<PRE>

Enter Password

<input type="password" name="pword" size=10 maxlength=10> </PRE>

<P>

<H3>Hidden Field</H3> <P>

<input type="hidden" name="hidden" value="Text not shown on form..."> <P>

<PRE>

<input type="submit" name="pushbutton" value="Apply"> <input type="reset" name="pushbutton" value="Reset"> <HR>

</PRE>

</FORM>

</BODY>

</HTML>

Sending Information to the Server

When you fill out a form, the web browser sends the request to the server in a format that is described as URL-encoded. The web browser also performs this function whenever you enter a phrase in a search field and click on the submission button. In URL-encoded information:

vThe URL starts with the URL of the processing program.

vA question mark (?) precedes attached data, such as name=value information from a form, which the system appends to the URL.

vA plus sign (+) represents spaces.

vA percent sign (%) that is followed by the American National Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) hexadecimal equivalent of the symbol represents special characters, such as a period (.) or slash (/).

vAn ampersand (&) separates fields and sends multiple values for a field such as check boxes.

Note: The method attribute specifies how the server sends the form information to the program. You use the GET and POST methods in the HTML file to process forms. The GET method sends the information through environment variables. You will see the information in the URL after the ″?″ character. The POST method passes the data through standard input.

The main advantage of using the GET method is that you can access the CGI program with a query without using a form. In other words, you can create canned queries that pass parameters to the program. For example, if you want to send the previous query to the program directly, you can do the following:

<A HREF="/cgi-bin/program.pgm?Name=John&LName=Richard&user=Smith%Company=IBM"> YourCGI Program</a>

The main advantage to the POST method is that the query length can be unlimited so you do not have to worry about the client or server truncating data. The query string of the GET method cannot exceed 4 KB.

Data Conversions on CGI Input and Output

The server can perform ASCII to EBCDIC conversions before sending data to CGI programs. This is because the Internet is an ASCII world and the AS/400 is primarily an extended binary-coded decimal interchange code (EBCDIC) world. The server can also perform EBCDIC to ASCII conversions before sending data

Chapter 1. Writing Common Gateway Interface Programs 5

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IBM AS/400E manual Sending Information to the Server, Data Conversions on CGI Input and Output
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AS/400E specifications

The IBM AS/400E, now more commonly known as IBM i, is a robust and versatile midrange server that has been designed to provide a comprehensive computing solution for businesses of all sizes. First introduced in the late 1980s, the AS/400 series has undergone multiple enhancements and rebranding, with the AS/400E being one of the notable iterations. This powerful platform is closely associated with IBM's commitment to reliability, scalability, and integrated business solutions.

One of the main features of the AS/400E is its highly integrated architecture that combines hardware and software into a cohesive system. This integration allows for seamless operations, reducing the complexity typically associated with managing disparate systems. The system is powered by IBM's proprietary OS/400 operating system, which has evolved into IBM i, featuring advanced capabilities like object-oriented programming, integrated database management, and security features that are essential for enterprise environments.

A key characteristic of the AS/400E is its robust database support, primarily through the use of DB2 for i. This integrated database management system enables efficient data handling and retrieval, facilitating real-time business analytics and reporting. Furthermore, the platform supports a variety of programming languages, including RPG, COBOL, and Java, making it flexible for developers who require diverse tools for application development.

The AS/400E is also known for its exceptional reliability and uptime, making it a preferred choice for critical business applications in industries such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. This reliability is backed by advanced error detection and correction mechanisms, as well as redundancy features that help prevent data loss and minimize downtime.

In terms of scalability, the AS/400E can effortlessly expand to accommodate growing business demands. Organizations can increase processing power by adding more resources without significant disruption. This scalability, combined with the system’s built-in virtualization capabilities, allows businesses to optimize resource usage and streamline operations.

Security is another defining feature of the AS/400E. The platform incorporates various layers of security measures, including user authentication, encryption, and comprehensive auditing capabilities, ensuring that sensitive business data is protected against unauthorized access.

Overall, the IBM AS/400E remains a powerful tool in the enterprise computing landscape, providing businesses with an integrated, reliable, and secure solution for their technological needs. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its capability to evolve with changing business requirements while maintaining its core attributes of high performance and stability.
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