IBM has provided several approaches for debugging Java applications on the iSeries, such as the IBM iSeries System Debugger. However, if you are an experienced Java developer, yet not experienced with the iSeries, you might find these tools and their instructions for use a little intimidating.

One alternative might be the Java Debugger (jdb) provided with most Java Development Kits. This is a command line utility that supports breakpoints, stepping through your application and examining objects. Unfortunately, IBM does not provide this tool on the iSeries.

I would guess that most Java developers have either not used jdb in a

Today’s technical tip is not rocket science, but that’s OK with me because rocket science won’t help me keep the factory going. No, today’s tip is a practical, yet very simple, SQL (and OPNQRYF) technique that I hope to use regularly for years to come.

One of the first things that was drilled into my bald head in my early days of computer programming was that you can’t compare numeric data to character data. It didn’t matter what the language was–RPG II, COBOL 68, FORTRAN IV, GW-BASIC–numeric and character were apples and oranges.

I never questioned this restriction until I

When I perform technical support for some remote 5250 users, I don’t always have the ability to remotely log on to their PC and troubleshoot the problem. There are also times when I can’t or don’t want to go through the trouble of starting a GoToMyPC session with the user machine. Do i5 and iSeries boxes provide any native capabilities for working with another user’s 5250 session?

–Bob

While I’m a big fan of remotely logging on to user PCs, I do realize that it’s not always possible to take over a PC running a 5250 session when user machines