Encapsulating File Access in a Service Program

July 21, 2004 Joel Cochran

The code for this article is available for download.

Encapsulation is a familiar concept to object-oriented programmers but has yet to be seriously embraced by RPG programmers. The idea is to place all access for a particular set of data, in this case from a physical file, to one object. Then only one object can directly access and manipulate a database file. While this is standard fare for OO languages, it is hardly the norm for RPG. In this article I demonstrate a method that simulates encapsulation by using our trusty friend the service program.

WHY ENCAPSULATION IS COOL

Adding New Parameters to RPG Programs

July 21, 2004 Hey, Ted

We have an RPG IV program that accepts one parameter. We need to add two more parameters. Our problem is that this program is called from several menus and many programs. Unless you have some trick up your sleeve, adding the new parameters will involve a lot of work outside of regular hours. Can you help?

–Bo

This is not a difficult situation to handle, Bo. There’s no trick to it, and this is a fundamental technique that everybody should know.

As long as you do not reference a parameter that is not passed to the program, the RPG program

Admin Alert: Four Cool Things You Can Do with PC5250

July 21, 2004 Joe Hertvik

As I have mentioned before, the PC5250 program that comes with iSeries Access for Windows is a mature product that IBM has packed a ton of features into over the years. This week’s “Admin Alert” takes a look at four under-used PC5250 features in iSeries Access for Windows V5R2M0 to see how they can help OS/400 users.

HIDING A PC5250 SESSION FROM WINDOWS

If you have multiple PC5250 sessions running on your PC, PC5250 has a function that lets you hide a session from your Windows desktop or reveal a hidden session. To hide a session inside PC5250, select Window