Re: return value of a rpg program

[Hans Boldt <boldt@xxxxxxxxxx>]

Knezevic, Mihael wrote:
> hi,
>
> is it possible in rpg to return a value from a program. i don't mean to
> get a return value of a procedure.
>
> i like to do something in perl like this:
>
> $myvar = `system myrpgprogram`;
>
> but i don't know how i should define my prototype in the rpg program.
> the rpg program name is BS_SUBS. it tried it like this: 
>
> DMain             PR            10A   EXTPGM('BS_SUBS') 
> D  subname                      10A                     
> D  sublib                       10A                     
>  *                                                      
>  *Entry list (parameter)                                
> DMain             PI            10A                     
> D  subname                      10A                     
> D  sublib                       10A                     
>
> but it says that a return value is not supported with EXTPGM key word.
>
> thanx in advance for any help.
>
> mk

No.

The way you get return values from a program is by specifying a 
reference parameter that will receive the output from the program. 
Within the called program, the data to be returned is assigned to that 
parameter.

BTW, I believe the result of executing the expression `system 
myrpgprogram` is the return code from performing the specified command 
(that is, a success/failure indication), not the output of the command. 
Although a "return code" of a sort was set by RPG III programs (if I'm 
not mistaken), I'm not sure if it is set by RPG IV programs.

Cheers! Hans