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Java is still one of the most popular languages, with a huge base of open-source software, and you should know how to take advantage of it.

By Joe Pluta

It's not surprising that two of the most popular programming languages are two of the oldest: C and Java. And while both may be waning in popularity (with Python looking to become the king of the programming hill), there's no denying that Java provides a huge ecosystem of excellent open-source functionality. As an example, I recently had the opportunity to write a streamlined wrapper around the fantastic HSSFR4 service program by Scott Klement, which in turn provides access to the Apache POIJava code that creates and maintains Excel spreadsheets. While I may get an opportunity to write about that in more detail, first I'd like to talk a little more about the basics of using Java.

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If you've been putting off learning Java, you have no excuse anymore!

joe plutaWritten by Joe Pluta

Java for RPG Programmers has been popular for over a decade. This unique book manages to bridge the gap between the procedural nature of RPG and the sometimes mysterious world of Java and object-oriented programming (OOP). This Third Edition is a worthy entry in the book's history.

 

The problem for RPG programmers is that most Java books don't differentiate between application programming and system programming. Java has a dual nature: Java experts use the advanced features of the language to build system-level routines, and application programmers use those routines to build applications. Most RPG programmers need the latter explained in familiar terms.

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Java debuted in 1996—and while almost 20 years old, it's simply amazing how it continues to redefine itself and stay relevant. Still haven't tried it? No worries. Take a peek inside to see what Java can offer you!

Written by Joe Cropper

Java has been around for quite some time now, and several recent polls suggest that Java is the top programming language that job seekers should know. That said, whether "the top" is Java, C++, Python, etc., the point is that Java is as relevant now as ever, so it's definitely something worthy of a presence on your resume.

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Learn about some of the key new features in the highly anticipated release of Oracle's Java EE (Enterprise Edition) 7 and see how they can help you create modern-day Web applications.

Written by Joe Cropper

Java EE 7 was released in June 2013, and it represents the latest major release of the Java EE platform, which has certainly come a long way since the early days of J2EE. Java EE's focus has always been on simplifying server-side enterprise applications, allowing developers to focus on the application business logic rather than on non-business-relevant "boilerplate" code.

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

joe_plutaWritten 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.

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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.

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

mike_faustWritten 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.

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joe_plutaJava 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.

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

    SB Profound WP 5539

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  • 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.
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  • 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.

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  • 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:

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  • 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:

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  • 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:

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  • 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.
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  • 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:

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    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.
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  • 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.

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    • 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

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  • Node Webinar Series Pt. 1: The World of Node.js on IBM i

    SB Profound WC GenericHave 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.
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  • The Biggest Mistakes in IBM i Security

    SB Profound WC Generic The Biggest Mistakes in IBM i Security
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