Date field: just a complain 2

[thelearner]

Hi everyone,

I'm very new in RPG free format and I found that the date function is rather pain in the bud. If I want to move a numeric field to a date field I have to check that my original field contain a valid date before I move.

Another case is that when I define an output field, in O spec, as a date field and my input field does not have a data. Even I check the input field and not do the move if there is no data, the output field still contain some default value (or should I say junk data).

I didn't have to do these extra steps in RPG400.

Any comment, anyone!

 

[thelearner]

Let me give you an example. Our user say I want a report that have client code, name and the due date.
This is all we get.

 

[MdnghtPgmr]

rapeek,

A solution that I use is to use "templets". I have about 5 templet programs that I use for everything. One report templet. One load all subfile templet. One load page at a time templet. One work with templet (file maintenance). One CLP get a date (or any other piece of data) and submit yourself template. From these you can create any new program and the put the new program in production libraries. The templets live in MY library and never see the light of day until I copy one to start a new program.

These templet should be clearly commented on what needs to change for each iteration of the new program so that a new person can be productive very quickly and because my memory is amazingly short.

As for a client calling up and requesting a rerun or another run of an existing report, this comes down to training. You have to "train" the users that you can better serve their needs if they have certain information for you to work from. This has to develop over time but it can be done. If nothing else they should at least be able to tell you the title of the report then you could scan for the title. I have worked places where the title, program name and some key field names were keyed into a database file upon the install. This file also contain user's names and was then used as a report routing system.

HTH,
MdnghtPgmr

 

[thelearner]

Thank you for the inputs , MdnghtPgmr, and you too, flapeyre. Here's the star for each of you.