Re: prob- reverse a string in cl -- MIDRANGE-L

Hi Dave

The CL connection came from the original post, where the person was trying to 
do this in a CL program. I'm with you on the use of REXX on its own - and IBM 
has even made it an option as the command processor for CL commands - that is 
actually a very cool way to use it - parsing command parameters in REXX is a 
dream compared to CL.

But I have to admit to being a little stuck in the CL-RPG world of compiled 
languages. You are nudging me a bit, and I want to explore further. Doing 
STRREXPRC _repeatedly_ from a CL is a losing proposition, however - have tried 
it, a real dog. But that is probably not the best use of it, as you showed.

Your experience is different from most iSeries folks, as you and I have 
discussed. So your comment about REXX not being an esoteric language will 
strike iSeries developers as a bit odd, I think. You are probably right - it is 
de rigueur on the mainframe and possibly in OS/2. It was even the basis of the 
macro language in CODE, the predecessor to WDSC and RSE. IIRC. (Could be wrong 
there).

One man's esoteric is another man's everyday. You can quote me!   ;-)

Also, as we make commercial products, it might not be the best direction here, 
as per your last comments about large apps.

Thanks
Vern

-------------- Original message -------------- 
From: "Dave Odom" <Dave.Odom@xxxxxxxxxxxx> 

> Vern & Scott, 
> 
-snip-
> 
> Vern, 
> 
> Wasn't suggesting using CL at all. Perhaps I didn't understand the 
> whole picture but didn't see CL in the picture. Since I don't usually 
> CALL REXX from CL or the other way round, I don't see the overhead. 
> Perhaps I'll have to give it a try sometime. 
> 
> I do whatever I can in REXX because its more powerful, simpler and the 
> development turn around is quicker than other System i5 languages since 
> there is no compiling, just code and run using PDM. If it doesn't work, 
> you see your mistakes on your screen; no looking in a job log in most 
> cases. Hit enter, edit the file again, make your changes, F3 out and 
> 16 and see if it works. 
> 
> Not saying REXX is the end-all, be-all but haven't found much I can't 
> do on the System i5 yet and the performance is great. Plus you can use 
> the skill on other IBM platforms since its an SAA language. Plus, since 
> REXX is sorta-kinda like other modern free form languages, if you know 
> REXX, your transition to those other modern free form languages (good 
> for your resume) won't be as great a leap as from CL or RPG. I've seen 
> entire apps, (IIRC, an example is IBMs time card system (TOTALS), done 
> in REXX, running on VM. However, they may have moved it to a different 
> platform now. I've programmed in many languages, even RPG, but like to 
> use non-esoteric and cross-platform tools if at all possible. 
> 
> Now, I'll admit, if I was doing a large app like A/R, A/P, CRM, 
> manufacturing shop floor control, inventory, etc. I'd use a compiled 
> language where ever possible. 
> 
> Take care, 
> 
> Dave 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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