Using RPG As Your ASP Language, Part 2
by Howard Arner, Jr., and Holley Davis

Last week, we ran the first article in this two-part series, which described our experiences in creating a Web application, using RPG as our ASP language. We discussed the project we were attempting to create, its requirements, setting up the environment, and our first programming steps. In this article, we finish the project by adding interactive grids to the browser application, adding an additional drill-down to allow the viewing of physical file fields, and offer our conclusions about developing with ASNA's Visual RPG for Visual Studio .NET. READ MORE >

Proper CL Error-Handling
Hey, Ted:

When a CL program produces an unexpected error, we find the problem, fix it, and take option "I" (ignore) or "R" (retry) in response to the error message. However, when a user runs a program and encounters an unexpected error, we run into problems. The user might call us. The user might not call us. The user may pick the wrong option and really mess things up. What can we do? READ MORE >

Closing Files in ILE Service Programs
Hey, Ted:

We're moving all our new development to RPG IV and ILE, and as part of this process we are looking at putting our commonly used processes into service programs. Many of these functions require access to database files. For example, one function would retrieve the price of an item according to the area in which it is being sold, the date for which the price is applicable, and whether any discounts have been set up. This is quite a complicated procedure, and we want a simple function we can call that will prevent us having to code it separately each time. READ MORE >

Admin Alert: Hitting the Limits of the QNTC File System
by Joe Hertvik

In a recent column, I discussed OS/400's QNTC file system and its ability to treat Windows file systems as targets for ASCII and stream file operations. While QNTC is undeniably a good thing, I was incorrect in stating that QNTC lets you back up Windows data to an OS/400-based tape drive by using the Save Object (SAV) command. You can do this function, but only in one very specific OS/400 configuration. READ MORE >

  OS/400 Alert: Fix Central Is Now Firewall-Enabled
  by Shannon O'Donnell

This week's "OS/400 Alert" lets you in on a couple of announcements from IBM. In addition, Microsoft has released a couple of security bulletins that you should be aware of. We'll tell you where to go to learn more. READ MORE >

Reader Feedback and Insights

We value your feedback and insights. Feel free to send a letter to the editor. Letters may be printed, unless otherwise specified, and edited for clarity or length. READ MORE >

T.L. Ashford
Guild Companies
GST
WorksRight Sofware
Damon Technologies