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Status Delivered
Workspace IBM i
Categories Languages - RPG
Created by Guest
Created on Aug 28, 2019

Allow numeric variable as second parameter to %KDS

Currently, the %KDS bif has a second parameter to specify how many of the key fields are to be used in the I/O operation.

This second parameter can only be a numeric constant (named or literal).

Please allow a numeric variable (integer or zero-decimal packed or zoned) to be used for this second parameter


Use Case:

In coding an I/O Server service program (encapsulating I/O to a file in subprocedures in a service program), I would like to write subprocedures that can deal with partial keys, where the user can pass in as many key values as needed.

Now, I have to code a SELECT statement to issue a separate I/O opcode depending on how many keys are passed in:
select;
when %parms() >= 5;
chain %kds(MyKeyDS:5) MyFile;
when %parms() >= 4;
chain %kds(MyKeyDS:4) MyFile;
when %parms() >= 3;
chain %kds(MyKeyDS:3) MyFile;
when %parms() >= 2;
chain %kds(MyKeyDS:2) MyFile;
when %parms() >= 1;
chain %kds(MyKeyDS:1) MyFile;
ends;

It would be nice to be able to code something like this instead:
K = %parms();
chain %kds(MyKeyDS:K) MyFile;

or even
chain (%kds(MyKeyDS:%parms()) MyFile;


Idea priority Medium
  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    May 15, 2020

    IBM believes that the request described has been solved and is available with PTFs for 7.3 and 7.4.

    For details, please see https://ibm.biz/rpgcafe_kds_bif_var_num_keys

  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Apr 13, 2020

    IBM agrees with the request and a solution appears to be desirable and feasible. IBM intends to provide a solution. However, IBM's plans may change and no commitment is made that a solution will be provided.

  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Mar 24, 2020

    The CAAC has reviewed this requirement and recommends that IBM view this as a medium priority requirement that should be addressed. For those who still want/need to use record level access, this would be a more efficient and modernized approach.

    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

  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Dec 3, 2019

    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. IBM will use votes and comments from others in the community to help prioritize this request.