1 min
Retro Vibes and the Rise of the New CASE Age
I’ve been digging through the archives recently. While pondering a style refresh for this blog, I found myself searching for the exact vivid colour scheme use d for the classic…
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1 min
2E Hidden Gem - Action Diagram PARMS
It's always nice to learn something new every day! Today, whilst navigating a functions' action diagram, I was presented with the following screen showing numerous NLL fields.…
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1 min
Synon 2E - SQL and Model files summary
Synon 2E - SQL and Model files summary Some of the SQL posts over the last year or so. Some useful 2E model files extraction routines, audit stamp updates and some general IBMi…
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1 min
Useful synon 2E sites you MUST bookmark
Synon 2E related useful sites and links you MUST bookmark This blog isn't the only useful place to get great Plex and Synon 2E content. Here are some 'up to date' and 'active'…
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1 min
Synon 2E - Technical Deep Dives
Synon 2E - Technical Deep Dives Below are some long form posts targeting specific areas of the Synon 2E tech stack. I thoroughly enjoyed writing these 'back in the day' and hope…
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1 min
Synon 2E Internals - Steve Hinzmann Synon User Group 1991
Synon 2E internal file structure I have a few posts (see below) where I discuss the Synon 2E internal files.…
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1 min
Synon 2E - Standards posts all in one page
Synon 2E - Standards posts all in one page Many of these were written years ago and google is gradually forgetting them. Here is a summary of some of the technical posts I've made…
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2 min
Google was hiding the site
Google was hiding the site [Edit: 05/09/2025 - I appear to still be getting search issues for the blog. Have tried getting it reindexed] I am not 100% sure what happened, but…
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1 min
Did you know Synon 2E has a Full Screen Mode?
Long time IBMi users typically work with an expanded WRKACTJOB screen shortly after learning all the command keys that are of use. As a junior developer (back in the early…
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4 min
Synon 2E Understanding CONstant usages
UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts. https://leedare-plex2e.blogspot.com/2025/12/synon-2e-technical-deep-dives.html One of my…
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1 min
Synon 2E Exploring messages via SQL (Update)
UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Added a summary link post to aggregate these types of posts. https://leedare-plex2e.blogspot.com/2025/12/synon-2e-sql-and-model-files-summary.html Last year I…
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4 min
Synon 2E It's (ELeM)entary, My Dear Watson
UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts. https://leedare-plex2e.blogspot.com/2025/12/synon-2e-technical-deep-dives.html I've used this…
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1 min
MODEL MAP - This doesn't get old.
Just flicking through a Synon 2E model and I must have pressed the wrong button and low and behold what pops up. The Model Map screen for Synon 2E. This doesn't get old does it!…
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1 min
Synon 2E Exploring messages via SQL
Bitesized post today. I needed to query the model to see if a particular function was called in second level message text. I also wanted to see if it was referenced in the message…
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5 min
Object Usage via SQL
Usually, I would use the Work with Object (WRKOBJ) command and work through them one by one capturing the data in excel or notepad manually. Another option is to build a list of…
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3 min
Synon 2E *MOVE ARRAY 2E date and time fields
Synon 2E *MOVE ARRAY 2E date and time fields UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts.…
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3 min
SQL is your friend by my mate Nick
Source SQL code for audit updated in a typical synon 2E file UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Added a summary link post to aggregate these types of posts.…
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2 min
Synon 2E DSPRCD refresh trick and a few extra tips.
DSPRCD (Display Record), refresh tricks for better screen flow. UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts.…
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2 min
Enhancement for 2E (Come on Broadcom.....)
I've been having a think about a few enhancements for 2E in the hope that the new owners of the products will invest in them. Leaving aside the roadmap ideas and up voted ideas on…
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6 min
IBMi - Slow running batch tasks - A simple method to get you started (Synon developers guide)
Detailed breakdown for how to spot excessive IO and dependencies in your long running tasks UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts.…
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1 min
Comment on commenting.
UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts. https://leedare-plex2e.blogspot.com/2025/12/synon-2e-technical-deep-dives.html Hello,…
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1 min
Blog purpose and getting in touch.
Blog purpose and getting in touch. For help and guidance LinkedIn is the best method. You can find me by searching my name and I also have a LinkedIn button on this page. I…
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1 min
A little trick with *SET CURSOR
Neat trick to reposition on a record in a DSPFIL post page down and edit of said record. Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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1 min
What is a reasonable time to resolve an issue?
DSPFIL and wide screen - Command Line error been unresolved for decades Today, I experienced a bug whilst building a wide screen definition in 2E. The build was okay but when I…
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1 min
Multi-Line Edit Oddities
PMTRCD and using the Multi-line option - Some limitation UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts.…
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3 min
The magic roundabout....
“Computer Associates (CA), where products go to die!” If you were around in the late 90’s and early noughties, the statement above was industry standard and after a brief rename…
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2 min
Synon 2e You have 'Function Options' you know....
Synon Action Diagramming guide relevant to function options UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts.…
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1 min
Synon 2E Code Review - pet hates - part III
Synon 2E coding standards. UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts.…
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3 min
Synon 2E CHGOBJ It's not depressing so get suppressing!
CHGOBJ and NULL UPDATE SUPRESSION - What, Why and When to use! UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts.…
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2 min
Trigger Performance Batch vs Inline
Batch vs inline trigger - Update After a month or two back and forth with CA support about the poor performance overhead of YTRIGGER vs a TRGFUN being declared on the physical…
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1 min
Synon 2E Model Files II - Underlying Database
Model Files - 2E underlying database files UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Added a summary link post to aggregate these types of posts.…
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4 min
Synon 2E Code Review - pet hates - part II
UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts. https://leedare-plex2e.blogspot.com/2025/12/synon-2e-technical-deep-dives.html Back again...…
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5 min
Synon 2E Code Review - pet hates - part I
More coding standards relayed in the context of showing bad habits UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts.…
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2 min
Synon 2E Don’t forget the return code
Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts. https://leedare-plex2e.blogspot.com/2025/12/synon-standard-posts-all-in-one-page.html When we are…
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4 min
Synon 2E Condition of the timestamp field type
Highlight the bug in 2E code generation if using a condition to test for a value in a Timestamp field UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long…
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1 min
Synon 2E Model Files - Underlying Database
New ERD for the underlying database files in Synon 2E UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Added a summary link post to aggregate these types of posts.…
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7 min
Synon 2E Under the covers of the SELRCD function type
SELRCD (Select Record) - Technical deep dive, Synon and the code generated UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts.…
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5 min
Synon 2E CHGOBJ and easy file maintenance
CHGOBJ Synon 2E - A better way UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts.…
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2 min
Synon 2E Why the notepad is such a cool feature in 2E
UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts. https://leedare-plex2e.blogspot.com/2025/12/synon-2e-technical-deep-dives.html The notepad…
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2 min
Synon 2E Those pesky little errors we all make
Synon 2E coding Standards described by the error we all make. UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts.…
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1 min
Plex News - Update April 2012
Plex Update April 2012 06/12/2025 - Removed dead link(s) to assist with google indexing. It is very said that many of these technologies have now passed us by. You either read my…
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1 min
Engineering Flowchart Synon 2E Style
Engineering Flowchart OG vs Synon 2E variant Rory Hewitt one of the developers for the 2E product that we all love to use recently posted an image which made perfect sense for…
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1 min
Anyone got a ROADMAP I can use?
CA Plex & CA 2E roadmaps published. Great news!!! The latest roadmaps for CA 2E and CA Plex (dated May 2010) have been published on the CA website. The links are below:- Note:-…
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1 min
CA show strong commitment to Plex and 2E!
CA Plex and Synon 2E product news I blogged recently about the May Mainframe Madness and in this I referred to the realignment occurring within CA. I am happy to report that CA's…
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1 min
CA Mainframe Madness
06/12/2025 - Update to remove legacy links that were causing Google to have a hissy fit! Hi, Most people are aware that CA have decided to trim their staff and products and I must…
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1 min
A GUI option for your CA:2E systems - Quickstep:2e
Quickstep GUI for Synon 2E applications 06/12/2025 - Update to remove legacy links that were causing Google to have a hissy fit! Shame on me I hear you all say! How dare he use…
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3 min
'Generic' Data Driver File + Printing/Displaying Arrays (Part III)
Data Driver for *arrays in Synon (Arrays on screen or print) UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts.…
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2 min
'Generic' Data Driver File + Printing/Displaying Arrays (Part II)
Data Driver project to get *Array onto screen or print UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts.…
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1 min
'Generic' Data Driver File + Printing/Displaying Arrays (Part I)
Generic Data driver for *Array to Screen (DSPLFIL) or Print (PRTFIL/PRTOBJ) UPDATE: 06/12/2025 - Linked to a summary post dedicated to deep dive long form posts.…
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2 min
Enhancement Requests
CA Plex wishlist post Well it is almost that time of year again. You know. Christmas!!!! We all sit back and relax, eat turkey (far too much) and discover that port is okay to…
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3 min
Synon 2e Development Standards - Screen Functions (Part II) - SELRCD
SELRCD - Synon 2e Development Standards Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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1 min
CA Plex/2E Conference 2009
Only about 5 more weeks to go!!!! I am really looking forward to this event and meeting up with friends new and old in the community. For more details visit:-…
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1 min
Calling all French 2e Users
Synon 2E CA 2E French speakers Just a quick blog today. CA, actually Daniel Leigh in particular, is looking for Beta testers for the new 8.5 version of 2e. This time for the…
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4 min
Synon 2e Development Standards - Screen Functions (Part III) - DSPFIL
Synon 2E DSPFIL development standards Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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2 min
*Arrays can be quirky in 2e
Synon 2E - *Array bug and workaround Hiya, I have just become aware that *Arrays do not support the correct ordering sequence for negative index values. This has been referred to…
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3 min
Its Product Enhancement Time for CA Plex and CA 2e(Synon)
06/12/2025 - Removed legacy links to help improve google indexing Not many software companies give you the chance to directly influence the strategic direction of a product you…
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3 min
Synon 2e Development Standards - Screen Functions (Part I) - PMTRCD
Synon 2E Development Standards - PMTRCD Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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3 min
Merry Christmas CA - Happy New Year
06/12/2025 - Removed legacy links to help improve google indexing Well it is that time of year again when we all take a well deserved break (this is subjective I know), send those…
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4 min
2e and your support network
Updated - 06/12/2025 - Removed old links that are interfering with Google indexing Updated - 12/06/2009 I recently received a communication via the blog feedback feature. It was…
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4 min
Synon 2e Development Standards - (Composite Functions) CRTOBJ/CHGOBJ
Synon 2E Development Standards CRTOBJ CHGOBJ Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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2 min
Synon 2e Development Standards - (Hints and Tips DLTOBJ)
Synon 2E Development Standards DLTOBJ Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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3 min
Synon 2e Development Standards - (Hints and Tips CHGOBJ)
Synon 2E Development Standards - CHGOBJ Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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3 min
Synon 2e Development Standards - (Hints and Tips CRTOBJ)
Synon 2E Development Standards - CRTOBJ Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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4 min
Synon 2e Development Standards - (Hints and Tips RTVOBJ)
Synon 2E Development Standards - RTVOBJ Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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7 min
Synon 2e Development Standards - (Further Naming Conventions)
Synon 2E Development Standards - Naming Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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4 min
2e Development Standards - (Extra Naming and General Standards Part 1)
Synon 2E Development Standards - Naming & Bonus Standards Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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2 min
Synon 2E - Development Standards (That damn Return Code ;-))
Synon 2E Development Standards - Return Code Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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4 min
Synon 2E - Development Standards (Ad-Hoc Tips)
Synon 2E Development Standards - Adhoc Tips Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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4 min
Synon 2E - Development Standards (Parameters)
Synon 2E Development Standards - Parameters Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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4 min
Synon 2E - Development Standards (General Coding Considerations)
Synon 2E Development Standards - General Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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5 min
Synon 2E - Development Standards (AD & Contexts)
Synon 2E Development Standards - Action Diagram Synon 2E Development Standards - Contexts Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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4 min
Synon 2E - Development Standards (Performance)
Synon 2E Development Standards - Performance Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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3 min
Synon 2E - Development Standards (Defensive Programming)
Synon 2E Development Standards - Defensive Programming Update: 05/12/2025 - I have created a page for all standards related posts.…
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3 min
The Great 3GL v 4GL debate - Part III
This is part III of a trilogy of articles regarding the usage and evolution of software development languages. Part I can be found here and part II can be found here . All of…
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7 min
The Great 3GL v 4GL debate - Part II
This is part II of a trilogy of articles regarding the usage and evolution of software development languages. Part 1 can be found here . So what are the benefits or otherwise of…
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8 min
The Great 3GL v 4GL debate - Part I
Ever since development languages were invented we have sought ways of making the development of software easier. We have attempted to do this by abstracting the level at which the…
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3 min
What do you do for a living?
This has to be one of the most common questions asked of anyone in life. Apart from, How are you?, Can I buy you a drink? or cringingly, Do you come here often?. Well, this isn't…
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4 min
The new millennium Bug?
Will we run out of TLA (Three letter acronyms?) There are only 17576 combinations that can be considered when allocating a TLA (Three Letter Acronym) for airport codes. Part of…
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