On 18 Jan 2007, you wrote in bit.listserv.ibm-main: >>I could get past whatever it is that makes it so hard for me to >>understand the syntax of these newer features. >
> > I don't personally have a problem with the syntax, but I know a lot of > people seem to. I think, also, that we're seeing more "zNextGen" types > who don't usually code control statements for a sort, they (I guess) > set up a sort via drop-down menus and the like - which makes the > learning curve of sort syntax (any mainframe sort tool, not just > IBM's) a pretty big hurdle to jump. I am feeling the need to defend myself. I am a 25 year veteran of mainframe environments. They would not dare issue me a "zNextGen" membership card. I can code standard sorts like there is no tomorrow. I loathe the current trend in software development that your product is just not cool without a graphical drag-drop front end. But, given the fact that the there is a 'tricks' sheet on the website, you have to assume that maybe some of these new sort verbs are not intuitively obvious. Quick now, without a manual, and without being Frank Yaeger. Tell me exactly what this snippet of code is doing. you have 3 seconds. (And by the way, you are currently supporting z/OS, DB2, IMS, VTAM, TCPIP, and everthing else on, near or connected to, the mainframe... not just sorts) OVERLAY=(49:SEQNUM,8,ZD, 41:41,8,ZD,SUB,49,8,ZD,M11,LENGTH=8)) [[[ the above is purely in jest. If you do not see the humor in it, I apologize ]]] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- For IBM-MAIN subscribe / signoff / archive access instructions, send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with the message: GET IBM-MAIN INFO Search the archives at http://bama.ua.edu/archives/ibm-main.html