Re: xpl v3 vs. v4

["..." adpf@xxxxxxxx]

≪ Assuming I were to consider going to xy4 for the purpose of massaging
these big files, what kind of modification will be required for my
programs? I don't mean specifically, but, in general, am I in for a real
Old Testament, temple-clutching headache or will the transition be not
that bad? ≫

Mark: Different users have had different experiences. Some subscribers
have reported minimal headaches, others have spent months porting.
You can find a considerable amount in the list archive on the topic.

v4 behaves differently in all manner of subtle, undocumented ways that
affect xpl. The only way to learn what still works and what doesn't is
to run it. If chaos ensues, absent documentation, you then must determine
by trial and error what behavioral change caused it. The uninvited change
of view that's been under discussion again is one example among many; v3
xpl you're used to running on files with tables could be a mess. Notably,
the v4 CMline behaves in unexpected ways (this too has been discussed;
cf archive). And the "Making the Transition" pamphlet Rene mentioned is
a fraud--absolutely useless for xpl. But for the kindness of strangers,
you're on your own.

I decided that for me it wasn't worth the tsouris. I've had a graphical
preview from the v3 CMline since before v4 was released and on the rare
occasions when v3 doesn't do what I need I can shell out to v4. But
I rarely handle big files. Since you often do, upgrading may pay off.
v3 doesn't come close on memory management and the list's xpl gurus
use v4 and are generous with help. 				--a

============================= adpFisher  nyc