Figure 1: This is the command definition for RPG2DT.

RPG2DTR is very simple in nature in that you pass the unique key to use when writing to the data queue, the PC command you want executed, and the data queue library and name (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Pass the unique key to use when writing to the data queue, the PC command you want executed, and the data queue library and name.

Data queue MYDQ is created automatically by the RPGToDesktop.java if it doesn't exist, so you needn't concern yourself with it on the server side.

To get the process working in your environment, you need to download this zip file and unzip it to the folder of your choice. Edit the Start_RPGToDesktop.bat file to include your system-specific information (e.g., IP, user, profile, DQ library, DQ name). The last parameter in Start_RPGToDesktop.bat is the unique key, which, for the sake of example, should be set to 00001. Once you've made those changes and saved the .bat file, run it by double-clicking on it, which will start the listening process. You should see a window similar to that in Figure 3.

Figure 3: Run RPGToDesktop. (Click image to enlarge.)

On the System i5 side, you need to create program RPG2DTR (Figure 1). Then, create command RPG2DT (Figure 2). Once that's done, you can submit requests to the desktop with the examples in Figure 4. The first one will open your browser to the http://mowyourlawn.com address. The second, to show you some interesting flexibility, will open up the Windows Control Panel. The third will open up a PDF file that must already exist on your PC. To make the third one work, simply find any PDF on your system, place it in C: emp on your hard drive, and rename it as test.pdf.

Figure 4: These are some examples of calling command RPG2DT.

Click here for examples of values to specify in parameter PCCMD of *CMD RPG2DT.

Environment

This was tested and implemented on Windows XP. Obviously, if you have multiple desktop OSes in your shop, you will have to code and account for all the different scenarios.

Now, you could automate the process of initial execution (bypassing the install) by generating a URL that is displayed to the user and using Java's WebStart processing. But that's a topic for another day.

Aaron Bartell is Director of IBM i Innovation for Krengel Technology, Inc. Aaron facilitates adoption of open-source technologies on IBM i through professional services, staff training, speaking engagements, and the authoring of best practices within industry publications andwww.litmis.com. With a strong background in RPG application development, Aaron covers topics that enable IBM i shops to embrace today's leading technologies, including Ruby on Rails, Node.js, Git for RPG source change management, and RSpec for unit testing RPG. Aaron is a passionate advocate of vibrant technology communities and the corresponding benefits available for today's modern application developers. Connect with Aaron via email atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Aaron lives with his wife and five children in southern Minnesota. He enjoys the vast amounts of laughter that having a young family brings, along with camping and music. He believes there's no greater purpose than to give of our life and time to help others.