04
Mon, Nov
1 New Articles

TechTalk: Converting Objects to Database Files

Typography
  • Smaller Small Medium Big Bigger
  • Default Helvetica Segoe Georgia Times

Because the AS/400 supports so many media types, and no particular type is used by a majority of AS/400 installations, it can be difficult to distribute information between systems. If you don't need to distribute an inordinate amount of information, you can easily solve this problem by placing your AS/400 information on PC media.

The technique for transferring AS/400 objects using PC media is to save an AS/400 object to a save file and then convert it to a database file. Once you have the database file representation of the object, transfer the file to PC media with any of the many AS/400 to PC file transfer programs, such as RTOPC, found in Client Access/400. Once on PC media, you increase the number of potential target AS/400s that can import the object. To get the information from the PC media to the AS/400, you reverse the process.

To help you carry out this procedure, a set of tools in the QUSRTOOL library (CPYTOSAVF and CPYFRMSAVF) uses RPG programs to convert the save files to database files. Unfortunately, the QUSRTOOL library will no longer be shipped with the operating system beginning with V3R6. It is being replaced by the TAATOOL library, which is chargeable.

I have created an alternative technique that uses only native AS/400 commands to accomplish the same thing, eliminating the need for the QUSRTOOL utility. My solution is made up of two commands: Convert To Database File (CVTTODBF) and Convert From Database File (CVTFRMDBF). The commands both rely on the OS/400 Send Network File (SNDNETF) and Receive Network File (RCVNETF) commands. The source code for CVTTODBF and its command processing program (CPP), DBF001CL, are shown in Figures 1 and 2. The source code for CVTFRMDBF and its CPP, DBF002CL, are shown in Figures 3 and 4.

The CVTTODBF needs the name and library of the object and the name and library of the database file you are going to convert the object to. The program DBF001CL does a SNDNETF to send the file to the directory entry assoicated with your user profile. Then the program receives the network file into your database file. The program DBF002CL reverses that process. It again sends the file using SNADS, which the program then receives into your save file.

If you decide to use this utility, just make sure that your user profile has a directory entry in the system distribution directory and that you've started the QSNADS subsystem before you use the commands.

? Michael Hagey


TechTalk: Converting Objects to Database Files

Figure 1: CVTTODBF Command Source

 /*==================================================================*/ /* To compile: */ /* */ /* CRTCMD CMD(XXX/CVTTODBF) PGM(XXX/DBF001CL) + */ /* SRCFILE(XXX/QCMDSRC) */ /* */ /*==================================================================*/ CVTTODBF: CMD PROMPT('Convert to Database File') PARM KWD(OBJ) TYPE(OBJ) MIN(1) PROMPT('Object name') PARM KWD(DBF) TYPE(DBF) MIN(1) PROMPT('Database + file name') OBJ: QUAL TYPE(*NAME) LEN(10) QUAL TYPE(*NAME) LEN(10) DFT(*LIBL) + SPCVAL((*LIBL) (*CURLIB)) PROMPT('Library') DBF: QUAL TYPE(*NAME) LEN(10) QUAL TYPE(*NAME) LEN(10) DFT(*LIBL) + SPCVAL((*LIBL) (*CURLIB)) PROMPT('Library') 
TechTalk: Converting Objects to Database Files

Figure 2: Command Processing Program DBF001CL

 /*==================================================================*/ /* To compile: */ /* */ /* CRTCLPGM PGM(XXX/DBF001CL) SRCFILE(XXX/QCLSRC) */ /* */ /*==================================================================*/ PGM PARM(&OBJ &DBF) DCL VAR(&OBJ) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(20) DCL VAR(&DBF) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(20) DCL VAR(&USER) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(10) DCL VAR(&SAVF) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(10) VALUE('WRKSAVF') DCL VAR(&MSGID) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(7) DCL VAR(&MSGDTA) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(80) DCLF FILE(QAOSDIRO) MONMSG MSGID(CPF0000) EXEC(GOTO CMDLBL(ERROR)) OVRDBF FILE(QAOSDIRO) TOFILE(QTEMP/DSPDIRE) RTVJOBA USER(&USER) DSPDIRE USER(&USER) OUTPUT(*OUTFILE) + OUTFILE(QTEMP/DSPDIRE) RCVF CRTSAVF FILE(QTEMP/&SAVF) MONMSG MSGID(CPF7302) EXEC(CLRSAVF FILE(QTEMP/&SAVF)) SAVOBJ OBJ(%SST(&OBJ 1 10)) LIB(%SST(&OBJ 11 10)) + DEV(*SAVF) SAVF(QTEMP/&SAVF) SNDNETF FILE(QTEMP/&SAVF) TOUSRID((&WOSDDEN &WOSDDGN)) CRTPF FILE(%SST(&DBF 11 10)/%SST(&DBF 1 10)) + RCDLEN(528) MBR(*NONE) RCVNETF FROMFILE(&SAVF) TOFILE(%SST(&DBF 11 + 10)/%SST(&DBF 1 10)) MONMSG MSGID(CPF8060) EXEC(DO) DLYJOB DLY(10) RCVNETF FROMFILE(&SAVF) TOFILE(%SST(&DBF 11 + 10)/%SST(&DBF 1 10)) ENDDO DLTF FILE(QTEMP/&SAVF) GOTO CMDLBL(ENDPGM) ERROR: RCVMSG MSGTYPE(*EXCP) MSGDTA(&MSGDTA) MSGID(&MSGID) SNDPGMMSG MSGID(&MSGID) MSGF(QCPFMSG) MSGDTA(&MSGDTA) + MSGTYPE(*ESCAPE) ENDPGM: ENDPGM 
TechTalk: Converting Objects to Database Files

Figure 3: CVTFRMDBF Command Source

 /*==================================================================*/ /* To compile: */ /* */ /* CRTCMD CMD(XXX/CVTFRMDBF) PGM(XXX/DBF002CL) + */ /* SRCFILE(XXX/QCMDSRC) */ /* */ /*==================================================================*/ CVTFRMDBF: CMD PROMPT('Convert from Database File') PARM KWD(OBJECT) TYPE(*NAME) MIN(1) + PROMPT('Object name') PARM KWD(SVDLIB) TYPE(*NAME) MIN(1) PROMPT('Saved + library') PARM KWD(DBF) TYPE(DBF) MIN(1) PROMPT('Database + file name') PARM KWD(TGTLIB) TYPE(*NAME) DFT(*SVDLIB) + SPCVAL((*SVDLIB ' ')) MIN(0) + PROMPT('Target library') DBF: QUAL TYPE(*NAME) LEN(10) QUAL TYPE(*NAME) LEN(10) DFT(*LIBL) + SPCVAL((*LIBL) (*CURLIB)) PROMPT('Library') 
TechTalk: Converting Objects to Database Files

Figure 4: Command Processing Program DBF002CL

 /*==================================================================*/ /* To compile: */ /* */ /* CRTCLPGM PGM(XXX/DBF002CL) SRCFILE(XXX/QCLSRC) */ /* */ /*==================================================================*/ PGM PARM(&OBJECT &SAVLIB &FILE &TGTLIB) DCL VAR(&OBJECT) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(10) DCL VAR(&SAVLIB) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(10) DCL VAR(&SAVF) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(10) VALUE('WRKSAVF') DCL VAR(&FILE) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(20) DCL VAR(&LIB) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(10) DCL VAR(&TGTLIB) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(10) DCL VAR(&USER) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(10) DCL VAR(&MSGID) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(7) DCL VAR(&MSGDTA) TYPE(*CHAR) LEN(80) DCLF FILE(QAOSDIRO) MONMSG MSGID(CPF0000) EXEC(GOTO CMDLBL(ERROR)) IF COND(&TGTLIB *EQ ' ') THEN(CHGVAR + VAR(&TGTLIB) VALUE(&SAVLIB)) OVRDBF FILE(QAOSDIRO) TOFILE(QTEMP/DSPDIRE) RTVJOBA USER(&USER) DSPDIRE USER(&USER) OUTPUT(*OUTFILE) + OUTFILE(QTEMP/DSPDIRE) RCVF SNDNETF FILE(%SST(&FILE 11 10)/%SST(&FILE 1 10)) + TOUSRID((&WOSDDEN &WOSDDGN)) CRTSAVF FILE(QTEMP/&SAVF) MONMSG MSGID(CPF7302) EXEC(CLRSAVF FILE(QTEMP/&SAVF)) RCVNETF FROMFILE(%SST(&FILE 1 10)) TOFILE(QTEMP/&SAVF) MONMSG MSGID(CPF8060) EXEC(DO) DLYJOB DLY(10) RCVNETF FROMFILE(%SST(&FILE 1 10)) TOFILE(QTEMP/&SAVF) ENDDO RSTOBJ OBJ(&OBJECT) SAVLIB(&SAVLIB) DEV(*SAVF) + SAVF(QTEMP/&SAVF) OPTION(*NEW) + RSTLIB(&TGTLIB) DLTF FILE(QTEMP/&SAVF) GOTO CMDLBL(ENDPGM) ERROR: RCVMSG MSGTYPE(*EXCP) MSGDTA(&MSGDTA) MSGID(&MSGID) SNDPGMMSG MSGID(&MSGID) MSGF(QCPFMSG) MSGDTA(&MSGDTA) + MSGTYPE(*ESCAPE) ENDPGM: ENDPGM 
BLOG COMMENTS POWERED BY DISQUS

LATEST COMMENTS

Support MC Press Online

$

Book Reviews

Resource Center

  • SB Profound WC 5536 Have you been wondering about Node.js? Our free Node.js Webinar Series takes you from total beginner to creating a fully-functional IBM i Node.js business application. You can find Part 1 here. In Part 2 of our free Node.js Webinar Series, Brian May teaches you the different tooling options available for writing code, debugging, and using Git for version control. Brian will briefly discuss the different tools available, and demonstrate his preferred setup for Node development on IBM i or any platform. Attend this webinar to learn:

  • SB Profound WP 5539More than ever, there is a demand for IT to deliver innovation. Your IBM i has been an essential part of your business operations for years. However, your organization may struggle to maintain the current system and implement new projects. The thousands of customers we've worked with and surveyed state that expectations regarding the digital footprint and vision of the company are not aligned with the current IT environment.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT Generic IBM announced the E1080 servers using the latest Power10 processor in September 2021. The most powerful processor from IBM to date, Power10 is designed to handle the demands of doing business in today’s high-tech atmosphere, including running cloud applications, supporting big data, and managing AI workloads. But what does Power10 mean for your data center? In this recorded webinar, IBMers Dan Sundt and Dylan Boday join IBM Power Champion Tom Huntington for a discussion on why Power10 technology is the right strategic investment if you run IBM i, AIX, or Linux. In this action-packed hour, Tom will share trends from the IBM i and AIX user communities while Dan and Dylan dive into the tech specs for key hardware, including:

  • Magic MarkTRY the one package that solves all your document design and printing challenges on all your platforms. Produce bar code labels, electronic forms, ad hoc reports, and RFID tags – without programming! MarkMagic is the only document design and print solution that combines report writing, WYSIWYG label and forms design, and conditional printing in one integrated product. Make sure your data survives when catastrophe hits. Request your trial now!  Request Now.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericForms of ransomware has been around for over 30 years, and with more and more organizations suffering attacks each year, it continues to endure. What has made ransomware such a durable threat and what is the best way to combat it? In order to prevent ransomware, organizations must first understand how it works.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericIT security is a top priority for businesses around the world, but most IBM i pros don’t know where to begin—and most cybersecurity experts don’t know IBM i. In this session, Robin Tatam explores the business impact of lax IBM i security, the top vulnerabilities putting IBM i at risk, and the steps you can take to protect your organization. If you’re looking to avoid unexpected downtime or corrupted data, you don’t want to miss this session.

  • SB HelpSystems ROBOT GenericCan you trust all of your users all of the time? A typical end user receives 16 malicious emails each month, but only 17 percent of these phishing campaigns are reported to IT. Once an attack is underway, most organizations won’t discover the breach until six months later. A staggering amount of damage can occur in that time. Despite these risks, 93 percent of organizations are leaving their IBM i systems vulnerable to cybercrime. In this on-demand webinar, IBM i security experts Robin Tatam and Sandi Moore will reveal:

  • FORTRA Disaster protection is vital to every business. Yet, it often consists of patched together procedures that are prone to error. From automatic backups to data encryption to media management, Robot automates the routine (yet often complex) tasks of iSeries backup and recovery, saving you time and money and making the process safer and more reliable. Automate your backups with the Robot Backup and Recovery Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAManaging messages on your IBM i can be more than a full-time job if you have to do it manually. Messages need a response and resources must be monitored—often over multiple systems and across platforms. How can you be sure you won’t miss important system events? Automate your message center with the Robot Message Management Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAThe thought of printing, distributing, and storing iSeries reports manually may reduce you to tears. Paper and labor costs associated with report generation can spiral out of control. Mountains of paper threaten to swamp your files. Robot automates report bursting, distribution, bundling, and archiving, and offers secure, selective online report viewing. Manage your reports with the Robot Report Management Solution. Key features include:

  • FORTRAFor over 30 years, Robot has been a leader in systems management for IBM i. With batch job creation and scheduling at its core, the Robot Job Scheduling Solution reduces the opportunity for human error and helps you maintain service levels, automating even the biggest, most complex runbooks. Manage your job schedule with the Robot Job Scheduling Solution. Key features include:

  • LANSA Business users want new applications now. Market and regulatory pressures require faster application updates and delivery into production. Your IBM i developers may be approaching retirement, and you see no sure way to fill their positions with experienced developers. In addition, you may be caught between maintaining your existing applications and the uncertainty of moving to something new.

  • LANSAWhen it comes to creating your business applications, there are hundreds of coding platforms and programming languages to choose from. These options range from very complex traditional programming languages to Low-Code platforms where sometimes no traditional coding experience is needed. Download our whitepaper, The Power of Writing Code in a Low-Code Solution, and:

  • LANSASupply Chain is becoming increasingly complex and unpredictable. From raw materials for manufacturing to food supply chains, the journey from source to production to delivery to consumers is marred with inefficiencies, manual processes, shortages, recalls, counterfeits, and scandals. In this webinar, we discuss how:

  • The MC Resource Centers bring you the widest selection of white papers, trial software, and on-demand webcasts for you to choose from. >> Review the list of White Papers, Trial Software or On-Demand Webcast at the MC Press Resource Center. >> Add the items to yru Cart and complet he checkout process and submit

  • Profound Logic Have you been wondering about Node.js? Our free Node.js Webinar Series takes you from total beginner to creating a fully-functional IBM i Node.js business application.

  • SB Profound WC 5536Join us for this hour-long webcast that will explore:

  • Fortra IT managers hoping to find new IBM i talent are discovering that the pool of experienced RPG programmers and operators or administrators with intimate knowledge of the operating system and the applications that run on it is small. This begs the question: How will you manage the platform that supports such a big part of your business? This guide offers strategies and software suggestions to help you plan IT staffing and resources and smooth the transition after your AS/400 talent retires. Read on to learn: