On Sun, 2010-06-27 at 21:02 -0300, Clark Morris wrote: > On 27 Jun 2010 15:20:32 -0700, in bit.listserv.ibm-main you wrote: > > >---------------------------------------<snip>------------------------------ > >Until IBM provides a language or variant such as a systems flavor of > >C/C++ that has access to all of the facilities (including the peculiar > >linking conventions for some JES exits, any management that does not > >keep access to assembler expertise is playing with fire. Assembler can > >be largely self taught by looking at generated code from the HLL of > >choice although a course on Macros was helpful. > >--------------------------------------<unsnip>----------------------------------- > >I disagree. Looking at others' code might help to learn the usage of the > >instruction set, but it won't teach efficient programming techniques. > > > >Rick > > > Looking at good generated code from decently coded HLL programs can > give a clue. However, what amount of knowledge is adequate for > maintaining JES exits and simple tools from the CBT tape? More > important does the person believe in testing in a safe environment and > reading the appropriate manuals (and knowing whether they understand > them)? When you start getting into cross memory services, I don't > know that I would want to touch that code let alone things that get > into locks so knowing your limitations is important. > > Clark Morris
I think that there is a difference between having a "normal" (ain't no such beastie) application programmer and an "old style" sysprog. I think sysprogs need HLASM. I am not convinced that it is necessary for applications people to really know HLASM or even z architecture. Today's COBOL is much better than in the past. I can see needing the speed of assembler in "embedded" type applications. But that is not z/OS's forte. Commercial programming and COBOL go together like pancakes and maple syrup. But other languages are coming up for the "webified" world. I like PHP. PHP using DB2 with perhaps some COBOL stored programs is, IMO, likely one of the best ways to talk via the web. But others may reasonable disagree. -- John McKown Maranatha! <>< ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to lists...@bama.ua.edu with the message: GET IBM-MAIN INFO Search the archives at http://bama.ua.edu/archives/ibm-main.html
