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Status Future consideration
Workspace IBM i
Categories Languages - RPG
Created by Guest
Created on Jan 2, 2024

Provide a CTL-OPT keyword to prohibit or issue a compiler warning when $ or @ are used in Variable or Procedure names

The use of $ and @ in variable names and procedure names in RPG IV hasn't been recommend in nearly 30 years. Yet we still see some legacy developers using those symbols for some reason. I'd like to see a compiler option or CTL-OPT keyword and either prevents the use of user-specified characters such as $ and @ or at the very minimum issues a compiler warning. 

As you know source code with $ and @ when moved onto a system with a different CCSID, do not appear as $ or @ typically. This causes issues with things like source code scanners, change management. Not to mention there is virtual zero reason to use them in the first place other than "I've always done it that way".  

Idea priority Urgent
  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Jan 11, 2024
    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