affects and what to consider when number field changes to alpha numeric

[Lorry Litman]

Hi,

Any comments or suggestions are most welcome and appreciated from anyone that has gone through this exercise before.

VMS 7.3-1  PH 710E  RDB 7.0-1

Billing number changing from numeric 99999 to  alphanumeric 9999X.

I have a number of different applications using this billing number with a mixture of powerhouse screens and quiz reports and vax basic programs.
Both RMS files and RDB tables.
In most RMS files the data type is String, however, in some RDB tables the data type is Integer.

In the powerhouse dictionary
Elements defined as
 Type  Numeric  and  DataType  Zoned-Unsigned
  Type  Numeric  and  DataType  Integer-Unsigned

Scenario 1
RMS File  - data declared as String
Dictionary Element - Type=Numeric, DataType=Zoned-Unsigned

Change dictionary element to Type=Character, DataType=Character
Modify/correct any editing...screen field procedures. Recompile quick screens.
Modify/correct any formatting....reports. Recompile quiz reports.

I'm assuming in this scenario I don't have to do anything with the existing data in the file or the structure/definition (fdl or ddl) of the file?
Can the elements data type be changed in the dictionary without affecting the existing running application?
Am I missing or overlooking anything?
Scenario 2
RDB Table Column declared as Integer
Dictionary Element - Type=Numeric, DataType=Zoned-Unsigned
Dictionary Element - Type=Numeric, DataType=Integer-Unsigned

Besides the dictionary, quick and quiz and question similar to scenario 1

Wondering the best way to deal with the RDB tables that have the column defined as integer?


Thanx
Lorry Litman,
Application Management
llitman at manitoba-ehealth.ca<mailto:llitman at manitoba-ehealth.ca>
(204) 926-9076


300-355 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
R3B 0J6
www.manitoba-ehealth.ca<http://www.manitoba-ehealth.ca/>

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