Sletten Kenneth W KPWA wrote:

>
>
> > I wonder if it would be helpful if the Transact compiler were
> > available in some kind of trial version, either time-bombed like
> > Glance or maybe with some kind of limit for program size or
> > so.
> >
> > Maybe this could give more people a chance to try-before-
> > buy...
>
> I don't want to throw cold water on this idea, but while Transact
> is pretty straightforward, as with any full-featured language there
> is a bit of a step-function learning curve before you can start
> implementing systems of any complexity (The IF-THEN-ELSE
> & etc. logic is very straightforward, but the database verbs and
> a few other things are somewhat unique).....   so if it was going
> to be time-bombed, as a practical matter I would think it would
> have to be a pretty long countdown;  like five or six months or
> something like that....  then users would have a chance to do a
> little serious study in between "other duties"....  but 30 days or
> etc. wouldn't cut it....
>
> But let me hasten to add:  Lars' suggestion is one of those
> things that certainly could not in any way hurt;  it's a good idea;
> I wish HP would do it.....  and of course announce same in a
> Communicator article...
>
> As I recall, HP at one time gave away the Rapid  tool set with
> everyModel 64 ordered.

A trial copy, with the self study course (is it still available?) would
certainly be a plus.

IMHO the learning curve for a COBOL programmer is vey short.

Nick D.

>