More and more Java is running under the covers on IBM i shops, and this command helps you see where.

Written by Joe Pluta

Even as more and more shops embrace Java, they find that Java doesn't quite fit into the work management framework we've become familiar with on the IBM midrange platform. Specifically, WRKACTJOB just doesn't work the way we need it to. But as of version 6.1, we now have a new tool, WRKJVMJOB.

Use the open-source Jackcess Java library to allow IBM i applications to natively read and write Access database files.

Written by Michael Sansoterra

Many IBM i developers are aware of the Apache POI Project, which maintains Java libraries that can read and write Microsoft Office files, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (with work being done for Outlook messages, Visio, and Publisher documents). These libraries enable Java developers to create or modify Office documents. One important Office application excluded from this list is Microsoft Access. However, an open-source project called Jackcess fills this gap by providing a Java library that can be used to read and write data within Access databases.

Take the fast path to calling Java methods from RPGLE programs.

Written by Mike Faust

The ability to use Java classes from an RPGLE program can open up a whole new world of capabilities. One big reason Java classes are such a great option is the number of open-source Java classes available to give you the ability to do things like create PDF files or access Microsoft Office documents. The challenge to accessing these classes in your RPGLE programs can be translating the prototypes for the required Java classes into a compatible RPGLE prototype. The good news is that WebSphere Development Studio Client (WDSC) will do all of the hard work for you. In this tip, we'll explore exactly how to do this.

Java 7 is the first major release of Java in half a decade, but even so it's more of a stage-setter than a real blockbuster.

Written by Joe Pluta

After a decade of pretty regular bi-annual major releases, Java went into a lull from 2006 on. The Java 6 release, known as Mustang, saw a number of incremental releases, but even those slowed this year. The last few releases mostly consisted of the ubiquitous "improved performance and stability" and an update to the Tunisian time zones. And no, I'm not kidding about that! A significant portion of the releases to Java in the past year or so have been time zone updates. The biggest change other than time zones came in the latest update, number 27: Firefox 5 is now a certified browser version.

Java and some free libraries make Instant Messaging a breeze!
Written by Michael Sansoterra
Instant messaging (IM) has become a standard communication tool in many companies, sometimes surpassing even email usage. Back in the late 90's, I remember there was a push to have our i apps (oops, AS/400 apps back then!) send email notifications and reports to users. As an IBM i developer, you may now find yourself needing to communicate with an IM client of some kind. Luckily, thanks to the many freely available Java libraries, this is an easy task.