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Status Future consideration
Workspace IBM i
Categories Languages - RPG
Created by Guest
Created on Nov 9, 2022

RELATED IDEAS

Extend PCML to optionally include source file & line number where data structures and procedures are defined

Breaking out this part from https://ibm-power-systems.ideas.ibm.com/ideas/IBMI-I-3437

Please add an option for the PCML generated to include the source file & line number where data structures & procedures are defined. My initial plan would be to use this in two ways.

First, make it easier to combine PCML from multiple programs & service programs into a database or documentation tool. Knowing what source file a data structure came from allows you to cross correlate and keep them grouped properly. Also this could be used when generating PHP, JS, etc interfaces from the PCML so you don't duplicate definitions.

Second, the source file & line number together would make it much easier to then pull docblock information from the source. Basically given the line number where the definition happens lets you go directly to the source and then find the docblock immediately prior to the definition and pull any extra metadata out for an automated documentation tool.

FWIW we currently use a derivative of the open source ILEDocs project. We parse the RPG source code but it's complex and prone to breaking when new features are added to RPG. Using PCML as the standardized program interface makes a lot more sense since it's already most of the way to what is needed.

Idea priority High
  • Admin
    Nancy Uthke-Schmucki
    Reply
    |     Nov 29, 2022

    The CAAC has reviewed this IBM Idea and recommends that IBM view this as a medium priority Idea that should be addressed. Documentation in programming is an essential requirement -- anything that can be done to help that process is beneficial.


    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 IBM Ideas on the broader IBM i community, and has therefore reviewed your Idea.


    For more information about CAAC, see www.common.org/caac


    Nancy Uthke-Schmucki - CAAC Program Manager

  • Guest
    Reply
    |     Nov 18, 2022
    Thank you for opening a separate Idea for this aspect of your original Idea.

    IBM will use this Idea as input to planning, but no commitment is made or implied. This Idea 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 Idea.

    - IBM Power Systems Development

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