While trying to create a unique identifier for data transfers, we needed to obtain the system time in milliseconds. Although it is possible to retrieve this time using the Retrieve System Value (QWCRSVAL) API, we found that the Convert Date and Time Format (QWCCVTDT) API is easier to use and understand. (See Figure 15.)

When *CURRENT is passed as the input format value, the current system date and time are returned. You can control the returned date format by changing the output format value.

- Terrance Ramirez This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Figure 15: RPG IV program TIMER

*===============================================================

* To compile:
*

* CRTBNDRPG PGM(XXX/TIMER) SRCFILE(XXX/QRPGLESRC)
*

*===============================================================

* Convert date / time (QWCCVTDT) API

d InpFmt s 10 inz('*CURRENT')
d InpTim s 16 inz(*ZEROS)

d OutFmt s 10 inz('*YYMD')

* Current date and time

d CurDatTim ds
d CurDat 8s 0
d CurTim 9s 0

* Error code data

d ErrData ds
d BytesProv 1 4b 0 inz(272)
d BytesAval 5 8b 0
d ExcpId 9 15a
d Reserved 16 16a

d ExcpData 17 272a

c *entry plist
c parm CurDatTim

c call 'QWCCVTDT'
c parm InpFmt
c parm InpTim
c parm OutFmt
c parm CurDatTim
c parm ErrData

c return