View source for Using timestamps in RPG

Using '''timestamps in RPG''' is not as straightforward as using character, or decimal fields.

RPG has an ''internal'' way to handle timestamps, which is incompatible with the ''external'' representation in externally described fields, such as database- and display files.

<blockquote>'''Note:''' Adding the internal date/time handling routines is a compile time option. Use <code>CVTOPT(*DATETIME)</code> in a <code>H</code> line.</blockquote>

== Example ==
;CHANGED
:is a timestamp field in the database (physical file).<ref>RPG imports that as anything but a timestamp declared in the <code>D</code> statements.</ref>
;STAMP$
:is a 19 character field in the DSPF, for containing the pretty printed timestamp.
;STAMP
:is the RPGLE defined timestamp (<code>Z</code>) field. The <code>TIME</code> operator writes to this variable.

* PF:
 A            CHANGED         Z

* DSPF:
 A            STAMP$        19A  O ...

* RPGLE:
 D* For saving/handling timetamp data.
 DSTAMP            S               Z
 D*

For every time we write, or update a record:
 C* Current time → Database
 C                   TIME                    STAMP
 C                   MOVEL     STAMP         CHANGED

Database → Pretty print DSPF field
 C* Get timestamp, and produce nice version thereof.
 C                   MOVEL     CHANGED       STAMP$
 C     '.':':'       XLATE     STAMP$        STAMP$
 C     '-':' '       XLATE     STAMP$:11     STAMP$

== See also ==
* [[Using floating point numbers in RPG]]

== Weblinks ==
* [https://ibmdocs.pocnet.net/SC41-5712-01.pdf SC41-5712-01], AS/400e DDS Reference
* [https://ibmdocs.pocnet.net/SC09-2508-02.pdf SC09-2508-02], AS/400e ILE RPG for AS/400 Reference

== Footnotes ==
<references />

[[Category: Programming]]