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Pgsdeb
20 pts.
 RLU Document
Application development, AS/400, CLP
Hi I have been working with program described printer files till now. But I would have to start working on externally described printer files. I know we can use RLU to design externally described printer files but I do not know how to use RLU. Can anyone please point me to any document on how to use RLU? I have tried searching IBM sites for this but I did not found any. May be, i have missed something in the search. Thanks Kinkar

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ASKED: November 27, 2006  9:58 AM
UPDATED: December 25, 2009  7:12 AM
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I was able to go to the IBM InfoCenter (not a very friendly place) and search with RLU. I then downloaded a PDF manual for it. ========================================================== All of the <a href="http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/iseries/v5r1/ic2924/rzaqhindex.htm?books/adts.htm">ADTS Programming manuals</a> can be downloaded as PDFs, including the <a href="http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/iseries/v5r1/ic2924/books/c0926350.pdf">ADTS for AS/400: Report Layout Utility</a>. I tend to agree that RLU isn't very good. It can, however, create a very useful set of DDS specs for an externally-described printer file. I wouldn't use it much after creating my first cut nor would I use it for fine tuning column positions or attributes. But it is very useful as a learning tool. It helps to show how multiple heading lines can be included in a single record format for example. Using it purely as a general page design guide and for first approximation is much better than using it for small details like you would with SDA for display files. Tom
Last Wiki Answer Submitted:  December 25, 2009  7:12 am  by  JBurelle   0 pts.
All Answer Wiki Contributors:  JBurelle   0 pts.
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I have a collection of the IBM manuals in PDF format that I have gathered over the years.

The v4r2 RLU manual can be found at http://www.astradyne-uk.com/manuals/im038420.pdf

All the best

Jonathan

astradyne
 370 pts.
 

I went to a recent seminar where a lead IBM developer of the compilers and source editors spoke about development tools and jokingly apologized for RLU. Bottom line was, unless you don’t have a choice don’t use it. A small service program with an Outfile would be a better use of your time. There are no plans to move RLU to WDSc, which we should all be learning.

JDWWms
 0 pts.
 

Hope you have found the manual by now — it is very difficult to find on the IBM site. Also, if you enter RLU there is a lot of help available with the F1 key. I printed out the entire help file when I first started using RLU and found it more useful than the manual.

Too bad IBM denigrates external printer files because they are very versatile. They can be used for formatted printing with Advanced Function Printing and are easily converted to PDF and Excel. Also, when you are comfortable with them, they are easier and faster to lay out and change than internal printer files.

WickedWoman
 0 pts.
 

Gumbo Software’s RDA (it looks and works like SDA but with printer files rather than display files) and the price is very reasonable.

http://www.gumbo.com/Licpgm/ReportDesigner.html

I am not affiliated with Gumbo Software in anyway, nor do I receive any compensation for this. I just found a tool I like and am willing to say so.

BigKat
 7,205 pts.
 

Just to clarify, the IBM deveopler didn’t critize using external spool files just the RLU Tool.

JDWWms
 0 pts.