[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote on 07/22/2005 10:08:02 PM: > > >> READNEXT ID FROM LIST ELSE ID = @AM > > >But why do you use an odd convention like ID = @AM ? > > because it would be impossible for ID to be an attribute mark via > readnext. > If you later test for ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) there's only one way that could have > happened. >
I started to use this syntax (ELSE ID = @AM) several years ago. It originated, I think, from the "Advanced Pick Programming" book, circa 1990. The theory went that if you used a separate variable, usually EOF, in the ELSE clause, the variable would get forced out of memory and would have to be read back in from disk for each subsequent READNEXT. The attribute mark, on the other hand, was usually equated. On the systems of that time, this resulted in a fairly big improvement in larger programs. In small programs, where everything fit into memory, this would not provide any benefit. These days, I still use the syntax because I my fingers can type it from memory, without my brain actually working. Charlie Rubeor Unix/Database Admin The Wiremold Company 800.338.1315 x3498 860.523.3690 fax ------- u2-users mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe please visit http://listserver.u2ug.org/
