Appendix D. Using GDFs in AFP Utilities

IBM Advanced Function Printing Utilities for AS/400 cannot create GDF in

Graphics data format (GDF) is a means of storing pictures. GDDM uses internally, and also makes it available to application programs. It cons orders with similar meanings to the GDDM graphics call statements. In there is a one-for-one mapping between GDF orders and GDDM call state

You

can

create GDF easily by using AS/400

Business

Graphics

Utility

also

by

application

programs.

You

can

also

create

GDF

on

System/390.

 

To use

a System/390

GDF

file,

you

must

first convert

the

GDF

file

fo

AS/400

system. To convert

the GDF file,

use

the GDF

Bridge

Utility

of

Graphical Display and Query Facility (QGDF) Licensed Program. You can d

conversions

in either VM or in MVS/TSO.

If

the

System/390 supports VM, type the following to start the GDF B

and

press

Enter:

EMGGDFB fn TOGDF EXPAND

The entries in this procedure are as follows:

fnThe filename of a CMS file whose filetype is ADMGDF. This file contains the ADMGDF object.

TOGDF Indicates that the specified file is to be converted to

EXPAND Specifies that vector symbols and arcs be expanded to lines

If the System/390 supports MVS/TSO, type the following to start the GD Utility and press Enter:

EMGGDFB indsn outdsn member TOGDF EXPAND

The entries in this procedure are as follows:

indsn

The

fully

qualified

name

of

the

dataset

that

contains the A

 

object.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

outdsn

The

fully

qualified

name

of

the

dataset

that

is to

contain

member

The

name

of the member

in

the

above datasets

that

contains

input/output.

TOGDF Specifies that the input member is to be converted into a stored in the output member.

EXPAND Specifies that vector symbols and arcs be expanded to lines

The GDF file created by these procedures can then be migrated to system for use by AS/400 system.

Note:

GDFs

created

by System/390 GDDM releases subsequent to release

may

not be

supported by the AS/400 system.

The

following

table

shows the GDF orders generated by S/390, AS/400 sy

and

the

GDF

orders

supported by AFP Utilities.

Copyright IBM Corp. 1996, 1998

 

 

441

Page 461
Image 461
IBM AS/400 manual Appendix D. Using GDFs in AFP Utilities, 441, Indsn, Outdsn

AS/400 specifications

The IBM AS/400, now known as the IBM iSeries, is a midrange computer system that has been a cornerstone of enterprise computing since its introduction in 1988. Designed to provide a robust platform for business applications, the AS/400 is celebrated for its reliability, scalability, and integrated database capabilities.

One of the key features of the AS/400 is its Integrated Operating Environment, which blends hardware and software resources seamlessly. This integration allows businesses to execute diverse workloads, ranging from traditional applications to modern web-based services, all on a single platform. The operating system, OS/400 (now IBM i), offers a rich set of APIs and tools for developers, simplifying application development and management.

Another standout characteristic of the AS/400 is its built-in database, DB2 for i. This powerful relational database management system allows for efficient data handling and provides advanced features such as support for SQL, XML, and JSON, making it easier for businesses to manage their data and integrate it with other systems. The database's tight integration with the operating system enables high performance and security.

In terms of scalability, the AS/400 can accommodate small businesses as well as large enterprises, with the ability to support hundreds of users simultaneously. Its architecture allows for easy upgrades in hardware, meaning that organizations can scale their systems without replacing the entire infrastructure.

Security is another critical attribute of the AS/400. With a sophisticated security model, it offers built-in user authentication, access control, encryption, and auditing capabilities to protect data and applications from unauthorized access.

The AS/400 also supports multiple programming languages, including RPG, COBOL, Java, and PHP, giving organizations the flexibility to choose the development tools that best fit their needs. This diversity helps maintain legacy applications while also developing new ones that leverage modern technologies.

Moreover, the platform supports both traditional green-screen interfaces and modern graphical user interfaces, allowing organizations to transition smoothly into contemporary user experience paradigms.

Overall, the IBM AS/400 stands out as a resilient, flexible, and secure computing platform that enables organizations to effectively manage their business operations, streamline processes, and adapt to changing market demands. Its unique combination of integrated features and capabilities ensures that it remains relevant in today's fast-paced technology landscape.