Alan Seiden

Seiden Group Now Supports Mapepire for Node.js and Db2 for IBM i Connectivity

/0 Comments/in /by

Mapapire database driver for IBM iSeiden Group is pleased to announce that we now provide production support for the open source Mapepire database connector for IBM i. This includes support for Node.js applications and cloud-based or containerized workloads that connect to Db2 for i—whether from IBM i itself or from external systems.

Many developers already rely on Mapepire every day—sometimes without realizing it—because it’s the back-end to the Db2 for i extension for VS Code. We’re excited to help clients adopt this lightweight, high-performance connector.

Read more →

Alan Seiden

Scott Forstie’s Wish

/0 Comments/in /by

At a recent Code for i Fridays meeting, DB2 for i Business Architect Scott Forstie shared with the group:

“My wish is that every new database file is an SQL table.”

Scott was recommending that new tables always be built using SQL/DDL* rather than DDS. He had several good reasons, but to share the top two:

Read more →

Alan Seiden

Release Levels for IBM i Services (SQL)

/0 Comments/in /by

IBM i ServicesIBM i Services are a growing, innovative use of SQL on the IBM i platform. These SQL-based functions and views provide convenient access to system functionality. For example, VS Code for i uses the LIBRARY_INFO table function.

Because these SQL-based services are added and enhanced over time, each service has an operating system release and Group PTF level at which it became available.

I had wished there was a list of minimum release levels for all the IBM i Services. As it happened, at our latest Code for IBM i Fridays meeting, Scott Forstie, the DB2 for i Business Architect, provided the resources that I’d been looking for.

Read more →

Amy Lantz

VS Code for IBM i: SELECT Statement [VIDEO]

/0 Comments/in , /by

In this episode of Getting Started with Code for i, Patrick Behr focuses on the power of the SELECT statement included in the Db2 for i extension.

SELECT lets you quickly generate CSV or JSON files, or update your Db2 for i data, directly from Code for i. Just watch how easy it is!

Read more →

Alan Seiden

Tutorial: Integrate Node.js with RPG without a Connector

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Node.js IBM iWe’ve been hearing from clients wondering whether they need commercial connectors to integrate open source technology with Db2, RPG, and COBOL data.

Liam Allan has shown the power of using open source tools that are available to everyone. He recommends accessing IBM i business logic and data using open source tools, without proprietary connectors.

Read more →

Alan Seiden

9 Smart Ways to Use IBM i Services

/0 Comments/in , /by

IBM i ServicesWe regularly turn to the IBM i (SQL) services that Scott Forstie’s team at IBM has been delivering. We love using them to get specific jobs done faster!

What’s not to love? SQL is a universal interface, based on IBM i’s revered crown jewel, Db2 for i. Code once, use many times from every conceivable kind of technology—on the box and off. Brilliant!

Read more →

Alan Seiden

CIO Summit Features DB2 for i Briefing with IBM’s Scott Forstie

/0 Comments/in , , /by
Scott Forstie Alan Seiden

Scott Forstie (left) with Alan Seiden at a previous CIO Summit

In recent years, Db2 for i Business Architect Scott Forstie and his team have rapidly strengthened the IBM i database, improving the sophistication of its SQL query engine, and adding to its galaxy of IBM i services. What’s more, they have several years’ worth of new enhancements in the pipeline.

CIOs and IT Directors can meet Scott at the CIO Summit on March 25, 2019, Charlotte, North Carolina, for an IBM i strategy briefing.

Read more →

Alan Seiden

Db2, SQL, and Open Source Languages on IBM i

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

db2 sql open source ibmiPresentation Handout

The ever-expanding capabilities of Db2 for i can simplify development in open source languages such as PHP, Ruby, Node.js (JavaScript), and Python. These languages, known for their effectiveness in building web and mobile applications, can tap into the power of SQL.

So why complicate them with repetitive code that distracts from their power and simplicity?

Read more →

Alan Seiden

Resources for Upgrading to PHP 7 on IBM i

/1 Comment/in , /by

Editor’s Note: The information in this article is useful for historical context but is now out of date. We currently recommend Seiden PHP+ as the most reliable PHP distribution for IBM i.

PHP 7 Zend ServerNow that speedy PHP 7 is available for IBM i, we’ve been helping clients upgrade to this long-awaited release. Here are some resources for performing this popular upgrade.

Read more →

Alan Seiden

Where to find DB2 for IBM i documentation

/4 Comments/in , /by

It’s not always easy to locate the official documentation for all features of DB2 for IBM i. Using Google Search is hit or miss, with full-text searches often bringing irrelevant results from other varieties of DB2 or from older versions. Many people don’t know that complete reference manuals are available for almost every aspect of DB2 on i.

Read more →