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Implement a %DTAARA built-in function in RPG IV

See this idea on ideas.ibm.com

A %DTAARA built in function would be used to :

  • When used as an lValue (left side of an =) Change the content of the data area.
  • When used ias an rValue (right side of the = sign, or in compare opcodes) it returns the content of the data structure

The existing DTAARA keyword is okay, but kind of avoids the ability to use a data area in code, especially free-format code.

This built-in would provide that missing piece.

 %DTAARA(<data-area name> [ : start : length ] );

 

The first parameter is the name of the data area. qualified or unqualified, Literal or variable. e.g. %DTAARA('QGPL/TEST') or %DTAARA( THENAME : 1 : 5);

The second parameter is the starting position within the data area of the data to be changed or returned. 

The 3rd parameter is the number of bytes to be changed or returned in the data area. If the length - start is less than the length of the data area, then only that many bytes are returned or changed.

 

Idea priority Medium