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.

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

Example

CHANGED

is a timestamp field in the database (physical file).

STAMP$

is a 19 character field in the DSPF, for containing the pretty printed timestamp.

STAMP

is the RPGLE defined timestamp (Z) field. The TIME 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

• SC41-5712-01, AS/400e DDS Reference
• SC09-2508-02, AS/400e ILE RPG for AS/400 Reference