Sidebar

TechTip: Two Funny Charts: Generate Professional-Grade Charts in Your Programs, Part 9

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

In this tip, I present two slightly unusual types of chart, named "Bars of Stuff" and "Piles of Money." Some presentations require a more humorous and lighter tone, especially if the news isn't good!

 

After so many TechTips about serious charts, it's time to have a little fun, so let's start with "Bars of Stuff." This is basically a bar chart in which the bars are replaced with a cartoon-like object. The image choices include Train (default), Chocolate, Rope, Truffle, Worm, and Horse. From a technical point of view, this is a very simple chart: it supports two columns, "label" and "value," and multiple rows. There's a little trick on the rows, though: instead of showing only the title of the row next to the "bar," you can also include a string, defined by you.

 

Figure 1 depicts the example from the API's documentation:

 

091412Rafaelfigure1

Figure 1: The Trains example from the documentation page shows commuters by country.

 

Let's have a quick look at the template:

 

/$Header

<html>

<head>

   <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="http://visapi-gadgets.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/barsofstuff/bos.css"/>

   <title>

     /%PageTitle%/

   </title>

   <script type="text/javascript" src="http://visapi-gadgets.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/barsofstuff/bos.js"></script>

   <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.google.com/jsapi"></script>

   <script type="text/javascript">

     google.load("visualization", "1");

   </script>

   <script type="text/javascript">

     function drawChart() {

       var data = new google.visualization.DataTable();

       data.addRows(/%TotalRows%/);

       data.addColumn('string', 'Label');

       data.addColumn('number', 'Value');

/$Row

       data.setCell(/%RowNbr%/, 0, '/%RowTitle%/');

       data.setCell(/%RowNbr%/, 1, /%RowValue%/, '/%RowValueLabel%/');

/$OptionsBegin

 

     var options = {

/$Option

     '/%OptionTitle%/': /%OptionValue%/

/$OptionsEnd

                   };

 

/$Footer

       var chartDiv = document.getElementById('chartdiv');

       var chart = new BarsOfStuff(chartDiv);

       chart.draw(data, options);

     }

 

     google.setOnLoadCallback(drawChart);

   </script>

</head>

<body>

   <div id="chartdiv"></div>

</body>

</html>

 

The only "new" thing in this template is the RowValueLabel variable, which will store the text that shows under the row title; I'm talking about the "10,000" under "France" on the first row of the example shown in Figure 1. There's no "Column" section, and the "Row" section is a hybrid between the "FirstRow" and "Row" sections of previously presented templates. This was possible because the "Bars of Stuff" chart supports only one value per row. The procedure that implements this template is called GenBOSChart, and it's very similar to the ones I've written for other chart types; the only difference is the handling of the aforementioned RowValueLabel variable. The sample program TSTGENBOS1 produces the chart shown in Figure 2:

 

091412Rafaelfigure2

Figure 2: Who said a bug was a bad thing?

 

If you take a look at the source code, you'll find the by-now-familiar filling of the procedure arrays (P_BOSRowDS and P_OptionDS, in this case), followed by the invocation of the procedure and the showing of the HTML page it generated.

 

I'd like to take a moment to explain the most important option of this chart: the "type" keyword. This is the way to indicate which object you want to use instead of the traditional bar; in this example, I'm using the "worm" attribute to produce the cute green bugs you see in Figure 2. Read the Bars of Stuff API documentation to find out what else you can customize on this chart.

 

Now it's up to you to choose where and when to use this less serious and more smile-inducing chart type!

 

The second part of this TechTip will focus on the "Piles of Money" chart type. As usual, let's start by reviewing its template:

 

/$Header

<html>

<head>

   <link rel="stylesheet" type="text/css" href="http://visapi-gadgets.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/pilesofmoney/pom.css"/>

   <title>

     /%PageTitle%/

   </title>

   <script type="text/javascript" src="http://visapi-gadgets.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/pilesofmoney/pom.js"></script>

   <script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.google.com/jsapi"></script>

   <script type="text/javascript">

     google.load("visualization", "1");

   </script>

   <script type="text/javascript">

     function drawChart() {

       var data = new google.visualization.DataTable();

       data.addRows(/%TotalRows%/);

       data.addColumn('string', 'Label');

       data.addColumn('number', 'Value');

/$Row

       data.setCell(/%RowNbr%/, 0, '/%RowTitle%/');

       data.setCell(/%RowNbr%/, 1, /%RowValue%/, '/%RowValueLabel%/');

/$OptionsBegin

 

     var options = {

/$Option

     '/%OptionTitle%/': /%OptionValue%/

/$OptionsEnd

                   };

 

/$Footer

       var chartDiv = document.getElementById('chartdiv');

       var chart = new PilesOfMoney(chartDiv);

       chart.draw(data, options);

     }

 

     google.setOnLoadCallback(drawChart);

   </script>

</head>

<body>

   <div id="chartdiv"></div>

</body>

</html>

 

As you can see from the template above, the structure of the "Piles of Money" chart is an almost exact copy of the "Bars of Stuff," with some changes on the Header and Footer sections. This led to the creation of a procedure similar to GenBOSChart, named GenPOMChart. All I've written about GenBOSChart directly applies to this new procedure. The result, however, is very different. Below you'll find the chart produced by the sample program TSTGENPOM1:

 

091412Rafaelfigure3

Figure 3: That's a lot of money!

 

You can display one of two currencies here; the sample program uses USD, which is also the chart's default, but you can also use EUR. Be sure to read this API's documentation, because there are a few more options to customize.

 

Even though you won't find samples for these charts on Google's Code Playground, you can still test them there. Here's how to do it: go to the chart's documentation page and copy the sample you'll find there. Next, go to the Code Playground, choose any chart type, click the "Edit HTML" button and delete all the code. Next, paste the sample code on the code window of the Playground. If everything appears on a single line, delete it and paste it on Notepad; select everything from Notepad and copy it again. Paste it in the code window and voilá!

 

Here's the complete source code for this series. If any part of this TechTip is not clear for you, feel free to contact me. However, I really recommend reading the whole series first, starting with Part 1, because each Tip details a bit of the process.

 

The next TechTip will discuss an API that is not a chart, but it might be equally important. I'll talk about the Table API.

Rafael Victoria-Pereira

Rafael Victória-Pereira has more than 20 years of IBM i experience as a programmer, analyst, and manager. Over that period, he has been an active voice in the IBM i community, encouraging and helping programmers transition to ILE and free-format RPG. Rafael has written more than 100 technical articles about topics ranging from interfaces (the topic for his first book, Flexible Input, Dazzling Output with IBM i) to modern RPG and SQL in his popular RPG Academy and SQL 101 series on mcpressonline.com and in his books Evolve Your RPG Coding and SQL for IBM i: A Database Modernization Guide. Rafael writes in an easy-to-read, practical style that is highly popular with his audience of IBM technology professionals.

Rafael is the Deputy IT Director - Infrastructures and Services at the Luis Simões Group in Portugal. His areas of expertise include programming in the IBM i native languages (RPG, CL, and DB2 SQL) and in "modern" programming languages, such as Java, C#, and Python, as well as project management and consultancy.


MC Press books written by Rafael Victória-Pereira available now on the MC Press Bookstore.

Evolve Your RPG Coding: Move from OPM to ILE...and Beyond Evolve Your RPG Coding: Move from OPM to ILE...and Beyond
Transition to modern RPG programming with this step-by-step guide through ILE and free-format RPG, SQL, and modernization techniques.
List Price $79.95

Now On Sale

Flexible Input, Dazzling Output with IBM i Flexible Input, Dazzling Output with IBM i
Uncover easier, more flexible ways to get data into your system, plus some methods for exporting and presenting the vital business data it contains.
List Price $79.95

Now On Sale

SQL for IBM i: A Database Modernization Guide SQL for IBM i: A Database Modernization Guide
Learn how to use SQL’s capabilities to modernize and enhance your IBM i database.
List Price $79.95

Now On Sale

BLOG COMMENTS POWERED BY DISQUS

LATEST COMMENTS

Support MC Press Online

RESOURCE CENTER

  • WHITE PAPERS

  • WEBCAST

  • TRIAL SOFTWARE

  • White Paper: Node.js for Enterprise IBM i Modernization

    SB Profound WP 5539

    If your business is thinking about modernizing your legacy IBM i (also known as AS/400 or iSeries) applications, you will want to read this white paper first!

    Download this paper and learn how Node.js can ensure that you:
    - Modernize on-time and budget - no more lengthy, costly, disruptive app rewrites!
    - Retain your IBM i systems of record
    - Find and hire new development talent
    - Integrate new Node.js applications with your existing RPG, Java, .Net, and PHP apps
    - Extend your IBM i capabilties to include Watson API, Cloud, and Internet of Things


    Read Node.js for Enterprise IBM i Modernization Now!

     

  • Profound Logic Solution Guide

    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 companyare not aligned with the current IT environment.

    Get your copy of this important guide today!

     

  • 2022 IBM i Marketplace Survey Results

    Fortra2022 marks the eighth edition of the IBM i Marketplace Survey Results. Each year, Fortra captures data on how businesses use the IBM i platform and the IT and cybersecurity initiatives it supports.

    Over the years, this survey has become a true industry benchmark, revealing to readers the trends that are shaping and driving the market and providing insight into what the future may bring for this technology.

  • Brunswick bowls a perfect 300 with LANSA!

    FortraBrunswick is the leader in bowling products, services, and industry expertise for the development and renovation of new and existing bowling centers and mixed-use recreation facilities across the entertainment industry. However, the lifeblood of Brunswick’s capital equipment business was running on a 15-year-old software application written in Visual Basic 6 (VB6) with a SQL Server back-end. The application was at the end of its life and needed to be replaced.
    With the help of Visual LANSA, they found an easy-to-use, long-term platform that enabled their team to collaborate, innovate, and integrate with existing systems and databases within a single platform.
    Read the case study to learn how they achieved success and increased the speed of development by 30% with Visual LANSA.

     

  • The Power of Coding in a Low-Code Solution

    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:

    • Discover the benefits of Low-code's quick application creation
    • Understand the differences in model-based and language-based Low-Code platforms
    • Explore the strengths of LANSA's Low-Code Solution to Low-Code’s biggest drawbacks

     

     

  • Why Migrate When You Can Modernize?

    LANSABusiness 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.
    In this white paper, you’ll learn how to think of these issues as opportunities rather than problems. We’ll explore motivations to migrate or modernize, their risks and considerations you should be aware of before embarking on a (migration or modernization) project.
    Lastly, we’ll discuss how modernizing IBM i applications with optimized business workflows, integration with other technologies and new mobile and web user interfaces will enable IT – and the business – to experience time-added value and much more.

     

  • UPDATED: Developer Kit: Making a Business Case for Modernization and Beyond

    Profound Logic Software, Inc.Having trouble getting management approval for modernization projects? The problem may be you're not speaking enough "business" to them.

    This Developer Kit provides you study-backed data and a ready-to-use business case template to help get your very next development project approved!

  • What to Do When Your AS/400 Talent Retires

    FortraIT managers hoping to find new IBM i talent are discovering that the pool of experienced RPG programmers and operators or administrators is small.

    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:

    • Why IBM i skills depletion is a top concern
    • How leading organizations are coping
    • Where automation will make the biggest impact

     

  • Node.js on IBM i Webinar Series Pt. 2: Setting Up Your Development Tools

    Profound Logic Software, Inc.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. In Part 2, Brian May teaches you the different tooling options available for writing code, debugging, and using Git for version control. Attend this webinar to learn:

    • Different tools to develop Node.js applications on IBM i
    • Debugging Node.js
    • The basics of Git and tools to help those new to it
    • Using NodeRun.com as a pre-built development environment

     

     

  • Expert Tips for IBM i Security: Beyond the Basics

    SB PowerTech WC GenericIn this session, IBM i security expert Robin Tatam provides a quick recap of IBM i security basics and guides you through some advanced cybersecurity techniques that can help you take data protection to the next level. Robin will cover:

    • Reducing the risk posed by special authorities
    • Establishing object-level security
    • Overseeing user actions and data access

    Don't miss this chance to take your knowledge of IBM i security beyond the basics.

     

     

  • 5 IBM i Security Quick Wins

    SB PowerTech WC GenericIn today’s threat landscape, upper management is laser-focused on cybersecurity. You need to make progress in securing your systems—and make it fast.
    There’s no shortage of actions you could take, but what tactics will actually deliver the results you need? And how can you find a security strategy that fits your budget and time constraints?
    Join top IBM i security expert Robin Tatam as he outlines the five fastest and most impactful changes you can make to strengthen IBM i security this year.
    Your system didn’t become unsecure overnight and you won’t be able to turn it around overnight either. But quick wins are possible with IBM i security, and Robin Tatam will show you how to achieve them.

  • Security Bulletin: Malware Infection Discovered on IBM i Server!

    SB PowerTech WC GenericMalicious programs can bring entire businesses to their knees—and IBM i shops are not immune. It’s critical to grasp the true impact malware can have on IBM i and the network that connects to it. Attend this webinar to gain a thorough understanding of the relationships between:

    • Viruses, native objects, and the integrated file system (IFS)
    • Power Systems and Windows-based viruses and malware
    • PC-based anti-virus scanning versus native IBM i scanning

    There are a number of ways you can minimize your exposure to viruses. IBM i security expert Sandi Moore explains the facts, including how to ensure you're fully protected and compliant with regulations such as PCI.

     

     

  • Encryption on IBM i Simplified

    SB PowerTech WC GenericDB2 Field Procedures (FieldProcs) were introduced in IBM i 7.1 and have greatly simplified encryption, often without requiring any application changes. Now you can quickly encrypt sensitive data on the IBM i including PII, PCI, PHI data in your physical files and tables.
    Watch this webinar to learn how you can quickly implement encryption on the IBM i. During the webinar, security expert Robin Tatam will show you how to:

    • Use Field Procedures to automate encryption and decryption
    • Restrict and mask field level access by user or group
    • Meet compliance requirements with effective key management and audit trails

     

  • Lessons Learned from IBM i Cyber Attacks

    SB PowerTech WC GenericDespite the many options IBM has provided to protect your systems and data, many organizations still struggle to apply appropriate security controls.
    In this webinar, you'll get insight into how the criminals accessed these systems, the fallout from these attacks, and how the incidents could have been avoided by following security best practices.

    • Learn which security gaps cyber criminals love most
    • Find out how other IBM i organizations have fallen victim
    • Get the details on policies and processes you can implement to protect your organization, even when staff works from home

    You will learn the steps you can take to avoid the mistakes made in these examples, as well as other inadequate and misconfigured settings that put businesses at risk.

     

     

  • The Power of Coding in a Low-Code Solution

    SB PowerTech WC GenericWhen 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:

    • Discover the benefits of Low-code's quick application creation
    • Understand the differences in model-based and language-based Low-Code platforms
    • Explore the strengths of LANSA's Low-Code Solution to Low-Code’s biggest drawbacks

     

     

  • The Biggest Mistakes in IBM i Security

    SB Profound WC Generic The Biggest Mistakes in IBM i Security
    Here’s the harsh reality: cybersecurity pros have to get their jobs right every single day, while an attacker only has to succeed once to do incredible damage.
    Whether that’s thousands of exposed records, millions of dollars in fines and legal fees, or diminished share value, it’s easy to judge organizations that fall victim. IBM i enjoys an enviable reputation for security, but no system is impervious to mistakes.
    Join this webinar to learn about the biggest errors made when securing a Power Systems server.
    This knowledge is critical for ensuring integrity of your application data and preventing you from becoming the next Equifax. It’s also essential for complying with all formal regulations, including SOX, PCI, GDPR, and HIPAA
    Watch Now.

  • Comply in 5! Well, actually UNDER 5 minutes!!

    SB CYBRA PPL 5382

    TRY 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.

    Request your trial now!

  • Backup and Recovery on IBM i: Your Strategy for the Unexpected

    FortraRobot automates the routine 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:
    - Simplified backup procedures
    - Easy data encryption
    - Save media management
    - Guided restoration
    - Seamless product integration
    Make sure your data survives when catastrophe hits. Try the Robot Backup and Recovery Solution FREE for 30 days.

  • Manage IBM i Messages by Exception with Robot

    SB HelpSystems SC 5413Managing messages on your IBM i can be more than a full-time job if you have to do it manually. 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:
    - Automated message management
    - Tailored notifications and automatic escalation
    - System-wide control of your IBM i partitions
    - Two-way system notifications from your mobile device
    - Seamless product integration
    Try the Robot Message Management Solution FREE for 30 days.

  • Easiest Way to Save Money? Stop Printing IBM i Reports

    FortraRobot 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:

    - Automated report distribution
    - View online without delay
    - Browser interface to make notes
    - Custom retention capabilities
    - Seamless product integration
    Rerun another report? Never again. Try the Robot Report Management Solution FREE for 30 days.

  • Hassle-Free IBM i Operations around the Clock

    SB HelpSystems SC 5413For over 30 years, Robot has been a leader in systems management for IBM i.
    Manage your job schedule with the Robot Job Scheduling Solution. Key features include:
    - Automated batch, interactive, and cross-platform scheduling
    - Event-driven dependency processing
    - Centralized monitoring and reporting
    - Audit log and ready-to-use reports
    - Seamless product integration
    Scale your software, not your staff. Try the Robot Job Scheduling Solution FREE for 30 days.