In his recent article “RPG Free and option *convert” , Aldo Succi explores the *CONVERT option in the RPG language, highlighting how this directive allows the compiler to automatically convert parameters passed to a procedure into the correct type if they differ from the defined one. This functionality is particularly useful for ensuring flexibility and data integrity in RPG applications.
Succi illustrates the use of OPTIONS(*CONVERT) through a practical example, where a procedure accepts various data types—such as UTF-8 strings, floating-point numbers, timestamps, and dates—and converts them into VARCHAR(40) format. This approach demonstrates how the *CONVERT option simplifies the handling of heterogeneous parameters, avoiding type errors and facilitating integration between different system components.
It’s noteworthy that this feature was introduced as part of the Fall 2022 updates for the ILE RPG compiler, as reported by IBM. The *CONVERT option allows automatic conversion of numeric parameters, dates, times, and timestamps into strings, enhancing the flexibility of RPG procedures.
In conclusion, Succi’s article offers a clear and practical guide on using OPTIONS(*CONVERT) in RPG, highlighting how this option can improve code robustness and maintainability. For those interested in learning more, the full article is available on his blog.
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