Pooling Your DataSources

June 2, 2004 Marc Logemann

[The code for this article is available for download.]

In my last article, I explained how to use the IBM Universal JDBC Driver to connect to DB2 for iSeries in the Tomcat 5 environment, using JNDI for looking up the DataSource. You should now know how to define DataSources inside Tomcat and how to get the DataSource inside your Java code. I have not yet covered the definition and using a connection pool, which is important for creating well-performing applications.

CONNECTION POOL CHOICES

In the last article you had a choice between two JDBC drivers for

Don’t Let Overrides Deceive You

June 2, 2004 Cletus the Codeslinger

[The code for this article is available for download.]

Overrides have some nice advantages. Without overrides, I would have to clone programs in order to use different files of the same format. Overrides also let me use different members of a multi-member file. Sometimes it’s helpful to know which file or member was used to produce a certain report or display. OS/400 includes an easy-to-use API that eliminates the confusion.

The API I’m referring to is Retrieve File Override Information (QDMRTVFO). Maybe the best way to introduce it is to show the prototype member I /COPY into

Query/400 and Multiple Detail Lines

June 2, 2004 Hey, Ted

Help! I need to add more fields to the detail line in Query/400, but the line is already full. Do I have to get another query tool?

–Jack

I’d recommend it. There are some good non-IBM query products on the market that have strong formatting abilities. But you can get through this crisis while you’re evaluating them.

Go ahead and select the additional fields on the “select and sequence fields” display. Select the fields in order by line and position. That is, select all of the fields that go on the first line, from left to right. Then select all

Admin Alert: Checking Your iSeries Batteries

June 2, 2004 Joe Hertvik

You may not realize it, but your iSeries boxes contain a set of nickel batteries, which are used as cache battery packs on your systems’ I/O adapters. And, like any battery, they eventually have to be replaced; otherwise your system may start to malfunction. This week’s “Admin Alert” explains how to check the batteries on your system, so you can determine when they need to be replaced.

Most people don’t pay attention to their cache batteries until they spot an OS/400 error message stating that their cache battery is about to die. If you’re under maintenance, you can call IBM

OS/400 Alert: Windows XP Service Pack 2 Beta

June 2, 2004 Shannon O'Donnell

This issue of “OS/400 Alert” brings you up to date on defective IBM PTFs. Using the list provided, you can analyze your own PTF strategy to see if you need to apply patches or remove PTFs before they cause problems on your system. In addition, users of Microsoft Windows XP will want to read on to find out how they can take part in the Windows XP Service Pack 2 beta program.

WINDOWS XP SP2 BETA ALMOST READY

If you are one of those folks who like to be on the bleeding edge of new technology, and you are a