It’s interesting that you don’t use service programs. Yes, they do add another layer of complexity but for me at least, the calculus falls in favour. I probably need to take a step back. I like functions. Rather than code CALL GTOJ PARM PARM, I like to see eval julian = gtoj(mmddyy) I use functions because I think in functions, so the mapping makes personal sense to me.

The chances that I’m going to use this function only once are vanishingly small, so I tend to put utility functions like this into a service program. I’ve adopted a single signature rather than trying to keep multiple signatures and that has made my life a lot simpler.

I don’t generally use functions vs CALL in order to tweak performance. In our line of work, the only way tweaking calcs will buy you performance is when you’ve already tweaked the I/O. I can recall one or two times in 32 years where I had to optimise calculations. All the rest of my optimisation efforts go into reducing I/O. Makes sense, right? How many million calculations can the CPU do while it waits for the platter to spin around to the right sector?

I like functions because I think that way, and 10 characters just aren’t enough to name a function properly. I respect that other people have a different opinion, which is one reason I like reading your adventures. Another view is always a good thing to have.

Thanks for sharing and thanks for this latest. Always something to think about here.