Tips

Tips

• Get the second highest value in a column

  Here are step-by-step instructions to get the second highest value in a column.  Continue Reading

• Oracle and the iSeries: Understanding nulls

  This user discovered that in converting an application from using Oracle 8i to using DB2/400, Oracle behaves differently when concatenation nulls.  Continue Reading

• How to diagnose iSeries Access connection problems -- Part I

  What do you do when your laptop won't keep its connection to your iSeries? Andrew Borts walks you through some steps you can take to figure out what the problem is.  Continue Reading

• Controlling access to workstations

  How to restrict workstation access with iSeries security and authorization.  Continue Reading

• Use the Save Object List API to let users customize nightly saves -- Part II

  Ron Turull provides an example for how to use the Save Object List (QSRSAVO) API.  Continue Reading

• Command line security considerations -- Part 2

  How to restrict command line access on a user-by-user or command-by-command basis.  Continue Reading

• Avoid "divide by zero" in query and SQL

  Here's a simple workaround to avoid the "divide by zero" error.  Continue Reading

• Have you got the time?

  Date and time of day functions are convenient have in a service program. There are times, however, when a timestamp can be more convenient  Continue Reading

• Use the Save Object List API to let users customize nightly saves -- Part I

  The Save Object List (QSRSAVO) API is a bit awkward to work with compared to most of the other system APIs, but for doing customized saves it is well worth the effort.  Continue Reading

• A quick way to parse spooled text files in Excel

  If you want to parse spooled file rows, Excel has a tool that makes the job a snap.  Continue Reading

• Writing to a file from CL -- revisited

  Are you writing from a CL program? This tip writer explains how you can speed up the process.  Continue Reading

• Command line security considerations -- Part 1

  Part one of this tip looks at how to limit user accounts through profile restictions and menu options to improve command line security.  Continue Reading

• iSeries calling an .exe -- revisited

  Here's a second possible solution for calling a PC .exe from the iSeries.  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

• Run SQL with output to an Excel file

  Follow these samples to learn how to run SQL with output to an Excel file.  Continue Reading

• Speed up SQL subselects

  Here you'll find an easy way to speed up your SQL subselects.  Continue Reading

• Enable your iSeries to automatically order fixes

  Learn how to enable the Electronic Service agent and get your iSeries to automatically order fixes and report hardware or software problems.  Continue Reading

• Optimize your programs to increase performance

  If you're not using program optimization, now is the time for administrators to consider it, especially if your system is getting sluggish.  Continue Reading

• Think the iSeries is unhackable? Think again

  This discussion thread from the ITKnowledge Exchange illuminates the belief that the iSeries is unhackable.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Step-by-step power compiler

  This utility finds and adds all the needed libraries for your RPG IV program and compiles it.  Continue Reading

• AFP form design cheats

  Run a small RPG program that draws a grid pattern on a page of transparency.  Continue Reading

• How to get around HTML's restrictions with fixed decimal representations

  HTML input tags do not support fixed decimal representations, so Steve Croy created a mechanism that parses a string and creates a numeric field from the contents of the string.  Continue Reading

• Using the PDM option to see object use

  Know when a program or object was last used so you can determine if it can be archived and deleted.  Continue Reading

• Code examples to determine future end of month based on any given date

  Several users submitted code to help IBLearning determine the future end of month based on any given date. Here are three code examples that they sent in.  Continue Reading

• Getting up to speed on ILE commands

  Before you dive into ILE, you need to understand the many ILE-related objects. You also need to understand the many ILE-related commands and how they interrelate.  Continue Reading

• Auditing user profile storage

  Find out whose profiles are taking up a lot of storage space and why.  Continue Reading

• Problem with IBM's attempt to revitalize the iSeries

  Getting new iSeries customers depends on the software available to run on the platform, and right now IBM stands in the way of ISVs wanting to provide those products.  Continue Reading

• Search journals effectively

  Often we look at journals to determine what happened in the data. The following commands make this easier to deal with.  Continue Reading

• Understanding ILE objects -- Part II

  Part II of this series looks at ILE objects in detail and discusses the differences between ILE programs and OPM programs.  Continue Reading

• Create Excel column headings from DDS column or text headings

  Learn an easy way to send the DDS column headings along with the data when creating a CSV file on the iSeries.  Continue Reading

• How to choose a backup reporting tool

  Backup reporting tools help track backup failures and determine their causes. This tip offers tips on choosing the right tool for your organization.  Continue Reading

• Security services for each Web environment layer

  What are your options for Web security? Security is based on the control layers in the Web application environment, and you have many security options at each layer.  Continue Reading

• Ten steps to creating form overlays for the iSeries-AS/400

  It's possible to produce professional-looking forms from the iSeries without spending money on third-party software.  Continue Reading

• Linux For Dummies, 6th Edition -- Chapter 1

  This sample chapter introduces you to the world of Linux, discussing such things as the differences between Linux and other operating systems and the distribution of Linux.  Continue Reading

• Simplify individual object restores

  Individual object restores can be a pain, this tip demonstrates a process that makes them easier.  Continue Reading

• Create an iSeries screen on the fly

  This code snippet creates the iSeries screen on the fly.  Continue Reading

• List files with triggers attached

  Know which files on your system have triggers attached by using this simple tip.  Continue Reading

• Data Transfer: Adding meaningful Excel column headings

  While extracting data from Physical files on the iSeries into an Excel file on your PC, try the 'Recv'(Receive files from Host) option.  Continue Reading

• Understanding ILE objects -- Part I

  With this tip Ron Turull gives you get a basic understanding of the different ILE-related objects and how they interrelate.  Continue Reading

• Embrace the new; don't fight change

  New programming techniques are not just about style, says columnist Daniel Holden. There are real merits to using them.  Continue Reading

• Checking your history log for security events

  Checking your history log routinely can help you identify possible security events before they become problems.  Continue Reading

• Delete members based on numbers of days old

  Don't waste your time searching, call this utility program to remove file members based on numbers of days old.  Continue Reading

• Locating the first day of the month in SQL

  Here you'll find a simple way to locate the first day of the month in SQL  Continue Reading

• Simplify export query results

  This tip will help simplify export query results.  Continue Reading

• Archive journal receivers for selected journals

  Learn the use of the API.  Continue Reading

• File member is full. Now what?

  Learn how to avoid a headache when you recieve the message, "Record not added. Member is full(CPA5305)."  Continue Reading

• The ins and outs of journaling -- Part IV

  If DASD is tight on your system, Ron Turull has some things you can do to cut down on space requirements for journals and journal receivers.  Continue Reading

• Coding forward, stepping back

  New programming techniques have their advantages, but sometimes older methods better fit the bill.  Continue Reading

• SQL For Dummies, Fifth Edition -- Chapter 1

  Chapter 1 discusses data storage, how the relational model comparew with other major models, and the important features of relational databases.  Continue Reading

• Are your backups complete?

  No security plan is complete without addressing the issue of safe and complete backups.  Continue Reading

• Proper IFS security setting

  How do you set the IFS security so a manager can access the IFS files from her PC applications but none of the clerks can? Security expert Carol Woodbury has a suggestion.  Continue Reading

• Technical documentation: Pictures worth a thousand words

  Andrew Borts takes a look at how you can use screen shots to improve your technical documentation after you modify a program.  Continue Reading

• The ins and outs of journaling -- Part III

  A benefit of using journaling to protect against data loss is that it uses a lot less disk space than mirroring, as it protects only files. However, that's also its disadvantage. In this tip Ron Turull shows you how to use a journal for disaster ...  Continue Reading

• Learn which JobQ an active job is running from

  Here's a simple command that helps you determine which JobQ an active job is running from?  Continue Reading

• Using BestFit scaling with PC5250 printer sessions

  Using Client Access printers and having trouble printing 198 columns on one page? This tip may help.  Continue Reading

• Delaying a job by less than a second

  Learn an easy way to poll a file.  Continue Reading

• Encrypt communication between iSeries and desktops

  What do you do when you need to encrypt information flowing between iSeries servers and desktops? Here are a couple ideas.  Continue Reading

• Physical security challenges growing

  Some basics steps to take to make sure your system is physically secure.  Continue Reading

• Convert an ISO date into words

  Here is a demonstration of how one line of RPG free-form code can convert an International Standard Date and Time Notation (ISO) to words.  Continue Reading

• Check objects in directories other than QDLS

  Here's an alternative method to check for objects.  Continue Reading

• WebSphere for beginners

  It's not uncommon for the learning curve for WebSphere to be large. There is, however, a tool that eliminates the complexity of WebSphere development.  Continue Reading

• The ins and outs of journaling -- Part II

  Once the system starts journaling a file, it starts writing journal entries to the associated journal receiver. Eventually, journal receivers fill up. What do you do then?  Continue Reading

• Working with RPG screen manager

  Automatically manage the different screens and routines of an interactive program.  Continue Reading

• The wonders of Display Query (DSPQRY)

  The DSPQRY command displays the queries sorted by descending date/time.  Continue Reading

• Tapping WRKSYSACT to collect performance data

  What you may not know about WRKSYSACT is that you can run the command in batch to collect data about how well your system is performing.  Continue Reading

• Sample code: Accessing MS SQL Server database from the iSeries

  Nowadays with the help of Java the iSeries can be integrated with other databases quite easy. This tip shows you how.  Continue Reading

• Introductory walkthrough of DB2 v8.1

  A very basic graphical introduction to starting up DB2 v8.1 UDB on Windows.  Continue Reading

• Better than QRWOPTIONS

  This program allows you to decide if you want to log, dump, or use a QAQQINI file for a job.  Continue Reading

• Checking IFS security

  How to check the security configurations of non-native file systems in OS/400.  Continue Reading

• Find the programs that use a particular file using DSPPGMREF

  No matter how well you plan the design of a database file, it will eventually need to be changed.  Continue Reading

• FTP an Out File without using a *SAVF

  An ITKE member recently had a question on FTPing a Out File without using a *SAVF, and ITKE members jumped in to helped out. Here is a portion of the conversation.  Continue Reading

• Options for accepting or declining rescheduled meetings

  An ITKE member was seeking an option for accepting rescheduled meetings. Thankfully, fellow iSeries gurus jumped in on the tread to help out. Here's a portion of the conversation.  Continue Reading

• The ins and outs of journaling -- Part I

  Ron Turull discusses what journaling is, how it works and the four basic journal categories.  Continue Reading

• Set your iSeries to synchronize time with the U.S Naval Observatory

  Set your iSeries to synchronize time with the U.S Naval Observatory by using the iSeries command CHGNTPA.  Continue Reading

• Know where your spooled files are going

  Learn how printer reports end up in different areas, and how to designate exactly where they end up.  Continue Reading

• 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

• Accessing MS SQL Server database from the iSeries

  An ITKE member recently was looking for some information on the best way to execute a SQL statement on the iSeries. Fellow iSeries users offered advice.  Continue Reading

• Things to watch out for when auditing IFS objects

  What do you do if you need to audit an object in the IFS? iSeries security expert Carol Woodbury shows you.  Continue Reading

• Securing query definitions

  A better way of granting users access to query definitions.  Continue Reading

• Simple object control

  Here's a code to run a display file description of all the files on your system and put the results into a file. file.  Continue Reading

• Find and Replace in a string

  Learn an easier way to insert the parameters in the submit string.  Continue Reading

• Calculate in/out bytes

  Calculate and find out how many bytes are coming in and going out from a certain address on your iSeries.  Continue Reading

• Deleting PC files on the iSeries

  An ITKnowledge Exchange(ITKE) recently member had a question about deleting PC files on the iSeries, and fellow techies jumped in on the conversation and helped out.  Continue Reading

• SQL for eServer i5 and iSeries -- Chapter 2

  Learn how to use the SQL scripting tool included in iSeries Navigator.  Continue Reading

• Set Java version in WDSC for Java development

  Jim Mason looks at the options and issues with setting different Java versions in the current version of IBM's WDSC toolset: 5.1.2.  Continue Reading

• Write results of SQL Select statement to an outfile

  Outfiles are status quo on the iSeries, but did you know that SQL can produce them intrinsically? Ron Turull shows you how.  Continue Reading

• Quickly copy any source member from one iSeries to another

  A second option for copying an RPG or CL source member from one iSeries to another.  Continue Reading

• Evaluating change management software

  An ITKnowledge Exchange member recently inquired about solutions for iSeries, WDSC & WebSphere running on Linux on PCs. Other techies jumped in to offer some advice.  Continue Reading

• Connect the dots: Get your iSeries servers talking to one another

  Need to transfer information from one iSeries to another? OS/400 has a tool -- Opti-Connect -- built right in that makes transfers easy and fast.  Continue Reading

• Restrict *PUBLIC access to critical OS components

  Using the Revoke Public Authority command to restrict use of certain critical OS/400 commands and API objects.  Continue Reading

• V5R3 view disk IOA cache battery expiration

  Prevent dead batteries with V5R3's view disk IOA cache battery expiration.  Continue Reading

• How to encapsulate SNA over TCP

  Learn how to encapsulate SNA over TCP so you can use the old SNA commands such as SAVRST*.  Continue Reading

• Find wasted space in files

  Discover "wasted" space in files that may "reuse" deleted records.  Continue Reading

• Are you using Authority Holders?

  With an Authority Holder in place, you can pre-set how *PUBLIC authority will be granted when a physical file is created on your system.  Continue Reading

• Expiration of disk controller card batteries

  Find out how many days you have left on your controller card batteries.  Continue Reading

• Utility helps you determine the status of PTFs on your system quickly

  Ron Turull has created a utility that eases the task of determining if a particular PTF has been applied.  Continue Reading

• Web application searches: Powerful SQL tips

  Paul Holm shares samples of what you can do with the WOW utility and answers a few frequently asked Web development questions.  Continue Reading

• Accessing iSeries files from within an Oracle application

  Keep your eyes open when accessing iSeries files from within an Oracle application.  Continue Reading

• Use SQL views to transfer packed data using FTP

  Here's an easy way to transfer packed data from an iSeries to an ASCII system.  Continue Reading