Thanks for the complement Joe,
My example was a simplistic one. In reality things tend to be more complex.
To overcome this "learning curve" there are "include" features built in to
IceBreak to allow all or part of other text files to be included in the RPG
program. One can also use the RPG pre-compiler "Include" features
The web design guys create HTML using products like Dreamweaver, and they
add the "tags" that identify the sections of code that can be copied. The
same approach can be used with JavaScript fragments. None of these guys need
to know anything about RPG.
The RPG programmer uses the "include" features to add the
"HTML/JavaScript/VBScript/PHP/etc" to the program for inclusion at compile
time. The RPG programmer does not need to know about the intricacies within
the included code. Depending on program flow different sections of code can
be copied or omitted.
There is another advantage. The ability to include sections of HTML from
other source files in various parts of the code is analogous to the use of
record formats in DDS. This is something RPG programmers are very familiar
with and they don't need to learn much HTML to start creating functional web
pages.
A small team using people with different skills can collaborate to create
the required end product. The re-education required can be kept to a
minimum.
Having said all this, I believe that in this modern world, the developer
needs a wider portfolio of skills at his/her command. RPG programmers should
see the learning of HTML, JavaScript, etc as a positive thing.
Syd
-----Original Message-----
From: web400-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:web400-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx] On
Behalf Of Joe Pluta
Sent: 18 July 2008 03:52
To: Web Enabling the AS400 / iSeries
Subject: Re: [WEB400] The "Presentation" Layer
Syd Nicholson wrote:
Hi Nathan,
JavaScript is just text. If the server can send HTML, it can send
JavaScript.
I use IceBreak and write server code exclusively in RPG using a .asp type
syntax. I would be very surprised if other Web Application servers also
cannot generate the required output although using different techniques.
My problem with your example is that you are writing "hybrid" code.
You're writing both RPG and JavaScript at the same time. It's certainly
doable, but it's not easy to teach. Writing RPG code that generates
JavaScript is a talent.
Joe
midrange.com
