On Thursday January 24th, 2019 Erwin Earley discussed PHP, shell programming and more
Session Handouts
What can PHP on IBM i do for you
Openi - Exploring Open Source Solutions on IBM i
What can PHP on IBM i do for you?
You have no doubt heard about PHP on IBM I and may have found yourself thinking ‘that’s nice, but what can PHP do for me?’ This session sets out to answer that question.
In this session we will take a look at the application modernization capabilities provided by PHP as well as the ability to leverage open source applications utilizing the ubiquitous LAMP stack (although we spell ours iAMP) that PHP along with MariaDB provides for IBM i.
The session will highlight the open source toolkit for calling ILE programs from PHP scripts, the DB2 language extensions that facilitate integrating DB2 access into your PHP programs, and the MariaDB storage engine for deploying open source applications on IBM I while having the data for those applications resident in DB2.
By the end of this session you will be able to answer the “what” question and also found yourself asking the “why” question – as in why haven’t I implemented these solutions yet.
PHP and Database Access
As the “glue” that holds the LAMP stack together, PHP is used both as the language to represent the business logic of a web application as well as leveraging data from various data sources including relational databases.
The session will start out with a look at the basic database access and manipulation functions provided by PHP. From there we will explore the PHP language extensions for accessing and working with data resident in DB2 on IBM i.
Additionally, we will take a look at how PHP accesses MySQL/MariaDB data and how that data can actually be stored in DB2 without any code changes.
Finally, we will take a look at how the PHP language can be used to build solutions from multiple disparate data sources – specifically in our case we will look at how data from DB2 and data from MariaDB can be represented together to deliver holistically (from a data perspective) solutions.
Openi – Exploring Open Source Solutions on IBM i
Open Source solutions continue to be in vogue for businesses large and small and you might be surprised at the wealth of open source solutions that are available for you to leverage directly on the IBM i platform.
This session will explore IBM’s adoption of open source packages and repositories as well as open source solutions available on IBM i including PHP, SAMBA, node.js, Python, and Ruby.
Along the way we well also explore how to install/enable tools such as bash, git, zip, perl and others in the PASE environment. This session will open your eyes to what is possible on your IBM i.
Shell Programming
If you are going to work in the Linux operating system, or PASE for that matter, then understanding how to program in the shell is an important skill that you must possess.
This session will introduce you to the basic shells that are available and go through a number of programming constructions including looping, functions, and I/O processing.
Closing
IBM i Trivia - the meeting will conclude with “IBM i Trivia Jeopardy”. There will be a few answers to question. A small prize will be awarded to those who correctly question the answer.
Biography
Erwin is currently a Senior Solutions Consultant at Rogue Wave Software working with the Zend line of products (Zend Server, Zend Studio) primarily with IBM i customers.
Prior to starting with Rogue Wave Erwin was a managing consultant in IBMs Lab-Based Services organization responsible for the implementation of cloud-based solutions leveraging IBM’s PowerVC solution as well as Dev/Ops solutions centered around Chef and Docker.
Also played a key role in the propagation of open source technologies in IBMs Power community. Erwin was involved in the initial enablement and rollout of Linux on the Power platform as well as PHP support on IBM i. Erwin has expertise in a variety of technologies including virtualization, storage, networking, and operating systems including AIX, IBM i, and several distributions of Linux including RedHat, SuSE and Ubuntu.
Erwin is a frequent speaker at various user groups and technical conferences and has authored numerous articles on Linux, PHP, virtualization, and systems management.
On Thursday November 29, 2018 Rob Bestgen discusses the world of SQL and Db2
SQL Writing Tips and Techniques
SQL is a very powerful language for processing data. There are many ways to write SQL statements to get the desired results. However, not all queries are created equal. This session will compare different ways to approach a problem from an SQL perspective. Whether it is writing queries or creating stored procedures, taking the right approach for writing SQL helps the database help you.
Handout: SQL Writing Tips and Techniques
Satisfy 'the Business' with DB2 Web Query
Db2 Web Query for i is a well-known, though likely underutilized, product in the IBM i world. Web Query provides many ways to consolidate and visualize information from data. This session delves into several ways to combine the power of Web Query with Db2 for i to improve your reporting and analytics experience. Wow the business people and empower them to do more themselves. The session will also review how to acquire, download and install the product using the ez-install capability to be up and running quickly (in trial mode.) There are even built in reports to get you started.
Handout: Satisfy the Business using DB2 Web Query
Accessing Data Outside of DB2 for i
There's a world of data out there that can improve and integrate with your own business data. Come to this session to see how the Web and other databases can be available to you via Db2 for i and SQL.
Handout: Accessing Data Outside Of DB2 for i
Vote on:
Transactional vs analytical SQL
SQL performance got you down? SQL statements looking like spaghetti? Proper database design for the intended usage is important for long term success and good performance. There is a difference between transactional and analytical processing and it is useful to understand the difference. What should an appropriate data model look like? What are the red flags that your data model is not best for your usage? This session will discuss these topics along with strategies for handling cases when analytical processing is required against your transactional data. Additional topics touched on include: - real time vs. ETL transformations - using dimension tables for dates, VINs, customer names and zip codes - Operational Data stores – and Dimensional Data Models.
Handout: Transactional vs Analytical
Or:
DataBase Security. Or Leave it to the Hackers
Data has value and it is a critical asset to a business. When a business is "hacked", it means data is stolen or destroyed and the company's reputation is tainted, possibly permanently. Plus, with new compliance laws, there can be legal consequences for not properly securing and managing data. Worse, if you have access to the data, you become a suspect! This session discusses the importance of data, distinguishes different types of data, identifies the many ways data can be breached, and what to do to protect your data. Topics covered include: Personal Information, Security administrative roles, Object level Security, row and column access control, PowerSC, and more.
Handout: Database Security - Or Leave it to the Hackers
Closing
IBM i Trivia - the meeting will conclude with “IBM i Trivia Jeopardy”. There will be a few answers to question. A small prize will be awarded to those who correctly question the answer.
Biography
Rob Bestgen is an IBM Db2 for i architect and consultant. In his 30+ years at IBM, Rob has held a variety of roles including: database developer, database architect, Business Architect, chief architect of the Db2 for i SQL Query Engine (SQE), and product development manager of various products. Rob is currently a proud member of the Db2 for i Lab Services team, helping customers utilize the amazing capabilities of Db2 for i, IBM i, and Db2 Web Query for i. Rob is also the product development manager for Db2 Web Query for i, the popular IBM i product for query reporting and analytics. Besides working directly with customers, he is also a frequent presenter at user conferences.
Dawn May presented to NHMUG on Thursday September 20, 2018
(With assistance from NHMUG board members)
Meeting Overview
Join the NHMUG meeting on September 20, 2018 that will start with an IBM i 30th birthday review. The rest of the day will be spent reviewing the highlights of IBM i Access Client Solutions and Navigator for i. More details on each of the sessions of the day is below.
IBM i 30th Review and Update
2018 is the 30th birthday of IBM i. This year, IBM rolled out a set of client success stories to celebrate. This session will review the 30th birthday celebration and showcase some of the customer stories on how companies are using the IBM i in creative and modern ways. There are many companies that use IBM i and this 30th celebration will show how “IBM i is everywhere”.
IBM i Access Client Solutions, Part 1
IBM i Access Client Solutions (ACS) has become the IBM i administrative client, offering a full set of functions from 5250 terminal sessions, printer output, IFS, database and more. This session will review some of the key features that everyone needs to be aware of and using today.
Highlights will include:
- Deployment - https://www.ibm.com/developerworks/ibmi/library/i-ibmi-access-client-solutions-2/index.html
- Secure (SSL) connections
- Environmental requirements, including which ports, services, and servers are required.
- Latest ACS Features - mostly Db2, but IFS updates and some Print updates
- Visual explain and Index Advisor
- Overview of Run SQL Scrips and IBM i Services
- Insert from examples
- How to save your own examples
- ACS and LAN Console
- ACS and Open Source
If you plan to attend VTMUG on September 27th, Paul Tuohy is doing an ACS for Programmers session there.
Q&A, General Discussion, NHMUG Meeting Topics
The last 15 minutes of the lunch hour will be for meeting attendees to provide input or ask questions.
What would you like to have on future meeting agendas? Are there any specific speakers would you like to see invited to the meeting? Any IBM i or Power Systems questions are welcome. If you would like to ask your question anonymously, feel free to send it to a board member prior to the meeting.
IBM i Access Client Solutions, Part 2
ACS topics listed above will continue after lunch.
Navigator for i
- Application Administration
- Set Target System
- Favorites
- Lastest Enhancements
- Environmental considerations for Navigator
- General review of Navigator
- Work management and subsystems
- Performance tasks - Dashboard, System Monitors, Batch Model Graph History
- IFS
- PTFs - compare and update This session will conclude with a review of ACS and Navigator features vs the features of IBM i Client Access and System i Navigator will be provided, noting specifically where there are gaps.
Closing
IBM i Trivia - the meeting will conclude with “IBM i Trivia Jeopardy”. There will be a few answers to question. A small prize will be awarded to those who correctly question the answer.
Biography
Dawn May is a leading authority on IBM i performance management, work management, systems management, and general system diagnostics. She has in-depth knowledge of the IBM i operating system developed through her distinguished career with IBM.
A former IBMer, Dawn is now an independent consultant, assisting companies with system performance reviews and recommendations. She also teaches clients on the latest IBM i tools to enable them to get the most out of their IBM i systems.
Dawn is the author of the "i Can" blog published by IBM Systems Magazine and a frequent speaker at local user group meetings and IBM i conferences around the world.
30th Annual New Hampshire / Vermont IBM i User Group Meeting
Thursday, June 14, 2018 - Fireside Inn, West Lebanon NH
This event was free to IBM i professionals, and sponsored by NHMUG and VTMUG
IBM Announcements - Steve Fier, IBM
Steve will talk about the new POWER 9 systems.
The presentation will also provide an overview of IBM i 7.2 TR8 and 7.3 TR4
Handout: IBMi and P9.pdf
About Steve
Steve Fier has been with IBM over 30 years, initially starting as a systems engineer, and then becoming a senior marketing specialist. His current role is POWER Platform Leader for the Northeast, responsible for former System i and System p products. Steve's areas of expertise include application development, DB2 for i, Windows Integration and Server Consolidation.
Stupid Python Tricks - Kevin Adler, IBM
Python has many tools built in and many tools just a web request away. Learn how these tools can save you time and money. See examples parsing CSV files, sending emails, building Excel xlsx files, modifying images, building websites, and more!
Handout: stupid python tricks.pdf
Introduction to Yum - Kevin Adler
There's been many ways to install open source on IBM i in recent times: AIX rpms from various websites including Perzl.org, 5733-OPS and 5733-SC1 products from IBM, compiling them yourself, and even PowerRuby and ZendServer products. Now there's a delicious new way to get open source on IBM i: YUM. Yum makes it easy to install and manage your PASE-related open source software like Python and Node.js. Learn how to use yum and why you'll never want to deal with other ways of installing your open source software ever again.
Handout: yum.pdf
About Kevin
Kevin Adler works at IBM, attempting to bring as much Linux and open source awesomeness to the IBM i platform. He has a wide range of knowledge on various computing subjects. He enjoys learning languages (both computer and natural) - currently he's learning Rust and French. If you want to know the ins and outs of Unicode, endian conversion, using pointers in CL, building an antenna, calling between ILE and PASE, bash scripting, git rebasing, playing Magic the Gathering, or how to exit vi... he's your guy.
If you want help fixing your Windows system, he will graciously provide you with a Linux install disk.
Neo4j - Kyle Rainville, Littleton Coin
Neo4j is an ACID-compliant graph database management system and is currently the most popular graph database. Neo4j’s purpose is not to replace traditional RDBMS’s, but rather to serve different, more specific use cases. In the rapid state of technology today, many companies are finding more uses for highly interconnected data and Neo4j was created to serve these needs. In this presentation, Neo4j, its query language, and its uses/advantages will be introduced.
Handout: Neo4j.pdf
JSON - Kyle Rainville
JSON is a data interchange format language that has very quickly overtaken XML as a way to communicate between languages and platforms. But what makes JSON preferable to XML? In this presentation, Kyle will introduce JSON, the syntax, its advantages and intricacies, and how it is commonly used.
Handout: JSON.pdf
About Kyle
Kyle Rainville graduated from Plymouth State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology as Magna Cum Laude in December of 2016. Kyle started working at Littleton Coin Company as a Programmer & Network Analyst in June of 2016 and has started learning RPG and the IBM i platform. Kyle is passionate about open-source technology and Linux and is currently pursuing the Red Hat Certified System Administrator certification.