Re: Porting 4GL Version 2.x To 6.x

Darryl Priest <dpriest@erols.com> wrote: :I am involved in porting a few applications on AT&T 3B Systems using :version 2.10 engines and 4GL versions 1.10 and 2.10 to OnLine 7.x, on a :Sun 3000(not sure yet), with 4GL version 6.x and I was wondering if :there are any functions/functionality that existed in the older versions :but does not in the newest version? I don't believe that any major :changes have occured BUT I know that small things change from version to :version and what I'm afraid of, is that maybe old functions changed :names, functionality, etc. Any help, or pointers, will be appreciated. Generally the port should be easy enough by simply recompiling the source. There are some changes that may hit you: 1. In 1.2/2.1 you could return a value from a function, but ignore it in the call. Generally that's no longer supported, but the -z option *may* make it acceptable. You should change the code though. You will get no compile time errors from this unless possibly if the call and function is in the same module. You will only get run time errors, so you have to do a code review for it. 2. In an input array if you put a next field statement into the after row clause you would still be moved to the next row in all versions up to 6.something. The latest versions have fixed this so you remain on the same row (the movement to the next row is effectively canceled). If you have utilized some fancy coding techniques this may cause you trouble. The risk is tiny though. 3. Be prepared to do some tuning of the OnLine database. This is true on the engine itself, but equally important at the sql level. You shouldn't need to change any sql at all, but you do need to run update statistics correctly. Read the Informix documentation carefully and do follow the recomendations. I think there are a few other minor points, but can't think of them now. Although I still have this version on a PC it's at least 7 years ago I did the last port. There was a discussion not long ago on similar 4GL upgrade issues. You may be able to find that and see if further issues where mentioned. PS.: You say you are not sure yet on the Sun 3000. Does that mean it hasn't been finaly decided. In that case have you checked out Compaq's offerings? With SCO Open Enterprice the ProLiant 2500 is capable of supporting 50 users or more, and the 5000 should easily handle over 100. If this is within your range you might save yourself some money without performance or other problems. Nils.Myklebust@idg.no NM Data AS, P.O.Box 9090 Gronland, N-0133 Oslo, Norway My opinions are those of my company The Informix FAQ is at http://www.iiug.org