Complete CL: The Definitive Control language Programming Guide

Now in its fourth edition, this book is a must have for every iSeries and i5 professional. This comprehensive, newly revised, 40-chapter book is perfect for novice and intermediate programmers as well as system administrators and operators. In a practical and straight-forward approach, the authors explain core iSeries and i5 concepts and show the reader--step by step--how to perform 40 essential iSeries functions including installation, troubleshooting, administration, operations, programming, Internet connectivity and many more. This book isn't only for novices. Tasks of all levels are included. From the Installation and Operations sections the reader will see the detailed steps for powering up and down, controlling the system console, and managing subsystems. There is an administration section that covers system values, printing, and PTF management. The system architecture section discusses libraries and library lists, files, and objects. Programming has its own section with chapters on DDS, CL, RPG, Java, and important IBM utilities. There is also a section on the Internet that covers the newer technologies. The fourth edition has had a complete update of all the chapters and adds a particularly rich set of new chapters as well. Topics like iSeries Navigator, WebSphere Application Server, SQL, Qshell, and performance are among the new chapters which will make this edition a good buy even for those who already own previous editions. The effective use of Control Language (CL) is a critical skill for anyone working with IBM's robust midrange eServer family (i5, iSeries, and AS/400). But why settle for just enough CL knowledge to get by? From the simplest task to the most complex process, CL is at the heart of your server. Become a CL guru and fully leverage the abilities of your system. All it takes is a little time, effort, and Complete CL, 4th Edition.

Authors Ted Holt and Ernie Malaga present the latest version of a classic, bringing together all the basics of CL, plus the latest innovations in one thorough, well-organized, and easy-to-read package. In a clear, straightforward manner, the authors teach you how to write both simple and advanced CL programs, how to understand the strengths and limitations of CL, how to avoid common mistakes, and much, much more. With this book, you will master CL and extend the capabilities of your i5/iSeries. Programmers, operators, security officers, system administrators, or any IT professional working with OS/400 and i5/OS will benefit greatly by reading this book.

When getting by isn't good enough, get Complete CL, 4th Edition.

Complete CL, 4th Edition is fully updated to include the numerous enhancements to IBM's i5/OS, including a beefed-up compiler with new control structures, new data types, a new way to create documentation, a relaxation of old limits, and more.

In this latest edition, you'll learn how to:
- Code sophisticated looping techniques with the new control structures(SELECT, DOWHILE, DOUNTIL, and DOFOR)
- Expand your coding capabilities with the new integer data types
- Get beyond file processing limitations by learning how to process multiple files in a CL program
- Utilize IBM's powerful APIs by learning to pass parameters to procedures by value
- Use V5R3 control structures, variable types, and other enhancements
- Plus, you'll develop the skills needed to:
- Manipulate strings with built-in functions and operators
- Code looping and decision structures
- Make CL procedures communicate with users or with one another via messages
- Use data queues and data areas
- Understand and use overrides effectively
- Process display and database files
- Use APIs
- Effectively use the QTEMP library
- Understand and avoid the pitfalls of adopted authorities
- Understand security issues
- Develop a good CL coding style
- Understand differences between OPM and ILE
- Use CL in both batch and interactive processing
- Compile CL programs and modules and bind modules into programs
- Use the interactive debugger

Ted Holt has been working within the information technology industry since 1981, primarily with IBM midrange computers. His industry experience includes the fields of manufacturing, healthcare, education, retail, and wholesale. He holds a master's degree in computer science and has taught in community colleges, universities, and vocational/technical schools. He is also a frequent contributor to several magazines. Kevin Forsythe has 20 years of experience on the iSeries and other platforms as programmer, analyst, consultant, and instructor. He blends a wide range of experiences with a passion for teaching and is the author of numerous articles. Kevin is a frequent and award-winning speaker at COMMON and other iSeries user conferences. Doug Pence and Ron Hawkins have worked on IBM midrange systems for two decades. They began working as a team in 1979 and currently make up the research and development department of CPU Medical Management Systems. They are the authors of numerous books and frequent speakers at technical conferences.