Re: RPG Service Program vs Include Source for Shared Subprocedures and SQL Calls

[Charles Wilt <charles.wilt@xxxxxxxxx>]

99.99% of the time, *SRVPGM is the right way to do it..

I've heard of, but not run into, circumstances where /INCLUDE executable
code was needed.
Some specific security check IIRC.

Too many places /INCLUDE executable code because they are afraid of and/or
don't understand *SRVPGMs.

Charles

On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 3:13 PM Richard Schoen <richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
wrote:

> Hi All,
>
> In the Python, Java and .Net world I usually create Python classes, jar
> files or DLLs to contain shared functionality.
>
> Because most IBMi shops have an interesting mix of RPG code bases I'm
> trying to determine whether I should create a service program or use
> includes for shared functionality at a customer site.
>
> With service programs, write once, bind and use everywhere.
>
> With copy books, just include on-the-fly.
>
> In the past I've leaned towards copybooks, but I'm curious what others
> think.  I'm a little cautious of burying SQL functionality into one or more
> service programs.
>
> Real-world thoughts appreciated.
>
> Thanks
>
> Regards,
> Richard Schoen
> Web: http://www.richardschoen.net
> Email: richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx<mailto:richard@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
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