Lars wrote:

>
> John wrote...
>
> >CI functions: Call script/UDC & return value
>
> >This enhancement would empower the community to add
> functionality to the CI.
> >For example, wrap the program above in a script or UDC that
> handles input
> >and returns TRUE or FALSE and you have a ISPRINTER(LDEV)
> function that you
> >can integrate into your script. Note also, that the VOLINFO,
> DEVINFO and
> >SPOOLINFO functions can be created this same way BY USERS IN
> THE COMMUNITY.
>
> Wouldn't it also be a viable workaround to have the community-supplied
> program (in your example) return the result via HPCIPUTVAR to HPRESULT
> or another variable that might have been named via the INFO string? It
> could then be used in expressions for IF, WHILE, etc.
>

Of course. I've done this many time myself. However, the fact that this
workaround exists has not led to any significant contributions that extend
CI functionality. My hope is that by creating a common interface
specification through this enhancement we will stimulate the community
(perhaps under the auspices of OpenMPE, though I have not discussed this
with them) to start some Open Source projects to add functionality to the
CI. Baby steps to perhaps something bigger down the road?

> Don't get me wrong. The CI enhancements like function results would be
> nice, but I suspect that the effort might be high and maybe they would
> only be provided as patch for the very latest MPE version(s), whereas
> relatively "straightforward" workarounds could be used in all
> versions.

We were given an estimate of "medium" for this and there is some interest
within vCSY to do it.

You do raise a valid concern about patches, but then the same concern
applies to nearly all the enhancements on the SIB. I guess I feel we cannot
afford to just do nothing and lose our one and only opportunity to get
anything added to MPE before EOL.

I do not know of any obvious reason why this patch could not be provided for
6.5, 7.0 and 7.5, but then someone like Jeff Vance would need to comment.
Jeff? What about it?

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