06
Sun, Oct
2 New Articles

My IBM i Top 10 Wish List

Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

What would you like to see in RPG and on the IBM i?

 

I don't know about you, but I am very curious to see the new capabilities that will be available with the latest enhancements that will be coming on the IBM i. Here is my top 10 list of things that I would like to see in a new RPG and on the IBM i in general.

#1: An IBM-Provided RPG Prototype File Matching the C Resources

There are a lot of great APIs out there, but many of them are not being used, because either they are unknown or the effort involved in getting them to work discourages their use. Great resources are out there already for C programmers. Why shouldn't the same resources be provided for RPG programmers?

 

If you look at other successful languages, libraries of functionality are easily accessible and allow developers to provide powerful applications with expansive resources. I would think it would be beneficial to provide an easier way for RPG programmers to easily access the resources that we have available. Why not create a COPY file in QRPGLESRC that would implement best practices by the IBM designers to provide prototypes for these APIs?

 

For example, what if you wanted to use APIs to work with text files in the IFS? C programmers have it easy with the QSYSINC/H, FCNTL file. Just put the #include fcntl.h in the code, and the prototypes are all set to go. It sure would be nice to put a /COPY QSYSINC/QRPGLESRC, FCNTL into our RPG code and be ready to go. Instead, what would we have to do? Take the C prototype and map it to an RPG prototype, which means you have to translate the C parameter types to RPG, and that isn't much fun. My point is that it would be nice if IBM would provide RPG programmers with the same resources that are provided to C programmers.

#2: APIs That Are Easier to Work With

I don't mean to be oversimplifying things, but is our goal as programmers supposed to be spending way too much time trying to figure out how to get an API to work, or is it to provide amazing software in record time?

 

I'm not one to be negative and just complain. I like to provide possible solutions as well, like maybe having some common-sense defaults and maybe some more human-friendly values, instead of having to reset the values to hexadecimal zeros and having to flip the appropriate bits. I have to admit that I come from an engineering background, and I found it entertaining at first. But you can't spend all of your time playing with low-level details. It would be nice to look at a prototype and have it just be intuitive, without having to research all of the inner workings of the API to figure out how it works.

#3: Overloaded Prototypes

OK, let's look at my previous statement about making APIs easier to work with. You may be thinking to yourself that all of the interfaces would have to change, therefore breaking backward-compatibility. That's just not the IBM way. Our code just keeps on running forever, and we like it this way. So what if overloaded prototypes were allowed? And what the heck is an overloaded prototype anyway?

 

An overloaded prototype means that the prototype would identify the API to use, not only by the name of the API that is being called, but also by the parameters that are being passed to it, which is called a signature. This is common in object-oriented programming.

 

If overloaded prototypes were available, then the old version of the API could be available with the same default parameter settings that are currently in use. And you could also have a new version available that would be recognized with a different prototype signature. This way, you have both the new and the old capabilities easily accessible.

 

And you know what else overloaded prototypes would do? They would allow you to easily prototype Java classes that are being used from within RPG, instead of having to create differently named RPG prototypes for each overloaded Java method, and the RPG program would be smart enough to know how to call the Java method.

#4: RPG Java Capabilities for Public Variables and Object Arrays

While we're on the topic of Java, it would be nice to be able to perform some of the most basic Java tasks—such as accessing public variables and object arrays—without having to go down to the JNI level to do it.

 

This may not happen too often. But it happens enough to make you want to make that part of the project the last part you deal with.

#5: RPG Graphical User Interface

This one is a gimme. Every RPG programmer has been hoping for that GUI capability that would literally improve the image of RPG. With all the capabilities and reliability of RPG, how could the user interface have gone unanswered for so long? We have simple processing of text, the activation of hotspots, and the translation of subfiles to tables. I would like to see a simple solution that could provide a responsive user interface in a desirable manner that requires minimal coding modifications by the RPG programmer.

#6: RPG Framework

Now this is where you may think I am off my rocker. Why not have RPG made over to support a framework? Make RPG become a language that will compile down into a common run-time environment, just like .NET does. Or maybe have an additional option in CRTPGM that would specify the output to be RPG *PGM object, PHP, or Java byte code.

 

Instead of stacking another language on top of the technologies, enhance the compiler to generate Internet applications from the RPG code. Maybe have an XML file option that contains additional information on how and where to compile the results. Have your Apache Web server standing by and implementing your newly compiled code. Hit the Refresh key on your browser or restart your application, and the new changes are in place. Extend the DDS to support some Web design possibilities and have the compiler do the rest. Hey, there's your GUI!

#7: Automated Document Generator

With the modernization of code and the use of service programs with prototyped procedures, it would be nice to have an option during compile time to generate HTML-formatted documentation to show all of the procedures and their parameters, with some optional comments for easy identification of the resources available and how to use them. Run that puppy over the new RPG prototypes in QRPGLESRC and that would give you up-to-date documentation after every OS upgrade!

 

This pretty much ties in with the rest of the suggestions to provide easy access to the resources available in an easy-to-read, human-friendly format that promotes optimized code development with the maximum amount of possible resources.

#8: IDE with the Operating System

Why do a lot of shops still use PDM? Do you think it's because we just love the green-screen and the functionality of PDM? Well, yeah, that's part of it. Do you think it's because we are too busy coding to learn a whole new way of doing it? Yeah, I guess that's part of it, too. But another part of it is the cost! Do we have to pay extra for PDM? No. That's why we're still using it...that and a few other things that could be overcome if the development tool wasn't so expensive.

 

This is actually a minor topic. I am sure we are paying for PDM with the operating system. But if it were an option to buy either PDM or IBM Rational Developer for i, maybe more shops would choose IBM Rational Developer for i over PDM and change over. It would be nice to have a customized developer kit packaged with the iSeries Access software that includes IBM Rational Developer for i preconfigured with a built-in 5250 emulator and an SQL graphical administration tool.

 

We'd be able to code in RPG, Java, PHP, Python, and everything in between, thereby switching over to a 5250 emulator and running SQL statements with syntax checking in a single bound.

#9: A Command-Line Interface to the Linux Partition

The Linux operating system is running on top of the OS. Why do I have to go to an external machine to access my Linux partition? I should be able to access it the way I access Qshell: by typing a command and getting a command line in the Linux partition. I know I am oversimplifying things, but I want it.

 

About the only thing I could do with Linux from the IBM i command line is reboot it and back it up as a big blob.

#10: Advertisements!

And finally, when all of the changes have been put in place, promote it! Advertise it! With a great new graphical development tool and new capabilities, lure in some fresh blood to take advantage of the solid iron that the new stuff is running on. When RPG is easy to integrate with Java, PHP, Linux, and Apache and is running on a solid box and handling multiple tasks without skipping a beat, then you have yourself the IBM i of tomorrow!

 

 

Thomas Snyder

Thomas Snyder has a diverse spectrum of programming experience encompassing IBM technologies, open source, Apple, and Microsoft and using these technologies with applications on the server, on the web, or on mobile devices.

Tom has more than 20 years' experience as a software developer in various environments, primarily in RPG, Java, C#, and PHP. He holds certifications in Java from Sun and PHP from Zend. Prior to software development, Tom worked as a hardware engineer at Intel. He is a proud United States Naval Veteran Submariner who served aboard the USS Whale SSN638 submarine.

Tom is the bestselling author of Advanced, Integrated RPG, which covers the latest programming techniques for RPG ILE and Java to use open-source technologies. His latest book, co-written with Vedish Shah, is Extract, Transform, and Load with SQL Server Integration Services.

Originally from and currently residing in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Tom is currently involved in a mobile application startup company, JoltRabbit LLC.


MC Press books written by Thomas Snyder available now on the MC Press Bookstore.

Advanced, Integrated RPG Advanced, Integrated RPG
See how to take advantage of the latest technologies from within existing RPG applications.
List Price $79.95

Now On Sale

Extract, Transform, and Load with SQL Server Integration Services Extract, Transform, and Load with SQL Server Integration Services
Learn how to implement Microsoft’s SQL Server Integration Services for business applications.
List Price $79.95

Now On Sale

BLOG COMMENTS POWERED BY DISQUS

LATEST COMMENTS

Support MC Press Online

$

Book Reviews

Resource Center

  • SB Profound WC 5536 Have you been wondering about Node.js? Our free Node.js Webinar Series takes you from total beginner to creating a fully-functional IBM i Node.js business application. You can find Part 1 here. In Part 2 of our free Node.js Webinar Series, Brian May teaches you the different tooling options available for writing code, debugging, and using Git for version control. Brian will briefly discuss the different tools available, and demonstrate his preferred setup for Node development on IBM i or any platform. Attend this webinar to learn:

  • SB Profound WP 5539More than ever, there is a demand for IT to deliver innovation. Your IBM i has been an essential part of your business operations for years. However, your organization may struggle to maintain the current system and implement new projects. The thousands of customers we've worked with and surveyed state that expectations regarding the digital footprint and vision of the company are not aligned with the current IT environment.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT Generic IBM announced the E1080 servers using the latest Power10 processor in September 2021. The most powerful processor from IBM to date, Power10 is designed to handle the demands of doing business in today’s high-tech atmosphere, including running cloud applications, supporting big data, and managing AI workloads. But what does Power10 mean for your data center? In this recorded webinar, IBMers Dan Sundt and Dylan Boday join IBM Power Champion Tom Huntington for a discussion on why Power10 technology is the right strategic investment if you run IBM i, AIX, or Linux. In this action-packed hour, Tom will share trends from the IBM i and AIX user communities while Dan and Dylan dive into the tech specs for key hardware, including:

  • Magic MarkTRY the one package that solves all your document design and printing challenges on all your platforms. Produce bar code labels, electronic forms, ad hoc reports, and RFID tags – without programming! MarkMagic is the only document design and print solution that combines report writing, WYSIWYG label and forms design, and conditional printing in one integrated product. Make sure your data survives when catastrophe hits. Request your trial now!  Request Now.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericForms of ransomware has been around for over 30 years, and with more and more organizations suffering attacks each year, it continues to endure. What has made ransomware such a durable threat and what is the best way to combat it? In order to prevent ransomware, organizations must first understand how it works.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericIT security is a top priority for businesses around the world, but most IBM i pros don’t know where to begin—and most cybersecurity experts don’t know IBM i. In this session, Robin Tatam explores the business impact of lax IBM i security, the top vulnerabilities putting IBM i at risk, and the steps you can take to protect your organization. If you’re looking to avoid unexpected downtime or corrupted data, you don’t want to miss this session.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericCan you trust all of your users all of the time? A typical end user receives 16 malicious emails each month, but only 17 percent of these phishing campaigns are reported to IT. Once an attack is underway, most organizations won’t discover the breach until six months later. A staggering amount of damage can occur in that time. Despite these risks, 93 percent of organizations are leaving their IBM i systems vulnerable to cybercrime. In this on-demand webinar, IBM i security experts Robin Tatam and Sandi Moore will reveal:

  • FORTRA Disaster protection is vital to every business. Yet, it often consists of patched together procedures that are prone to error. From automatic backups to data encryption to media management, Robot automates the routine (yet often complex) tasks of iSeries backup and recovery, saving you time and money and making the process safer and more reliable. Automate your backups with the Robot Backup and Recovery Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAManaging messages on your IBM i can be more than a full-time job if you have to do it manually. Messages need a response and resources must be monitored—often over multiple systems and across platforms. How can you be sure you won’t miss important system events? Automate your message center with the Robot Message Management Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAThe thought of printing, distributing, and storing iSeries reports manually may reduce you to tears. Paper and labor costs associated with report generation can spiral out of control. Mountains of paper threaten to swamp your files. Robot automates report bursting, distribution, bundling, and archiving, and offers secure, selective online report viewing. Manage your reports with the Robot Report Management Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAFor over 30 years, Robot has been a leader in systems management for IBM i. With batch job creation and scheduling at its core, the Robot Job Scheduling Solution reduces the opportunity for human error and helps you maintain service levels, automating even the biggest, most complex runbooks. Manage your job schedule with the Robot Job Scheduling Solution. Key features include:

  • LANSA Business users want new applications now. Market and regulatory pressures require faster application updates and delivery into production. Your IBM i developers may be approaching retirement, and you see no sure way to fill their positions with experienced developers. In addition, you may be caught between maintaining your existing applications and the uncertainty of moving to something new.

  • LANSAWhen it comes to creating your business applications, there are hundreds of coding platforms and programming languages to choose from. These options range from very complex traditional programming languages to Low-Code platforms where sometimes no traditional coding experience is needed. Download our whitepaper, The Power of Writing Code in a Low-Code Solution, and:

  • LANSASupply Chain is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable. From raw materials for manufacturing to food supply chains, the journey from source to production to delivery to consumers is marred with inefficiencies, manual processes, shortages, recalls, counterfeits, and scandals. In this webinar, we discuss how:

  • The MC Resource Centers bring you the widest selection of white papers, trial software, and on-demand webcasts for you to choose from. >> Review the list of White Papers, Trial Software or On-Demand Webcast at the MC Press Resource Center. >> Add the items to yru Cart and complet he checkout process and submit

  • Profound Logic Have you been wondering about Node.js? Our free Node.js Webinar Series takes you from total beginner to creating a fully-functional IBM i Node.js business application.

  • SB Profound WC 5536Join us for this hour-long webcast that will explore:

  • Fortra IT managers hoping to find new IBM i talent are discovering that the pool of experienced RPG programmers and operators or administrators with intimate knowledge of the operating system and the applications that run on it is small. This begs the question: How will you manage the platform that supports such a big part of your business? This guide offers strategies and software suggestions to help you plan IT staffing and resources and smooth the transition after your AS/400 talent retires. Read on to learn: