Re: Recompile required for OVRDBF?

[Scott Klement <midrange-l@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi Loyd,

> Do CL programs that use OVRDBF need to be recompiled if the referenced
> file changes? Our vendor software increased the size of some key
> database fields, and we are reviewing our inhouse code.

No, OVRDBF doesn't need to be recompiled (unless, of course, you want to 
change the parameters you specified on the OVRDBF command.)


> Ovrdbf file(myfile) tofile(*libl/myfile)
>
> Isn't that syntactical sugar? I.e. performs no useful function? 

Most likely, you're right, it does nothing.

But, less likely, it's possible that it DOES do something.  It would do 
something if the HLL program hard-codes a library.  The OVRDBF would 
prevent the hard-coded library, and let you use the *LIBL.

For example if I did this in RPG:

     FCUSTMAS   IF   E           K DISK    EXTFILE('QTEMP/CUSTMAS')

Without the override, this will only look for the CUSTMAS file in the 
QTEMP library.  With the override, it'll look in *LIBL.

Why would someone write code like this?  I have no idea -- I'm just 
pointing out that it's possible.