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DATA-GEN multi types (polymorphic) during serialization possibility

See this idea on ideas.ibm.com

Handle cleanly new modern APIs that allows for multiple "types" (say mainstream Microsoft Graph API ) usually inside an array (i.e. array of different things to attach to a chat message etc.).

JSON doesn't restrict particulars types in - say - arrays, it's all about structures.

Would be nice to allow DATA-GEN to follow pointers in a DS using type tagging information to proper deference the structure and serialize it, to allow cases when the type is not clear before runtime. Some solutions outside IBMi world allows for some sort of "bidirectional" type tagging inside the structure (considered out of band).

i.e.

DCL-DS image TEMPLATE QUALIFIED;
base64 VARCHAR(70);
imagetags VARCHAR(10) DIM(10);
extrainfo CHAR(10);
END-DS;

DCL-DS displaycard TEMPLATE QUALIFIED;
from VARCHAR(70);
to VARCHAR(70);
colors CHAR(100) DIM(14);
END-DS;

DCL-DS requestBody TEMPLATE QUALIFIED;
info CHAR(10);
DCL-DS attachments DIM(99);
typeof_substruct VARCHAR(100);
substruct POINTER;
END-DS;

END-DS;

Following the DATA-GEN current strategy would be nice to have an option to allow the serializer to have the intended structure for the pointer, indicating in the DS in the typeof_ field.

i.e. typeof_substruct = 'image' will indicate to treat substruct layed out as image DS during JSON rendering.

DATA-GEN requestBody %DATA(s : 'countprefix=cnt_ renameprefix=ren_ derefprefix=typeof_ ') %GEN('YAJLDTAGEN');

Idea priority Medium
  • Admin
    Carmelita Ruvalcaba
    Reply
    |
    Feb 18, 2025

    The CAAC has reviewed this IBM Idea and recommends that IBM view this as a high priority Idea that is important to be addressed.

    As the evolution of web interface with the database becomes more complex, RPG having a simplified technique to handle this would benefit the community.

    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

  • Guest
    Reply
    |
    Dec 23, 2024
    IBM has received your Idea and is evaluating it. IBM will provide a response after evaluation is complete.

    -IBM Power Systems Development