Alan Seiden

Integrate Python into CL and RPG on IBM i

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python trainingPython has been gaining momentum for building utility applications on IBM i, such as creating/reading Excel files, data transfer, process automation, calling REST APIs such as Salesforce and ServiceNow, and application monitoring.

Although some have said that Python would become the “new CL,” one limitation remains. While Python can easily call CL, RPG, and COBOL programs, calls in the other direction—from CL, RPG or COBOL to Python—required extra effort.

In this post we will introduce you to the PYRUN command, from Richard Schoen’s open source PythonOniLibrary (https://github.com/richardschoen/PythonOniLibrary), which makes it easy for traditional CL and RPG programs to call Python utilities and use their output. Read more →

Alan Seiden

Liam Allan Joins Seiden Group

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Liam AllanWhen IBM i development pros first meet Liam Allan, they’re captivated by the unrestrained enthusiasm he exhibits for their favorite platform. His excitement over what can be accomplished with IBM i technology leaves people refreshed and inspired.

Those who have had the pleasure of working with Liam know that his energy and intelligence are only the beginning of what he has to offer. He also possesses exceptional skill AND the depth of understanding required to turn his ideas into reality.

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Alan Seiden

Free encryption for Node.js on IBM i

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Let's EncryptWhen you browse a secure web site or API whose address starts with “https,” what makes the site secure? The site uses a special certificate, provided by a trusted Certificate Authority (CA), to prove that it is legitimate. Until recently, IT shops had to pay for these certificates and generate them manually.

In the last few years, Let’s Encrypt has earned the thanks of technology professionals. Let’s Encrypt, a CA run for the public’s benefit, offers certificates at no charge, along with scripts to generate and regenerate certificates as needed, reducing the effort of keeping certificates up to date, and keeping sites secure.

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Alan Seiden

Node.js, Ruby and Seiden Group

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node.jsWith IBM’s delivery of open source capabilities on IBM i, Seiden Group has been there to apply the technology to application modernization initiatives. Starting with PHP and the PHP toolkit, then Python, and now Node.js and Ruby, we’ve worked with IBM and customers to flesh out the capabilities of the technology, teach best practices at conferences and directly with clients, and develop award-winning solutions.

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Alan Seiden

Db2, SQL, and Open Source Languages on IBM i

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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?

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Stephanie Rabbani

Sneak Peek at Plans for ILEditor 2

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worksofbarryI’ve been eagerly watching Liam Allan’s open source ILEditor mature into a very convenient tool that I can turn to whenever I have a quick development task to perform and I don’t have an active RDi session open. So I was thrilled to learn about his plans for the next major release!

The beauty of ILEditor is that it starts up quickly, performs quickly, and lets me return to whatever else I was doing. For example, I recently used it to copy and send some CL code to a client while I was on vacation. So fast!

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Joshua Hall

GitHub — A Collaboration Tool for Developers

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GitHub IBMiStandard Git provides source control; GitHub adds collaborative web-based tools that spark discussion and encourage team cooperation.

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Alan Seiden

Using Git on IBM i (with video review)

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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.

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Stephanie Rabbani

Resources for Learning Git

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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.

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Joshua Hall

Add apachectl to IBM i for Controlling Apache Web Instances

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sobo.redHere 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.

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