EPI Updates DB2/400 Database Assistant to Track CL

Published: November 27, 2007

by Alex Woodie

Excel Program Inventions recently launched Database Assistant version 2.2, a new release of its field-level change and impact analysis tool designed for speeding database maintenance projects for RPG applications. With the new release, the tool gains the capability to track changes made to CL, and to generate SQL for any changed files.

From time to time, programmers run into situations where they need to expand the fields in their applications, or add entirely new fields to support the growth of the company or compliance initiatives. In these situations, it's advisable to use some type of tool to automate as much of the work as possible.

One such tool that could come in handy is the Database Assistant, sold by EPI of Long Beach, California. According to EPI, Database Assistant helps by manually locating and adjusting all occurrences of changed fields and related fields in database physical and logical files, including finding and changing field specification in impacted DDS, and then manually recreating the related data files.

In addition, the software performs data conversion, tracks all references to the impacted fields in the source code, updates any impacted internal record layouts and data structure definitions, and then recompiles the program when it's done. And all of this is performed automatically. "It really does automate and accomplish a fantastic amount of otherwise manual programming work for the user," says John Caine of EPI.

With version 2.2, the tool now includes support for CL to track and pinpoint changes to CL programs, in addition to RPG applications. The software will also generate SQL for changed files, although this function requires Query/400 or its successor product, DB2 Web Query, to be loaded on the machine. However, the product functions perfectly fine on regular DDS, if Query/400 or DB2 Web Query are not used.

Database Assistant version 2.2 is available now, and supports OS/400 V4R5 and higher. Pricing is tier based and ranges from $2,350 to $4,550. For more information, visit www.epi-software.com.

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