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Status Needs more information
Workspace IBM i
Categories Languages - RPG
Created by Guest
Created on Jul 13, 2026

RELATED IDEAS

Inmutable global variable for imports

Provide a way to declare an exported global variable that is writable by the module that owns it (the one with EXPORT) but read-only for all modules that consume it via IMPORT. This is stronger than C's extern const (where the owner is also const) and cleaner than the const pointer to const idiom, because the language and binder enforce the asymmetry directly.

Proposed syntax

// owner module

dcl-s processDate date export(*readonly);

// ... procedure inside the owner freely assigns processDate = %date();



// consumer module

dcl-s processDate date import;   // read-only view; write attempt is a bound error

Why

Today, anyone would prefer getter syntax to avoid exporting a global read/write variable, and adding this feature could give it a chance to be more widely used for sharing data between modules.

I am open to receiving comments, suggestions, or alternatives regarding better syntax or similar functionality.

Idea priority Low
  • Guest
    Aug 25, 2026

    The const keyword prevents initialized variables from being modified upon activation. This allows for a private variable that can be modified in the exporting module but is read-only upon import.

    Currently, the workaround is to create a standard global variable and a getter procedure. This works correctly, but I believe the IMPORT syntax is used less frequently due to its mutability.

    - Ismael Martínez

    Reply
  • Guest
    Aug 19, 2026

    Thank you for taking the time to submit this IBM Idea and share your feedback with IBM and the broader IBM i community.

    The CAAC has reviewed this Idea and, after careful consideration, does not recommend that IBM move forward with the request in its current form at this time.

    Reason: The CAAC does not recommend introducing another form of exported global variable because globally accessible values can create hidden dependencies and make applications more difficult to understand, maintain, and support. Existing RPG design patterns provide clearer encapsulation for this requirement. A constant can be used when the value does not change, while an exported getter procedure backed by an internal static value can be used when the value must be established at runtime. This approach keeps access to the value controlled and the underlying implementation contained within its compilation unit.

    Although the CAAC is not recommending implementation of this request, Ideas such as this help IBM and the CAAC better understand the needs and priorities of the IBM i community. We appreciate your contribution and encourage you to continue submitting IBM Ideas and sharing your feedback.

    Background: The COMMON Americas Advisory Council (CAAC) includes members with a broad range of experience working with small and medium-sized IBM i clients. The CAAC works with IBM i development to help assess the potential value and impact of individual IBM Ideas on the broader IBM i community.

    For more information on the CAAC, visit: https://www.common.org/common-americas-advisory-council/

    Brandon Pederson - CAAC Program Manager

    Reply
  • Guest
    Aug 14, 2026
    [JIRA_COMMENT_ID:415273]

    Portal Public
    IBM needs more information to further assess your Idea.

    Would an RPG-only solution be acceptable for this Idea? The RPG compiler could allow the CONST keyword with the IMPORT keyword. That way, only the module with the EXPORT keyword could modify the variable.

    In your /COPY file:

    dcl-s shared_fld int(10)
    /if defined(export_shared_fld)
    export
    /else
    import const
    /endif
    ;

    • IBM Power Systems Development
    Reply

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