Seiden Group Blog - Page 3 of 30

New QSHONI Commands: Integrate Python, PHP, Java with CL & RPG

February 14, 2025/0 Comments/in Open Source /by Richard Schoen

A few years ago I introduced you to my QShell on i utility – QSHONI. QSHONI makes it easy for traditional CL, RPG, and COBOL programs to call Python utilities and other QShell/PASE utility programs (PHP, Node, Java, etc.) and directly use their output. QSHONI opened up a whole new world of integrations to open-source apps from traditional IBM i applications.

I keep thinking I will run out of interesting things to add to the library, but the ideas keep on flowing.

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Compare Source Between Two Partitions using VS Code for IBM i

February 10, 2025/0 Comments/in VS Code for i /by Alan Seiden

Comparing source code between IBM i partitions has been a desired feature of Code for i. Although connecting to two systems within one Code for i window is not yet supported, comparing source from two systems IS possible.

Patrick Behr recently posted a comparison technique using Git that works for multiple files. Another technique, which seems well suited for comparing single files rather than multiples, was provided by Christian Jorgensen in the Code for i Github repository. We share both versions below.

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VS Code for IBM i: Filters [Video]

February 6, 2025/2 Comments/in VS Code for i /by Amy Lantz

In Episode 2 of his Getting Started with VS Code for IBM i series for RPG and COBOL developers, Patrick Behr shows us several ways to efficiently filter and find IBM i source physical file members using Code for i’s Object Browser. (You’ll find Episode 1 here.)

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Online Event: Skills for Your IBM i in 2025

February 5, 2025/2 Comments/in IBM i /by Amy Lantz

Did you know that IBM i security guru Carol Woodbury began her career as an office admin at IBM? Neither did we!

Some of the dynamics that drove her success can be replicated by today’s IBM i teams and their management. In fact, her story could help you future-proof your IBM i team and bridge the skills gap.

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How to Speak IBM i

January 17, 2025/1 Comment/in IBM i /by Alan Seiden

Sometimes it seems that IBM creates its own terminology for everything. One young colleague told us she was eager to learn about the IBM i platform, but her older colleagues used so many abbreviations and initialisms, the “alphabet soup” deterred her and caused frustration.

We at Seiden Group try to bring teams together. In that spirit, here are several common IBM i terms and their definitions in platform-neutral terms:

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Getting Started with VS Code for IBM i [Video Tutorial]

January 14, 2025/0 Comments/in VS Code for i /by Amy Lantz

Code for IBM i is rapidly gain traction as an efficient, cost-effective alternative to RDi for RPGLE (fixed and free format), COBOL, CL, and Db2 for i development.

To help traditional IBM i developers explore this fast and flexible IDE, Patrick Behr offers this first tutorial in his Getting Started with VS Code for i video series. In it, he demonstrates how to install VS Code and its IBM i Development pack, connect to an IBM i server, set and manage library lists, filter your object browser, and change and compile RPG source.

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Where to Find Release Notes for ACS Updates

January 10, 2025/0 Comments/in IBM i /by Alan Seiden

IBM i Access Client Solutions (ACS) is a critical tool for essential features such as 5250 emulation, SQL, Db2 performance, and open source package management. Every update is packed with functionality improvements, bug fixes, and security updates.

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Creating a Debug Log with the PHP Toolkit for IBM i

January 6, 2025/0 Comments/in PHP /by Alan Seiden

One of my favorite features of the PHP Toolkit for IBM i is its ability to generate a detailed debug log. The log includes connection information, program call options, parameters in and out, and performance timing. When we receive questions about the toolkit as part of our SmartSupport, a debug log helps resolve the question quickly.

Why use the PHP Toolkit? It can call commands, RPG, COBOL, and CL programs, flexibly and fast. The debug log can make troubleshooting easier than with other methods that don’t have a log, such as stored procedures.

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PHP 8.4 Is Here

December 13, 2024/0 Comments/in PHP /by Alan Seiden

PHP 8.4 represents another step in PHP’s evolution, once again improving performance and adding features to help developers write more concise, high quality code.

PHP 8.4 is now available for IBM i from Seiden Group.

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Integrating Open Source on IBM i: Advanced Topics and Optimization

December 12, 2024/0 Comments/in APIs & Web Services, Open Source, RPG /by Amy Lantz

Pairing open source with traditional IBM i programs works great for APIs, web, and mobile applications. But how do you stay on top of your business’s requirements for speed and scalability?

OCEAN User Group recently asked Alan to help answer that question. In the recording of their November meeting (also linked from the graphic below), he covers:

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