwork.com has a short article on templates in WDSC -
       you
            need only join at the free associate level to see it.

            HTH
            Vern

            At 05:04 PM 9/10/2004, you wrote:

              Oh Revered Listers;

              I'm trying to get comfortable using the LPEX editor in WDSCi
       version
              5.1.0.3, and I just came across the Content Assist functions. 
       I am
              trying to become familiar with that function, and was wondering
       a
              couple of things.

              1)  When using Ctrl + Space, I get the pop up window with
       possible
              commands.  How is the best way to navigate thru that list?  I
       have
              tried typing the first letter of the command I would like to
       do, like
              EVALUATE, but the list goes away, and leaves me with a letter E
       typed
              into the source.  I do know that you can type EV and then the
       Ctrl +
              Space and get just the evaluate permutations.  This works great
       with
              program reserved words, but not so great with the field list,
              especially when there are 100 or more fields defined in working
              storage.

              2)  I was wanting to edit the templates that are provided so
       they look
              more like how I code.  I went to Window > Preferences > Remote
       Systems
              > iSeries > Templates to try and edit the templates, but all I
       found
              were ILE RPG FREE-FORM context templates.  Is there a way to
       edit the
              provided templates for ILE COBOL? , or ILE RPG? (I don't even
       know if
              you would want to edit the RPG templates)

              Are there any other hints, tips or techniques that you would
       suggest
              for getting the most from this tool?  It seems like it could be
       such a
              big help, but I want more control!

              Thanks!

              ----------------------------------------------------------

              Jim Essinger
              Senior Programmer/Analyst
              UnLtd / SLFI / IMA
              PO Box 730
              Fruitland, ID 83619

              208-452-4058 Extension 133
              esinger@xxxxxxxx

              ------------------------------------------------------------