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Status Delivered
Workspace IBM i
Categories Languages - RPG
Created by Guest
Created on May 9, 2022

RELATED IDEAS

New function %lookupNE() to find the first element in an array not equal to the search argument

Many times I have to locate the first non-blank or non-zero element in an array. To search for it I either have to code a for/endfor or dow/enddo loop to scan for it. Sorting it is not an option. The sequence must be kept.


So often it is something like this:

x=1;

dow x < %elem(myArr) and myArr(x) = 0;

x+=1;

enddo


I would love to have the possibility to code something like this:

x = %lookupNE( 0 : myArr);


%lookupGT can not be used because it needs the array to be sorted.

%lookupNE should do a sequential search like the %lookup function can do on an array.

Idea priority Medium
  • Guest
    Jul 24, 2026
    IBM believes that the solution for the Idea described is available with the following PTFs:

    7.5 PTF for the ILE RPG compiler, TGTRLS(*CURRENT): 5770WDS SJ10450

    7.6 PTF for the ILE RPG compiler, TGTRLS(*CURRENT): 5770WDS SJ10455
    7.6 PTF for the ILE RPG compiler, TGTRLS(V7R5M0): 5770WDS SJ10460

    New built-in functions %LOOKUPNE and %TLOOKUPNE are added. They return the first element that is not equal to the search argument.

    For further information, see https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/ssw_ibm_i_75/rzasl/rpgrelv7r5post.htm for 7.5 or https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/ssw_ibm_i_76/rzasl/rpgrelv7r6post.htm for 7.6.

    - IBM Power Systems Development
    Reply
  • Guest
    Jul 14, 2026
    IBM intends to provide a solution. However, IBM's plans may change and no commitment is made that a solution will be provided.

    New built-in functions %LOOKUPNE and %TLOOKUPNE will be added. They will return the first element that is not equal to the search argument.

    - IBM Power Systems Development
    Reply
  • Guest
    May 9, 2022
    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.

    - IBM Power Systems Development
    Reply

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