GitHub — A Collaboration Tool for Developers
While adding a new script to our Python for IBM i Examples GitHub Repository, I noticed that my pull request had evolved into a near-perfect example of how tools like GitHub improve upon ordinary Git.
Using Git on IBM i (with video review)
We’ve seen a surge of interest in Git version control on IBM i, so a recent video about Git caught my eye.
The Git trend makes perfect sense as IBM i teams adopt languages such as PHP, Javascript, and Python to develop web user interfaces, APIs, and other functionality. That said, Git also supports the traditional IBM i language, RPG.
Resources for Learning Git
One of my favorite jobs here at Seiden Group is to introduce developers to the Git version control system. I’ve delivered talks, workshops, and individual Git training.
Fast, popular, and open source, Git can be hosted on varied platforms, such as cloud-based repositories (Github, Bitbucket), internal servers (GitLab), and on our trusty IBM i servers.
Add apachectl to IBM i for Controlling Apache Web Instances
Here at Seiden Group, we seek ways to make IBM i systems more congenial for developers accustomed to other platforms, such as Linux.
Developers coming from a non-IBM i background know how to run the apachectl command to start, restart, and end an Apache web server instance. Instead of apachectl, however, IBM i provides a web-based graphical interface and the commands STRTCPSVR and ENDTCPSVR (be sure to prompt those for parameters using F4).
To supply the “missing” apachectl command for IBM i, I have written a BASH shell script that simulates apachectl on IBM i.
Open-Source Tools (rsync, cURL, Git and more) on IBM i
Open-source tools aren’t just for Linux anymore. Popular tools such as rsync, cURL, Git, and Wget have come to IBM i.
Although such open-source tools have been available for years in AIX distributions by Michael Perzl, those RPM packages required extra know-how, and weren’t officially supported by IBM.
WMCPA 2017: A Glimpse into the Future of IBM i
Every year I look forward to WMPCA’s Spring Technical Conference. And it’s not just because this active IBM i user group does a great job of bringing experts to beautiful Wisconsin (in March!) to teach a broad range of IBM i topics.
I also love meeting the next generation of IBM i talent, always represented by Jim Buck’s RPG students at Gateway Technical College.
And, of course, there are many PHP and open source sessions to choose from, including these from me:
- Make Your IBM i Sizzle with WordPress
- Apache Web Server Magic on IBM i
- Using DB2 and SQL with Open Source Languages on IBM i
- PHP Tricks for the RPG Programmer: Graphics, Excel, PDFs, E-Mail and More
Also check out these sessions from our good friend Mike Pavlak:
- PHP Web Security in an Insecure World
- Web Services with PHP on IBM i
I could go on and on with recommendations, but I’m sure you’ll find plenty to love on your own.
Join us at the WMCPA Spring Technical Conference on March 14-16, 2017, at the Lake Lawn Resort on the shores of Delavan Lake!
PHP Performance on IBM i: Tuesday, Dec. 10 (limited-time discount)
Update: a recording of this class is available at http://iprodeveloper.com/let-your-php-apps-fly-ibm-i-high-performance-php-demand
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This Tuesday, learn how to Let Your PHP applications fly on IBM i. Busy? You can attend while getting your work done, with three one-hour class segments separated by breaks.
“Our process now runs 30-50% faster, thanks to one tip from Alan’s presentation.”
—Mike Meszaros, Software Developer, Specialty Pipe & Tube
You’ll learn to quickly improve your application’s performance, including:
- Give your app that “snap” by optimizing its front end as well as PHP
- Configure Zend Server for performance
- Diagnose bottlenecks
- Leverage unique IBM i performance tools
- Optimize DB2 and the IBM i toolkit
I’ll be there to answer your questions. What’s more, the presentation will be archived for 60 days so you can review the material afterward.
“Alan is the performance guru of PHP on IBM i. When we encountered unexpectedly slow queries and program calls, Alan showed us a configuration change that helped our application run 3x faster, creating happy users. Thanks, Alan!”
—Adam Chuk Shirley, PHP Developer, Sabel Steel Service
What: PHP on IBM i performance eLearning event
When: Tuesday, December 10, 2013: three one-hour segments with two one-hour breaks, starting 11AM and ending 4PM (ET).
Where: Online
Cost: $150 (but discounted to $99 through Friday, Dec. 6)
Details and registration: http://iprodeveloper.com/let-your-php-apps-fly-ibm-i-high-performance-php
March updates to PHP Toolkit for IBM i
All are invited to try and enjoy this update before it’s officially packaged:
XMLSERVICE 1.7.8 and PHP Toolkit 1.5.0
My favorite part is in the performance improvements. There are also bug fixes to data areas and data queues, configurable PASE CCSID, an HTTP-based driverless transport, and more.
Change log for PHP Toolkit (front end)
Change log for XMLSERVICE (back end)
Try these and let me know how it goes (especially if you encounter any issues).
Why PHP on IBM i
A colleague asked me for a catchy quote about why IBM i aficionados should choose PHP. Some thoughts to start with:
1. With PHP you can build your dreams.
2. PHP lets you start simply and grow.
3. PHP combines open source with the stability and support of IBM i.
4. Learn PHP and you’ll gain a skill you can use everywhere, but that you’ll WANT to use on IBM i.
ZF2 and DB2 for IBM i
I’d like to address questions about DB2 support in Zend Framework 2.x. Because I helped create the IBM i-friendly DB2 adapter for Zend Framework 1.x, I’ve followed the development of a similar adapter for ZF2.
(updated January 30, 2013, upon the release of ZF 2.1)
Q. Does ZF 2 include an adapter for DB2?
A. Yes! Starting with ZF 2.1, which was released today.
Q. Is Alan’s IBM i-friendly DB2 adapter for Zend Framework 1.x needed in 2.x?
A. No. Because ZF’s Zend_Db equivalent in 2.x works differently than in 1.x, my 1.x component is not needed in 2.x.
Q. Does ZF 2.1’s DB2 adapter work with IBM i?
A. Yes! Please try it and provide feedback to the ZF team.
