COMMON POWERUp 2024

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COMMON POWERUp 2024

THE BEST IBM i & POWER SYSTEMS EDUCATION.When you come to POWERUp, you’ll be able to customize your experience. Choose from 300 sessions, covering over 20 areas of IT, when you plan your schedule. Visit the largest Expo of its kind and meet the experts behind the solutions. Attend social events to meet renowned speakers and peers alike. This conference is structured to give you the pure education and professional connections needed to best enhance your career. Are you ready to POWERUp?

Exhibitor Hall: https://www.expocad.com/host/fx/common/s24/exfx.html

Exhibitor Hall Map Here

10:15am CDT

181: Intro to IBM i Services (SQL) for Admins

This session is designed for IBM i system administrators. It covers real-world problems faced by system admins, and how to solve them using SQL (with some help from IBM i Services). Don't be intimidated by SQL. It isn't just for developers! You can copy and paste the examples provided in this session to get started easily. Attend this session and add a suite of new tools to your system admin toolbox!

"Learn how to use the “Run SQL Scripts” tool to:
1. Investigate active/queued/completed jobs
2. Retrieve system networking information,
3. Investigate object locks, and much more!"

Speakers

Steve Riedmueller

Certified IBM i Admin - Speaker, Mentor, and Advocate, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

I am a COMMON Certified IBM i Administrator with over 20 years experience on IBM i, as well as a COMMON speaker, N2i mentor, and IBM i advocate.I've been working on the platform since 2001 as a system admin/engineer. I have experience with OS upgrades and patching, system security... Read More →

PU24 IBM i Services for Admins Intro pdf

PU24 IBM i Services Intro Scripts sql

Monday May 20, 2024 10:15am - 11:15am CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Systems Management

Session Level Beginner
Audience Traditional “green screen” administrators who want to start leveraging SQL.

11:30am CDT

179: SQL and IFS - Reading/Writng IFS Files with SQL

SQL is great for accessing data located in a relational database. But in a modern world it is also necessary to consume data that is located in the IFS (Integrated File System) or provided by web services

With each Technology Refresh IBM introduces and enhances Db2 for i Services. With Release 7.4 Technology Refresh 3 IBM provides new SQL Stored Procedures for reading data from and writing Data into the IFS.

In composition with other SQL Functions it is easy to scan through IFS files or decompose *.csv files or JSON files or XML documents located in the IFS.

Learning Objectives:
In this session you’ll learn how to write data to the IFS and how to read IFS files, by using no other programming language than SQL.
It will be also demonstrated how to access and decompose *.csv files located in the IFS without copying them into a physical file or SQL table.

Speakers

Birgitta Hauser

Database and Software Architect, IBM Champion, Independent Consultant

Birgitta Hauser worked on the IBM i and its predecessors since 1992. She graduated with a business economics diploma, and started programming on the AS/400 in 1992. She worked and works as traditional RPG Programmer but also as Database and Software Engineer, focusing on IBM i application... Read More →

POWERUp 2024 SQL and IFS Birgitta Hauser pdf

POWERUp 2024 SQL and IFS Birgitta Hauser sql

Monday May 20, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Session Level Advanced
Audience Developers and users who are experienced in SQL Queries and want to know how to write data into the IFS or have to consume IFS data, or simply want to enhance their SQL know-how.

2:45pm CDT

268: Using IBM and Db2 Services in (RPG) Programs … Can Make Life Much Easier!

With the last releases and technology refreshes IBM provided a lot of new SQL Services.

A lot of these Services provide functionalities that are not directly available in RPG or can only be implemented in RPG by calling complex System APIs and by using pointer handling for accessing the data.

However, now we have SQL services that can write data into the IFS or can delete old spool files or even better can convert a spool file into a PDF-Document. Since the last Technology Refresh it is also possible to send eMails or to generate *.csv files directly with SQL and IBM Services.

This session will demonstrate how RPG Programs can be simplified by just using embedded SQL and IBM Services.

Learning Objectives:
In this session you’ll learn how specific SQL Services can be implemented with embedded SQL in RPG or Cobol and how the formerly complex source code can be reduced

Speakers

Birgitta Hauser

Database and Software Architect, IBM Champion, Independent Consultant

Birgitta Hauser worked on the IBM i and its predecessors since 1992. She graduated with a business economics diploma, and started programming on the AS/400 in 1992. She worked and works as traditional RPG Programmer but also as Database and Software Engineer, focusing on IBM i application... Read More →

POWERUP 2024 SYSTOOLS Services Birgitta Hauser pdf

POWERUP 2024 SYSTOOLS Services Birgitta Hauser sql

Monday May 20, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programming - RPG

Session Level Intermediate
Audience Programmers, Managers and everybody who is interested in new Services and how this services can be used from within RPG (or Cobol).

4:00pm CDT

355: Experience the Wonders of AI: Come Marvel with Me!

This session explores the fascinating world of AI, demonstrates its possibilities and how it can be used to improve our lives. We will discuss some of the latest available technologies and work with them in real time. This session is perfect for anyone looking to learn more about AI and the potential it has to offer.

Speakers

Charlie Guarino

CEO & IBM Champion, Central Park Data Systems

Charles Guarino believes in the “power” of IBM Power Systems. His career reflects his dedication and interest in bringing the platform and its solutions to others and as a result has been recognized as an IBM Champion.He is a member of COMMON’s Speaker Excellence Hall of Fame... Read More →

Monday May 20, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programming - General

Session Level Beginner

5:15pm CDT

257: Lets Learn The Acronyms

SQLRPGLE? DR? RPGLE? BRMS? What in the world does all of these mean? This session is to help newcomers understand a good chunk of the IBM I acronyms and give them a jump start in their career.

Learning Objectives:
1) Give newcomers a leg up in discussions with others on the platform that use these acronyms so they can understand what they mean.
2) Make sure newcomers understand the acronyms of the platform they are coming onto.

Speakers

Marina Schwenk

Innovative Software Solutions

Marina started her career in January 2015 at Everbrite LLC in Greenfield WI after graduating from Gateway Technical College in May of 2014 with an Associate’s degree in IT Software Development. Marina worked for over nine years as a Senior Programmer Analyst/IBM i admin at Everbrite... Read More →

Shelly Petty

Application Support, Everbrite LLC

I am a Junior Full Stack Developer at Everbrite LLC. We run our production applications on the IBMi Power Server. Primary languages are CL, RPG, DB2 SQL and Java, and the UI: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Drupple, React, and Sencha.My position is a fast paced job and it includes Help Desk... Read More →

Monday May 20, 2024 5:15pm - 5:35pm CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programming - General

Session Level Beginner
Audience Anyone that is new to the platform or who just wants a better understanding of what all of the acryonyms mean.

5:50pm CDT

339: 20 SQL Tips in 20 Minutes

In this new session, Scott will take you through 20 tips that will help you be more successful with SQL on IBM i. Rapid fire SQL tips to help you do more and do it better, because #SQLcandoit and so can you!

Learning Objectives:
1. Some SQL statements you may not have noticed
2. Some SQL options you may not have understood
3. Working SQL examples!

Speakers

Scott Forstie

Db2 for i Architect, IBM

Scott Forstie is a Senior Technical Staff Member within IBM i development and spends most of his time working as the Db2 for i Architect. He has worked on IBM operating system development since joining IBM in 1989.Scott is a frequently published author, speaker at industry events... Read More →

20 SQL tips in 20 minutes pdf

Monday May 20, 2024 5:50pm - 6:10pm CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Session Level All
Audience Anyone who wants to improve their SQL skills

8:00am CDT

129: Elevate Your IBM i Game: Transforming Bad Habits into Best

Best Practices is all about meeting IBM system compliance to achieve optimal results. Don’t let old myths or newly formed bad habits be the difference between success or a failure in service delivery. This session will examine V7R4/R5 System configurations, BRMS Backups, Disaster Recovery, and Security Management. Examine assumptions, technical gaps, blunders, and recommendations. Hear actual lessons learned so you do not make the same IBM i assumptions others have made. IT is not a game of chance

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Richard Dolewski

VP, Enterprise Solutions, Connectria

Richard is a recognized SME and award-winning industry speaker specializing in, Cloud Computing Architecture, Business Resiliency, Disaster Recovery Planning and Backup & Recovery Program Design. He leads organizations through the new era of technology, achieving the desired, successful... Read More →

Josh Patterson

129 Elevate Your IBM i Game Transforming Bad Habits into Best PowerUp Dallas Final pdf

Tuesday May 21, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Systems Management

Session Level Intermediate
Award SILVER

9:15am CDT

337: Breaches, Ransomware and Recovery, Oh My!

Your organization has been breached. Ransomware has run rampant throughout your organization. Have you planned for this eventuality? Does your incident response plan include IBM i? During this session will discuss the steps you’ll want to take now to reduce risk to IBM i and to ensure that you can recover should your system be affected. Real-life incidents and scenarios will be discussed so that you can learn from others’ mistakes.

Learning Objectives:
1 Understand the steps you can take to secure your system to reduce the risk of data loss or being infected with ransomware
2. Learn about the backup technologies that will support both disaster recovery as well as recovery from ransomware

Speakers

Richard Dolewski

VP, Enterprise Solutions, Connectria

Richard is a recognized SME and award-winning industry speaker specializing in, Cloud Computing Architecture, Business Resiliency, Disaster Recovery Planning and Backup & Recovery Program Design. He leads organizations through the new era of technology, achieving the desired, successful... Read More →

Carol Woodbury

IBM i Security SME and Senior Advisor, Kisco Systems

With over 30 years' experience in the area of IT security, Carol is known world-wide as an expert in the area of computer security. During her career, Carol has architected security solutions for Fortune 100 companies as well as small and medium-sized organizations. Carol is passionate... Read More →

337 Breaches Ransomware Recovery Oh My PowerUp Dallas Final pdf

Tuesday May 21, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Session Level Intermediate

10:30am CDT

324: Best Practices for the IBM i Security Administrator

As an IBM i System Administrator, you know you need to be checking IBM i Security settings but aren’t sure which ones or how often. This session solves that mystery. During this session Carol will provide you with a checklist of the areas of the operating system that you’ll want to be checking on a regular basis as well as explain why it’s important to do these checks. She will also discuss the risks of not maintaining these settings. Sample SQL will be provided for you to use in your workplace!

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Carol Woodbury

IBM i Security SME and Senior Advisor, Kisco Systems

With over 30 years' experience in the area of IT security, Carol is known world-wide as an expert in the area of computer security. During her career, Carol has architected security solutions for Fortune 100 companies as well as small and medium-sized organizations. Carol is passionate... Read More →

Best Practices for the IBM i Security Administrator 2024 zip

Tuesday May 21, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

2:45pm CDT

140: OLAP (Online Analytical Processing) Functions – Much More Than Running Numbers!

The first OLAP Functions were already introduced with Release 6.1, for building running numbers and ranks, in a specific sequence and even with the ability to restart numbering at a predefined level. At release 7.3 a bunch of additional OLAP functions and enhancements for existing OLAP functions are introduced. With these enhancements it is possible to easily build running totals or averages with or without level breaks. Data cannot only be accumulated over all rows, but also within a specific range. It is easy to access and compare the first, previous, next or last occurrence of the data within a partition. This session will give you an overview over the available OLAP functions and how they can be exploited.

Learning Objectives:
In this session you will learn which OLAP functions are available and how they can be used for and how they can be exploited especially for statistical reports.

Speakers

Birgitta Hauser

Database and Software Architect, IBM Champion, Independent Consultant

Birgitta Hauser worked on the IBM i and its predecessors since 1992. She graduated with a business economics diploma, and started programming on the AS/400 in 1992. She worked and works as traditional RPG Programmer but also as Database and Software Engineer, focusing on IBM i application... Read More →

POWERUp 2024 OLAP Specifications Birgitta Hauser pdf

POWERUp 2024 OLAP Specifications Birgitta Hauser sql

Tuesday May 21, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Session Level Advanced
Audience Manager, Programmers, Database Administrators and Engineers who need to generate and analyze complex statistics or everybody who is just interested in what is possible with OLAP functions.

4:00pm CDT

330: Automated Build Systems for IBM i Environments

We have been working on open source tools to make managing your IBM source code and building objects easy for when your source code is in git. In this, we will show how objects get built from a git repository (when developing locally and from an automated build), teach how build systems detect dependencies in your code, what build tools are available (GitHub Actions, GitLab CICD, etc) to work with IBM i, and eventually how you can start using these tools.

Learning Objectives:
* Show how objects get built from a git repository
* Teach how build systems detect dependencies in your code
* How you can start using these tools

Speakers

Liam Allan

Software Advocate, IBM

I am a developer and open-source advocate. Ask me about Node.js, VS Code, app deployment and CICD :)

Tuesday May 21, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Session Level Intermediate

5:15pm CDT

261: Fostering Positive Relationships

Positive healthy relationships are vital to success in everything you do: whether it is excelling in your career, creating a vibrant and energetic work environment, or having a happy and rewarding personal life. Learning how to interact with others in a way that is respectful and constructive is essential.

Learning Objectives:
Come to this session to learn:
1) How to connect with others in a positive and proactive way
2) The impact of creating respectful and nurturing relationships
3) How to create long-term relationships that will accelerate your career
4) Tools and techniques to foster positive relationships

Speakers

Kim Greene

President, Kim Greene Consulting, Inc.

Kim Greene is president of Kim Greene Consulting, Inc. specializing in providing consulting services for the HCL Collaboration Solutions portfolio for IBM i, Windows, and Linux. Kim has over 20 years of experience with IBM Domino and 25 years of experience with the AS/400, iSeries... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 5:15pm - 5:35pm CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Personal Development

Session Level Beginner
Audience All IT professionals

5:50pm CDT

213: Web Services: The Basics of Pulling External Data into Your IBM i Applications

Obtaining information from external systems or data servers has come a long way since the introduction of EDI in the 1980s! Today, publicly available Web Service APIs offer a much more flexible and easier-to-integrate method for pulling pertinent global data into your IBM i applications. Whether it be commodity prices, financial data, current weather information, demographic statistics or whatever else you can think of, there is no shortage of information available on the internet that could complement certain areas of your company's business, thus adding valuable real-time information to your various user applications.

In this session we'll put this concept to work in a hands-on fashion. The presenter will use real-world API examples to demonstrate how developers, using Native IBM i DB2 SQL, can quickly access these valuable web service repositories and pull data into an RPG program or UI tool for their users. Attendees will see two simple 5250-based interactive examples in action, with source code they can try on their own systems.

Learning Objectives:
1> Understand the basic structure of a REST API, and how it differs from SOAP.
2> See how to find a public web service API and understand its inputs and outputs.
3> Learn how to structure and execute an SQL statement to pull data from the web service.

Speakers

Robert Swanson

Senior Partner, CNX Corporation

Rob has worked as an in-the-trenches IBM i developer since 1992, with the past 15 years focused on developing modernization efforts for legacy systems written in RPG. Currently serving as Senior Partner for CNX Corporation in Chicago, Rob is a strong advocate of introducing highly... Read More →

Use Native Functionality to get Public Data pdf

Tuesday May 21, 2024 5:50pm - 6:10pm CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programming - UI

Session Level Beginner
Audience Developers who could benefit from pulling external information (i.e., commodity prices) into their user applications on IBM i

8:00am CDT

127: Hidden Gems of IBM i

The IBM i team has been delivering new function two times per year since 2010. New releases and technology refreshes deliver a broad range of function and sometimes the smallest line items can be easily missed. The IBM i team has reviewed the past releases/refreshes and have assembled some of their favorite hidden gems; things that you might have missed but should know. Everyone will leave with something new that will help them in their day to day work.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn about some of the very useful but lesser known functions of IBM i.

Speakers

Tim Rowe

Business Architect Application Development & Systems Management for IBM i, IBM

Tim Rowe is the Business Architect responsible for Application Development and Systems Management for the IBM i operating system. His responsibilities include helping to make sure that the IBM i has what is needed to be successful both today and into the future. He sends much of his... Read More →

Douglas Gibbs

IBM i Product Manager, Program Director, IBM

Douglas Gibbs is the offering manager for IBM Power Systems I/O and works closely with the overall Offering Management, Sales and Development teams regarding all manners of I/O. Douglas has worked in the IT Industry for more than 25 years and has been in a variety of positions at... Read More →

Shauna Rollings

IBM i Performance Tools & High Availability Development, IBM

Shauna joined the IBM i development team in 2008. She has developed and supported IBM i performance data collector tools throughout her entire IBM career. From the very beginning of the Db2 Mirror for i project, she has also been the technical team lead for the Db2 Mirror Configuration... Read More →

Ryan Moeller

Software Engineer, IBM

Ryan Moeller is a software engineer working on Db2 for i, specifically on the SQL Query Engine (SQE) team. He joined the team in the Rochester, MN development lab in 2020. Ryan specializes in SQL, database development, and query performance analysis.

Ann Wilkerson

Software Developer, IBM

Ann Wilkerson is the technical team lead for Navigator for i and a developer for IBM i Services.

Wednesday May 22, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programming - General

Session Level All
Award GOLD

9:15am CDT

228: ACS & Db2 for i – Explained

In this new session, you’ll hear the inside scoop about ACS from Ryan & Wayne.

At this session we will explore ACS and have a fun time understanding all the ACS has to offer.

Learning Objectives:
1. Discover the database and SQL feature-rich options within ACS
2. Gain best practices by hearing and seeing two experts discuss and demonstrate ACS

Speakers

Wayne Bowers

Software Engineer, IBM

Wayne Bowers has been with IBM since 1997, where he works with the IBM i Global Support Center in Rochester MN. He is an Advisory Software Engineer specializing in the support of the IBM i Access (aka Client Access) products, Console, the TCP Telnet communications server, and the... Read More →

Ryan Moeller

Software Engineer, IBM

Ryan Moeller is a software engineer working on Db2 for i, specifically on the SQL Query Engine (SQE) team. He joined the team in the Rochester, MN development lab in 2020. Ryan specializes in SQL, database development, and query performance analysis.

ACS and Db2 for i Explained pdf

Wednesday May 22, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Session Level Beginner
Audience Anyone who needs to interact with Db2 for i

10:30am CDT

356: AI Ethics: Balancing Innovation and Responsibility

As AI technology advances and its use becomes more widespread, the debate of ethical concerns becomes more prominent.

On one side of the debate, some argue that AI should be used to improve the lives of people and make difficult decisions with fewer mistakes.

On the other side, some argue that AI should not be used to make decisions that affect people’s lives, as it could lead to biased results or decisions that are not in the best interest of society.

Either way, as the debate continues, the importance of ethical considerations when creating and using AI will become increasingly important

Speakers

Charlie Guarino

CEO & IBM Champion, Central Park Data Systems

Charles Guarino believes in the “power” of IBM Power Systems. His career reflects his dedication and interest in bringing the platform and its solutions to others and as a result has been recognized as an IBM Champion.He is a member of COMMON’s Speaker Excellence Hall of Fame... Read More →

Wednesday May 22, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programming - General

Session Level Beginner

1:30pm CDT

290: How to Use SQL in RPG

In this session, I will walk through how to use SQL in your RPG modules/programs. We will talk about static and dynamic concepts, how to write SQL in an RPG module/program, use of host variables, and more.

Learning Objectives:
1. To start using SQL in RPG modules/programs
2. Have examples and then be able to try at home

Speakers

Sven Jansson

Senior developer, Apper Systems AB

I have worked on the IBM i platform since 1995. My technical roles include developer, analyst, database specialist, application security, and communications. I also worked on IBMz for a few years, and I serve on the COMMON Sweden board. I'm a curious person who always wants to learn... Read More →

Wednesday May 22, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programming - RPG

Session Level Beginner
Digital Badge SQL
Audience Developers

2:45pm CDT

280: 35 Tricks & Treats

Celebrating 35 years of IBM I, this presentation will cover 35+ tricks and treats discovered over the year, including Operating System, Built in commands, licensed packages, 3rd party packages, IBM and 3rd party hardware and appliances. Many of these tricks and treats were learned at COMMON over the years and many have helped justify the cost of a COMMON conference with the value of the knowledge gained.

Learning Objectives:
1. Remember some older concepts and technologies.
2. Learn a few legacy tips still relevant today.
3. Learn new technologies and tips to help move forward with IBM i.

Speakers

Rob Mineo

IBM i Senior Administrator/SME, (Independent)

I started my IT career in 1984. I started working on an IBM SYSTEM/38 in 1986, and upgraded to the AS/400 in 1989. I worked for STERIS Corporation from 1991 until I semi-retired in 2022. Since then, I have worked as an Independent IBM i Administrator. My career started as a programmer... Read More →

Wednesday May 22, 2024 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Systems Management

Session Level Beginner
Audience IBM i Administrators

4:00pm CDT

376: So You Want to Be a Contractor or Consultant

Whether you're looking to retire from full-time work but still do a little work on the side, move to part-time work, or explore a new career path, consulting and contracting work for IBM i developers has become extremely popular. Learn from Bill Onion a consultant turned consulting shop owner and Robert Nettgen, a Director of IT turned consultant about their experiences in the field. Gain valuable insight into the pros and cons of contract work, what companies are looking for, and how to make yourself more marketable as a consultant.

Learning Objectives:
1. Insight into the world of contracting and consulting and tips on how to succeed
2. The pros and cons of consulting vs in-house developer
3. Learn the biggest challenges we see in the industry as consultants for a variety of IBM i run shops

Speakers

Robert Nettgen

Senior Consultant, Briteskies

Robert Nettgen wanted a career in radio broadcasting, but saw that profession declining and found better pay working in IT. A PC developer in the ‘80’s, Rob started administering AS/400s in the early ‘90s for a Radio/TV group owner. In 1999 Rob accepted a job as IT director... Read More →

Bill Onion

Managing Director, Briteskies

I'm a life-long IBM i Fan! Basically born and raised on this awesome platform. Now, I'm leading the Briteskies team as we help companies to: 1) Leverage their investment in IBM i by extending the life of their RPG-based applications, 2) Integrate their IBM i systems with 3rd party... Read More →

2024 So You think You Want to be a Contractor pdf

Wednesday May 22, 2024 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Personal Development

Session Level All
Audience Anyone who is interested in becoming or hiring RPG consultants including RPG Developers, IT Directors, and IT Managers.

5:15pm CDT

346: Database Features in VSCode

Come explore the new Db2 capabilities in VSCode! These features, geared toward the database developer, enable full-stack development on IBM i. Come to this session for a demo and discussion of how to use these new features and why they may be beneficial to your workflows

Learning Objectives:
Understand the new Db2 features in VSCode.

Speakers

Scott Forstie

Db2 for i Architect, IBM

Scott Forstie is a Senior Technical Staff Member within IBM i development and spends most of his time working as the Db2 for i Architect. He has worked on IBM operating system development since joining IBM in 1989.Scott is a frequently published author, speaker at industry events... Read More →

Adam Shedivy

Software Developer, IBM

Adam is a software Developer working on enhancing client and open source integration on IBM i.

Wednesday May 22, 2024 5:15pm - 6:15pm CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Session Level Beginner
Digital Badge VS Code
Audience Application Developers or IT Planners

8:00am CDT

269: SQL Error Logging Facility (SELF)

Have you ever been faced with “strange” SQL Errors or SQL Errors that were not trapped but simply ignored? How to find those problems?

SQL Performance Monitors can help, at least if you know where to start, i.e. which job, which program caused the problems. But SQL Performance Monitors come with significant overheads, just by gathering everything.

SELF is an additional tool for finding understanding and fixing SQL Errors and Warnings. SELF can be started without modifying any programs and can safely run in production.

This session will show what are the components of SELF and how to use them.

Learning Objectives:
In this session you’ll get detailed information about SELF, i.e. which Global Variables can be set, which views and functions are available and where the information is logged.

Speakers

Birgitta Hauser

Database and Software Architect, IBM Champion, Independent Consultant

Birgitta Hauser worked on the IBM i and its predecessors since 1992. She graduated with a business economics diploma, and started programming on the AS/400 in 1992. She worked and works as traditional RPG Programmer but also as Database and Software Engineer, focusing on IBM i application... Read More →

POWERUp SELF SQL Error Logging Facility Birgitta Hauser pdf

POWERUp SELF SQL Error Logging Facility Birgitta Hauser sql

Thursday May 23, 2024 8:00am - 9:00am CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Session Level Intermediate
Audience Programmers and Analysts who have to detect where and which (SQL) problems occur or simply want to have an overview about how often a specific SQLCODE occurs.

9:15am CDT

242: Fun with JSON Publishing: Letting SQL Do the Dirty Work

If you've ever been tasked as a developer with creating complex responses for an internal or external web service, you've likely explored multiple avenues for generating JSON from your IBM i programs. From constructing responses manually in your RPG code, to using various publicly available toolkits like YAJL, RPG NextGen, etc., there are a myriad of ways to create JSON strings with all the requisite curlies, commas, colons, quotes and hard brackets.

If you're on IBM i OS 7.2 or higher, there's yet another avenue you can explore in which you let SQL do the JSON construction work for you. The biggest benefit of this approach becomes most apparent when your JSON response requires arrays, and especially nested subarrays. Coding such responses can be a bit tedious when done on a record-by-record basis in your program, whereas by using some nifty functions you can can let SQL assemble your JSON response automatically.

In this session we'll review the basics of JSON publishing functions such as JSON_Object, JSON_Array, JSON_ObjectAgg and JSON_ArrayAgg. We'll explore some practical use examples for publishing your business data in JSON, letting SQL do all the dirty work.

Learning Objectives:
1. Learn the syntax of the most commonly used SQL JSON publishing functions
2. Understand the differences between a standard SQL select statement and an SQL statement constructing a JSON response
3. See how to integrate these SQL functions into an RPG program

Speakers

Robert Swanson

Senior Partner, CNX Corporation

Rob has worked as an in-the-trenches IBM i developer since 1992, with the past 15 years focused on developing modernization efforts for legacy systems written in RPG. Currently serving as Senior Partner for CNX Corporation in Chicago, Rob is a strong advocate of introducing highly... Read More →

JSON Publishing Let SQL do the Dirty Work pdf

Thursday May 23, 2024 9:15am - 10:15am CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Session Level Intermediate
Digital Badge SQL
Audience Developers looking to create intricate JSON responses for web services or various JavaScript frameworks.

10:30am CDT

430: Get Out of Your Comfort Zone!

Staying in your comfort zone can and most likely hindered your career. Have you tried seeing what happens when you tried something outside of your comfort zone? would you be willing to try? This session will highlight some of the reasons why you should get out of your comfort zone and try something new. You will probably be surprised by the consequences of getting out of your comfort zone.

Speakers

Marina Schwenk

Innovative Software Solutions

Marina started her career in January 2015 at Everbrite LLC in Greenfield WI after graduating from Gateway Technical College in May of 2014 with an Associate’s degree in IT Software Development. Marina worked for over nine years as a Senior Programmer Analyst/IBM i admin at Everbrite... Read More →

Shelly Petty

Application Support, Everbrite LLC

I am a Junior Full Stack Developer at Everbrite LLC. We run our production applications on the IBMi Power Server. Primary languages are CL, RPG, DB2 SQL and Java, and the UI: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Drupple, React, and Sencha.My position is a fast paced job and it includes Help Desk... Read More →

Thursday May 23, 2024 10:30am - 11:30am CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Personal Development

Session Level All
Audience Everyone

1:30pm CDT

159: One Order of Code Factoring With a Side of RDi

Sloppy code, beautiful code. They both produce the same results, so who cares how it looks? If you have heard this before, or are living with this scenario, this is a MUST ATTEND session. Learn about code refactoring (aka "modernization") and see how to rejuvenate old code into maintainable, flexible and scalable components.

Learning Objectives:

Speakers

Charlie Guarino

CEO & IBM Champion, Central Park Data Systems

Charles Guarino believes in the “power” of IBM Power Systems. His career reflects his dedication and interest in bringing the platform and its solutions to others and as a result has been recognized as an IBM Champion.He is a member of COMMON’s Speaker Excellence Hall of Fame... Read More →

Thursday May 23, 2024 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Room 202 A-B 1508 Houston St, Fort Worth, TX 76102

Programmer Tools

Session Level Intermediate