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IBM will use this request as input to planning but no commitment is made or implied. This request will be updated in the future if IBM implements it.
Based on the suggestion provided when more information was requested, Db2 for i would implement 2 new scalar functions, TO_TIMESTAMP_FORMAT and FROM_TIMESTAMP_FORMAT similar to the implementation by Db2 LUW. If anything beyond that is required, a new RFE should be opened containing additional request ideas.
I think what most people would like is a way to convert from and too DB2 Timestamp format to ISO8601 Timestamp format - https://www.w3.org/TR/NOTE-datetime - not store it in a new Timestamp format. So something like new SQL functions of toISOTimestamp and fromISOTimestamp would be great to have, especially was more and more web development is being carried out on the IBMi. Being in Ireland I know that the timezone and the daylight saving will probably cause some issues though - so I assume this is quite a tricky issue to solve.
Back in January IBM asked for help to identify the most valuable uses of this request. So far, there has been no response. In order to consider this RFE for implementation, we need a understand the required scope of the request. If more details are not provided by the end of May, this RFE will be closed.
The last update to this RFE was a request for ISO timestamp support in RPG as well. That suggestion should be opened as a separate RFE for the RPG compiler team.
The prior request for more information for an SQL implementation was not fulfilled yet, so asking again for prioritization of the support.
I hope you will include support for this in RPG too.
Something like
%char(myTimestamp : *ISO8601)
%dec(MyTimestampString : *ISO8601)
Adding complete support for ISO 8601 timestamps in SQL is a very involved request. We would like to understand the most common scenarios to see if there is a meaningful subset of support we could provide to help fill the current gap. For example, there are considerations for generating these timestamp values and separate considerations for consuming them. Could you provide your top 3 (or so) use cases where this enhancement is needed. How is the data coming in to SQL and/or leaving SQL? What operations do you need to do with it? Your prioritized input will influence how we approach this large topic.
Try the following:
https://gist.github.com/BirgittaHauser/422a4e470e0b4b4cad0f746f583430e8
The CAAC has reviewed this requirement and recommends that IBM view this as a medium priority requirement that should be addressed. Ability to communicate outside the box is always desirable -- generating a timestamp is not a problem, but getting it back is an annoyance and requires extra work. It would be nice to insert a date/time into the database without having to modify it.
Background: The COMMON Americas Advisory Council (CAAC) members have a broad range of experience in working with small and medium-sized IBM i customers. CAAC has a key role in working with IBM i development to help assess the value and impact of individual RFEs on the broader IBM i community, and has therefore reviewed your RFE.
For more information about CAAC, see www.common.org/caac
For more details about CAAC's role with RFEs, see http://www.ibmsystemsmag.com/Blogs/i-Can/May-2017/COMMON-Americas-Advisory-Council-%28CAAC%29-and-RFEs/
Nancy Uthke-Schmucki - CAAC Program Manager
The COMMON Europe Advisory Council (CEAC) has reviewed this requirement and recommends that IBM view this as a “nice to have” LOW priority feature.
Background: The CEAC members have a broad range of experience in working with small and medium-sized IBM i customers. CEAC has a crucial role in working with IBM i development to help assess the value and impact of individual RFEs on the broader IBM i community and has therefore reviewed your RFE.
To find out how CEAC help to shape the future of IBM i, see CEAC @ ibm.biz/BdYSYj and the article "The Five Hottest IBM i RFEs Of The Quarter" at ibm.biz/BdYSZT
Therese Eaton – CEAC Program Manager, IBM
You can always write a UDF for it.