Evaluate
Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.
Evaluate
Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.
V6R1 upgrade planning checklist
When upgrading to V6R1, make sure your software will be supported, your programs will function and the correct PTFs have been installed. Continue Reading
Analyze the health of your IBM i server with iScore
While more comprehensive services exist, iScore from Vision Solutions offers a free and general introductory analysis of your system's health. Continue Reading
Researching high availability for your System i shop
Interested in a high availability solution for the AS/400? Before you delve into implementation, do your due diligence and ensure that your environment has the proper policies, resources and protocols in place. Continue Reading
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Putting data from IBM i on Amazon S3 using i2S3
Kisco Systems i2S3 allows transfer of data from the AS/400 to Amazon S3 storage in the cloud. With familiar CL commands, the product is easy to use, and can fill storage needs. The danger is the security of S3 cloud storage, with no guarantee from ... Continue Reading
Creating a host variable of the 'where in' statement in SQL
Create a host variable of the where in statement on the fly with dynamic SQL. Continue Reading
SQL server error message -321
To solve the SQL error -321 on IBM i6.1, use the new values statement to overcome the error. If you are using an older release, declare a cursor using dynamic SQL.Continue Reading
Choose which column names are returned via ODBC when working with DB2 files
When working with DB2 files with columns that have both short and long names, there is no option choose which column names are returned via ODBC because SQL-based interfaces use the long column name by default.Continue Reading
Developing tables in a parent-child relationship in DB2
When developing tables in a parent-child relationship, use a primary key and a foreign key along with a unique ID to make your database easier to maintain over time.Continue Reading
When is the YES option for 'reuse deleted files' function the best choice?
IBM did not change the default of the reuse deleted files function to YES for physical files in order to minimize the impact on any existing applications that may have dependencies on deleted records that are not being used. However, there there are...Continue Reading
Access path and an open data path differences
On AS/400 DB2 an access path describes the order in which the rows are retrieved from a database file. The open data path (ODP) is the path through which all input and output operations are performed on a database file. As data is retrieved from or...Continue Reading
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Database performance comparisons on IBM i
Testing performance of RLA in the IBM Java Toolbox against JDBC and native I/O for the AS/400 revealed that RPG on System i is the most efficient language, and DB2 is taken for granted. Joe Pluta built some benchmarks to compare different aspects of...Continue Reading
Implement variables in SQL when creating an alias
Use dynamic SQL to implement variables at runtime in order to build the CREATE ALIAS statement, or embed the PREPARE and EXECUTE statements in a high-level language.Continue Reading
Simplify the process of converting a spool file from iSeries into an Excel spreadsheet
To simplify and accelerate the process of converting a spool file from iSeries into an Excel spreadsheet, eliminate the creation of the spool file and instead create a CVS text file, which can easily be loaded into Excel.Continue Reading
i5/OS
i5/OS is the name IBM has given to its newest release of OS/400 V5R3. i5/OS runs on IBM's i5 servers, which are based on IBM's Power5 microprocessors.Continue Reading
What is an integrated database?
The integrated database feature on the AS/400 is often taken for granted. Comparisons of the IBM DB2 against SQL for performance, cost, and support are provided. The results may surprise you.Continue Reading
Querying system catalog tables to determine table alias
In order to determine the alias of a table in DB2 on i, you can query the system catalog tables. AS/400 expert Kent Milligan shares how.Continue Reading
Retrieving data from AS/400 into Crystal Reports
Crystal Reports does not have direct access to data in AS/400, therefore an external stored procedure or an external user-defined function is necessary.Continue Reading
Tracking row changes in DB2 tables
ISeries database expert Kent Milligan discusses how to track changes made to DB2 tables.Continue Reading
AS/400 SQL transaction file help
Iseries database expert Kent Milligan offers an index for an efficient way of selecting the last transactions in a transaction file.Continue Reading
Working with nulls in RPGLE
ISeries expert Kent Milligan offers help for working with nulls in RPGLE.Continue Reading
Importing iSeries data directly into an Excel spreadsheet
Kent Milligan, DB2 UDB expert helps a Search400.com member t import iSeries data directly into an Excel spreadsheet .Continue Reading
iSeries (AS/400) DB2 UDB: Top 10 expert questions
Kent Milligan, iSeries/i5 DB2 UDB expert, has been answering Search400.com's member questions for more than five years. iSeries users have asked Kent the same questions again and again. In an effort to save you time, we've compiled the top 10 ...Continue Reading
Compiler directives -- reap the benefits
Paul Tuohey shares the way he uses compiler directives in his programs.Continue Reading
iSeries freeware/shareware library
Check out our iSeries freeware and shareware library for a comprehensive listing of i5/iSeries downloads, code samples and useful tools that can be used as is or customized to fit your needs. You'll find freeware and shareware from IBM, Search400 ...Continue Reading
Simplifying environment variables
Environment variable API's can be encapsulated and simplified for use.Continue Reading
Check active Job
Wondering how to check to see if a Job is active? This utility program checks to see if a Job is active and returns 'y/n' flag.Continue Reading
Use the RTVSBSSTS command to retrieve the subsystem status
Use the RTVSBSSTS command to retrieve the subsystem statusContinue Reading
Sys req command line
To get a command line using Sys Req you first need to WRKMSGD CPX2313, Option 2 to change the second word DSPJOB to WRKJOB. When you use Sys Req Option 3 you get a command line, as well as the job menu.Continue Reading
Retrieve SQL (RTVSQL) source statement
Search400.com member Jean-Paul Lamontre discusses the SQL Visual Explain tool, which comes with iSeries Navigator. Jean-Paul finds this tool very handy to improve the performance of SQL statements. In this tip he shares why he feels it would be ...Continue Reading
What is a Decimal Data Error?
One Search400.com member writes, "Can you please tell me what a Decimal Data error is, and what is the scenario in which it is received?" Search400.com's application development expert John Blenkinsop explains.Continue Reading
Import a text file
One user writes, " I need to 'import' a text file located in the user computer to a DB2 table in the database. What's the best way to do this?" DB2 expert Kent Milligan offers some advice.Continue Reading
Running multiple SQL commands within a CL/QMQRY
Running multiple SQL commands within a CL/QMQRY does not recognize the semicolon (;) separator. Is there a PTF that is required?Continue Reading
Invoking a stored procedure from a COBOL program
One user writes, "I am attempting to invoke a stored procedure (SQL) from a COBOL program. The stored procedure returns ONE result set, so the last (meaningful) statement in the stored procedure is OPEN cursor name. Once I issue the CALL in the ...Continue Reading
How to find out if there is a binding directory available
One user writes, "Our company has many ILE programs that may or may not be created by using a binding directory. When I have changed a module within a program, how can I find out if there is a binding directory available to rebind (CRTPGM) for this ...Continue Reading
midrange
In general, midrange refers to computers that are more powerful and capable than personal computers but less powerful and capable than mainframe computers.Continue Reading
Error message of null values
One user wrties, "In V5R3 I got the error message of null values not allowed in column or variable ZORD#T for SQL update." DB2 expert Kent Milligan offers some advice.Continue Reading
Import a text file to a DB2 table
One user writes, "I need to "import" a text file located in the user computer to a DB2 table in the database, what's the best way to do this?" DB2 expert Kent Milligan offers some advice.Continue Reading
RPG-free routine to calculate dates
One user writes, "I thought that I saw somewhere an RPG-free routine using %DATE (bif) to calculate the day of the week. For example, MON, TUE, etc.? I need to place the day on a screen." Development expert John Blenkinsop responds.Continue Reading
Manipulating a file
One user writes, "How would I go about taking a list of users and making it a file that I can manipulate? For example, "wrkusrprf *all"." Thankfully, development expert John Blenkinsop was one hand to offer some advice.Continue Reading
EvalR solves problems with %EditC
Using %editc to convert a numeric to a string has always resulted in problems. This tip provides a workaround.Continue Reading
Monitoring QSECOFR
Security expert Carol Woodbury explains the best method for tracking activity QSECOFR has on V4 OS/400s.Continue Reading
Display all the jobs that have a lock on an IFS object
Learn how to display all the jobs that have a lock on an Integrated File Systems Object with these simple steps.Continue Reading
Load single page subfile
How to log use of STRSQL
Easy column headings for query output files
When using Query/400 to output a file the column headings can become less than meaningful. Use this technique to update the column headings.Continue Reading
How to detect or log all commands typed
What is eating up my CPU?
How to get the source file information of a module in an RPGLE program
Is the CPYTOIMPF command the best option?
Creating SQL views
How can I display a variable?
Create a subfile display as a window records
Getting member information into a database file
Difference between Access path and Open data path
Using RUNSQLSTM in a CL program
Removing stored procedures
How to create a message subfile
Setting up a default library in DB2
Why DB2 is better than VSAM
Why DB2 and why not VSAM? This article aims at answering this query and provides sufficient information that would let the designer take the right decision.Continue Reading
How can I get the odd and even number of rows from a DB2 table?
Can I turn a 'generated by default' identity column into a 'generated always' column with DB2 V8.1?
How to save, restore the screen -- the quick and easy way
This time we turn our attention to a couple of DSM APIs that can be used to take a "snapshot" of the screen, save it and restore it later using the saved data.Continue Reading
Dynamic Screen Manager lets you build screens and windows on the fly
Want to do something with a display file but can't seem to get DDS to do it? Try Dynamic Screen Manager.Continue Reading
Backing up a database with split mirroring
This article discusses a popular alternative to creating and maintaining backup images of DB2 databases known as a split mirror.Continue Reading
Using Crystal Reports against iSeries databases
How to set up an autostart job
What do you do when you want a program to run automatically only when a specific subsystem is started? Attach an autostart job entry to the subsystem.Continue Reading
OVERRIDE not operating properly
Copying a stream file to a physical file
Creating a date field using SQL
The DB2 UDB memory model
Learn how DB2 UDB for Linux, UNIX and Windows uses memory, how that memory use varies by platform, and how it affects your applications.Continue Reading
Create an alias to a multimember file 'dynamically'
Connecting to a remote database using SQL
Favorite iSeries cheat sheets
Here you'll find a collection of valuable cheat sheets gathered from across the iSeries/Search400.com community. These cheat sheet are bits and pieces of information that come from all kinds of sources, IBM manuals, discussion lists an experience ...Continue Reading
How to use DB2's cross-reference files to help manage your database -- Part I
DB2 maintains a number of cross-reference files that you can use to easily retrieve information about files on your system.Continue Reading
It's about time: Changing/checking the iSeries date & time
Here's an easy way to change/check the iSeries date and time.Continue Reading
Updating a field in the table with duplicate records
Trusted clients vs. untrusted clients
A brief look at the CLIENT authentication types in DB2 UDB 8.1.Continue Reading
Tips for performing a daily check of your iSeries system
Robert McCarty uses this handy cheat sheet as a daily check to keep his system running smoothly –- and his IT department happy!Continue Reading
Ending print writers
To end a print writer that the device will vary off, but the writer is in an active status, there is a program to call to end the writer abnormally.Continue Reading
iSeries Resource Guide for Newbies
For both iSeries newbies and seasoned professionals, the challenge of learning the ins and outs of the iSeries can be extremely overwhelming. With that in mind, we've developed a guide to provide you with some basic iSeries information and helpful ...Continue Reading
Is there a difference between DB2/400 and DB2 UDB?
Translation from ASCII to EBCDIC
Working with commit and rollback statements
Generating XML from SQL data
Find out how to create XML documents from SQL data and how to store XML documents as SQL data WITHOUT CODING.Continue Reading
Example of the CPYTOIMPF CL command
Create tables with SQL
Can SQL Views be indexed?
Access a DDM file
Upload Excel files from a PC to the iSeries
Journal housekeeping
Guide to IBM redbooks on iSeries stored procedures
IBM Redbooks cover a wide variety of iSeries topics. This guide to IBM Redbooks focuses on stored procedures for the iSeries that range from Redbooks for novices to iSeries pros. Plus, we've thrown in some example code and how-tos.Continue Reading
"SUM" function in SQL
User profile on remote machine needed for TCP/IP
Logical file vs. open query
Export all the tables in a given schema
This ksh script will log into the database, find all tables in the given schema, create the export script and run it.Continue Reading
Create a clustered index on primary key
Here's a way to create a table with a clustered index on a composite primary key.Continue Reading
Avoid having to create a new version file
Learn how to avoid create new version File (xxxx0001)or Member(xxxx0001) on RSTOBJ, RSTLIB commands?Continue Reading
Reorg and runstats in a ksh script
You can reorg and runstats in a single ksh script.Continue Reading
How can I read a BLOB file from a DB2 database with embedded SQL in ILE RPG?
Check your licensed programs
This program notifies you if there's a problem with your system.Continue Reading