WMCPA iCON2025

Our businesses often want reports delivered in Excel format. While there are several ways to create these spreadsheets using RPG, they all have some drawbacks. Writing to the current XLSX format for Excel spreadsheets may seem a formidable challenge, but we will see that the prospect of success is better than it might seem at first. And we will see how to use tools such as CGIDEV2 to accomplish the task of creating these modern, highly-functional spreadsheets. This is the first of 2 sessions, presenting the basic information needed to accomplish this task. The "advanced topics" session presents some interesting things that can be done using this methodology.
Understand the internal structure of modern Excel (XLSX) files
Identify various reporting scenarios, such as multiple sheets, static informational sheets, etc.
Understand how to design and implement an Excel (XLSX) application

SQL Error Logging Feature, SELF, is one of those Db2 tools that few know about, and even less use. Learn about Simon Hutchinson’s experiences in setting up SELF, “turning” it on, and what he discovered using it.

Learn why service programs are so awesome. We will weigh the pros and cons of different options we have for creating shared routines. We’ll learn how to create a service program and how easy it is to use these shared procedures in our applications. We will discuss the importance of binder source and how using it can make updating our service programs painless.
1. What is a service program
2. How to create a service program
3. How to use a service program

Session Abstract:
Get a detailed look at the enhancements brought to the CL language from i5/OS V5R3 through IBM i 7.1.
See examples of the new functions like DOFOR, DOWHILE, DOUNTIL and SELECT, and how they allow programming CL in a much more structured format.
Learn about the many new process flow options and variable types in the CL language such as integer, signed integer, and pointer variables and how to use them.
Get tips on how to simplify the compiling of CL programs and command objects.
Find out how to provide direct feedback to IBM on your needs for the CL language -- they want to know if these changes are helping you and what to enhance next.
Learning Objectives:
What IBM has added to the language in the last several releases.
How to leverage some of these enhancements to better access user spaces and APIs
What IBM has added to Command objects in recent releases.
Audience:
IBM i Developers and System Administrators.

Whether your team admits it or not, we all have legacy code. In this session, we will explore easy ways to modernize these programs and improve performance. We will delve into these 3 specific situations:
Converting RPG programs to SQLRPGLE
Using SQL when multi-member files are in use
Converting PF files to SQL tables

Our businesses often want reports in Excel format. There are several ways to create these spreadsheets using RPG, but they all have some drawbacks. While writing to the current XLSX format for Excel spreadsheets may seem a formidable challenge at first, we will see that things are not so bad as they might seem. And we will see how to use tools such as CGIDEV2 to accomplish the task of creating these modern, highly-functional spreadsheets. This is the second of 2 sessions that looks at more interesting things that can be done using this methodology.
Understand challenges and opportunities when creating spreadsheets
Understand the use of shared strings and learn how to implement them
Understand grouping and outlining and learn how to implement them

IBM i Services are provided by Db2 for i and can be used to access and manage the IBM i operating system. This session will include many examples of how to use IBM i Services to modernize administration on IBM i. Invest in understanding this alternative to existing IBM i APIs and commands.

In this new session, Scott will explore the many ways that “bad actors” can attempt to subvert the security on IBM i. Whether the topic is protecting against SQL Injection, closing doors to acquiring elevated privileges, or attempting to discover unprotected objects, this session will include techniques for evaluation and protection of your IBM i. Attend this session to take a big step towards discovering and eliminating attack vectors within Db2 for i!

SQL includes a full-fledged programming language, SQL PL. Come learn about the programming constructs, including error handling, that this language contains. You will leave with all the knowledge you need to start writing your own SQL functions and procedures.

Linux, AIX, UNIX - we hear about them everywhere these days. But what does it all mean? Linux skills are important to everyone working in the technology field. The days of running everything on just one platform are behind us, so it's important to be familiar with Linux. But you probably don't have a spare Linux server sitting around, just waiting for you tinker with, right? Well, you don't need one! Can you replace Windows with Linux? Even if you can, should you? What are the advantages and disadvantages? How do you get, install, and use Linux? Is it really all free? What can you do with a Linux command line, and is it really as powerful as you've heard? Attend this session to learn the answers to these questions and much more. See step by step instructions for safely installing Linux on your PC while still running Windows or Mac OS! We'll cover a number of powerful commands that can be executed from a Linux environment on your PC, within Windows 10, your X86 servers, or even on your IBM i!
Learning objectives - After participating in this session, attendees should have the skills to:
Identify the best way to get started with a Linux environment
Install and set up Linux on their personal PC in a safe way
Use a Linux desktop for productivity and learning
Apply skills learned to a production server environment
Take full advantage of the power of the Linux command line in multiple environments, even on your IBM i!
Audience:
Anyone new to Linux who would like to quickly get started in a fun, safe, and productive way.