RPG Language Feature - Variable Triggers - Computed Properties

Thank you for taking the time to submit your Idea. After careful consideration, we know that we cannot deliver your requested enhancement soon, so it is being declined. However, your Idea does align with the future strategy of our product and we believe it may have future value, so we will add it to an internal list for us to keep in mind for the future.

-IBM Power Systems Development

I don't see this as necessary, since we can pretty much already do it (If I'm understanding the idea correctly).

Consider:

dcl-s Var_t  char(10) template;
dcl-s MyVar1  like(Var_T);
dcl-s MyVar2  like(Var_T);
dcl-s MyVar3  like(Var_T);
dcl-s Code    like(Var_T);

dcl-proc ComputeMyVar;
dcl-pi *n like(Var_t);
  Var       like(Var_t);
  NewValue  like(Var_t)  const options(*nopass);
end-pi;
  if %passed(NewValue);  // New Value for MyVar passed - this is a SET
    // Do SET Logic (old value)
    Var = NewValue;
    // Do SET Logic (new value)
  else;  // New Value NOT passed - this is a GET
    // Do GET Logic
  endif;

  return Var;
end-proc;

// Then, you can simply:
ComputeMyVar(MyVar1: 'CODE1');
ComputeMyVar(MyVar2: 'CODE2');

Code = ComputeMyVar(MyVar3);

etc...


You can code an optional third parm for any additional information, eg an indicator to tell the procedure you want to CLEAR or RESET the variable, etc.

Seems like this is powerful enough without the complications of creating new syntax for "variable triggers".  

The CAAC has reviewed this IBM Idea and recommends that IBM view this as a medium priority Idea that should be addressed.

Interesting language modernization idea, might be nice to have. The feature is somewhat obscure even in modern languages.

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

Carmelita Ruvalcaba- CAAC Program Manager