Well, we must be honest and admit that how the system present itself is a big selling point to non technical people but those - more often than not - are decision makers, that are also with all probability grown since schools with other tech (where other non-IBM vendors invested heavily with programs, aid etc.), so the sell gets harder and harder.
Like in cars, the layman looks for mainly aesthetic and comfort, doesn't ask for the architecture of the suspensions, or the size of the throttle bodies; probable that even the salesman doesn't know them, or the full capability of the system.
IBM had clearly some intent in the past in improving the 5250 (putting in DDS things like HTML or bullet point choice keywords, some mouse enablement etc.), but stopped there eventually.
Bad choice. Bad choice not to lay a plan for a light session based graphical terminal foundation, with a common code base to build upon (then external vendor VAR can sell widget sets etc., but the technical base must be common, like in other OSes). That in light of all the money wasted on then fashionable now dead product/tech, built with no long term vision.
With that capability integrated, basically IBMi would have been unbeatable in any central ERP / transactional style application, enabling a thriving environment.
Regarding the OS usage, one "trick" I use is typing say WRK* to let the system display all the command with that prefix... maybe useful to new users.
By the way, this way of arranging and naming shell commands, inspired the current command parser on M S systems, powershell.
*NIXes in that sense are admittedly a proud mess ; ) born in anarchy, there is and was some advantage in that, but clearly little introspection/discoverability possible from a set of known rules.
In any case an organic system lends itself pretty well to inform a LLM system for example, i.e. interacting and having command suggestions for tasks; running a little and so specialized inferential model to support NLP is now already possible locally and fast.
------------------------------
--ft
------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: Sun February 23, 2025 05:40 PM
From: Jozsef Torok
Subject: IBM i: System Management? Simpler Than You Think!
Hi Gaincarlo,
Nicely said!
Where I work we have a prevalent ignorance of and bias against the "green screen", and "AS400", called a "relic" and "dinosaur". It has even been called "a DOS system" at higher levels, which made my blood boil.
Thank you,
Jozsef
------------------------------
=====================
Jozsef Torok
=====================
Original Message:
Sent: Fri February 21, 2025 03:09 AM
From: Giancarlo Lui
Subject: IBM i: System Management? Simpler Than You Think!
IBM i (formerly AS/400) is often associated with the image of the "green screen" and a user interface considered antiquated. However, this perception is far from reality. Behind the seemingly spartan appearance lies an incredibly powerful, intuitive, and efficient management system. In this article, we will explore how IBM i simplifies system management through logical command nomenclature, comprehensive integrated help, the "GO" command, and other simplifications. We will also discover the modern web interface of Navigator for i, which takes system management to the next level.
The Clarity of Command Nomenclature: A Natural Language for the System
One of the cornerstones of IBM i's simplicity lies in its command nomenclature. Forget cryptic acronyms and commands that need deciphering. Most IBM i commands follow a Verb-Noun logic, making them intuitive and easy to remember:
- Action (Verb) + Object (Noun): The command clearly specifies what to do and on what to act. Examples:
- CRTLIB (CReate LIBrary) - Creates a library.
- DSPLIB (Display LIBrary) - Displays library information.
- WRKOBJ (Work with OBJects) - Works with objects.
- CHGUSRPRF (CHange USR ProFile) - Modifies a user profile.
- SNDMSG (Send Message) - Sends a message.
- Useful Abbreviations: Many commands use abbreviations that, once understood, become a concise and efficient language. Furthermore, the abbreviation helps the user "understand" what they are looking for. For example, DSP refers to Display, and WRK refers to Work With.
- Explicit Parameters: Command parameters often use descriptive keywords (e.g., LIB(library_name), OBJTYPE(*PGM)), making the command syntax clearer and less dependent on the position of the parameters.
This logic, however simple it may seem, dramatically reduces the learning curve and makes IBM i commands easy to remember and use.
The Power of Integrated Help: Your Guide at Your Fingertips
IBM i never leaves the user alone. The system offers comprehensive and contextual integrated help, accessible in various ways:
- HELP Command: Simply type HELP command (e.g., HELP CRTLIB) to get a detailed description of the command, its parameters, and its syntax.
- F1 Key: If you are in a panel or on a specific command, pressing the F1 key gets you immediate contextual help. This is particularly useful when working with a menu or screen interface.
- Menus with Integrated Help: Many IBM i menus and panels include descriptions, explanations, and links to contextual help, making it easy to understand the available options.
This integrated help system is a valuable resource for anyone working with IBM i, from novices to experienced professionals, and drastically reduces the need to consult external manuals.
The "GO" Command: Navigating the System with Ease
The GO command is one of the hidden gems of IBM i. It's not simply a command, but a true "navigator" that guides you through the various areas of the system:
- Hierarchical Menus: Typing GO followed by the name of a menu (e.g., GO MAIN, GO LICPGM) takes you to hierarchical menus that group similar functionalities.
- Quick Access to Functions: The "GO" menus make it easy to find the function you need without having to remember specific commands. Simply navigate through the menus and select the desired option.
- A Starting Point for Every Task: The "GO" menus are organized by task type or system area (e.g., job management, library management, etc.). This helps the user focus on the area of interest.
The GO command is an excellent example of how IBM i tries to make interacting with the system as intuitive and guided as possible.
Other Simplifications That Make IBM i Easier to Use
In addition to commands and integrated help, IBM i offers other simplifications that improve the management experience:
- Intelligent Default Values: Many commands have default values for parameters, reducing the need to specify every option and speeding up daily work.
- Autocompletion: When you type a command or an object name, IBM i often offers suggestions and automatic completions, saving time and reducing typing errors.
- Simple Text-Based Menus: IBM i's text-based interfaces, often called "green screens" or "5250 screens," are, contrary to what one might think, efficient and fast, with built-in input checks and validations.
IBM Navigator for i: The Power of the Web for System Management
While the command line and text-based interfaces are still effective, IBM Navigator for i brings IBM i management into the modern era with an intuitive and powerful web interface:
- Graphical User Interface: Navigator for i offers a modern graphical interface, accessible via a web browser, which makes system management more visual and user-friendly.
- Management of the Entire System: You can manage virtually every aspect of IBM i through Navigator for i: jobs, libraries, user profiles, databases, network configuration, performance, security, and much more.
- Real-Time Monitoring: Navigator for i allows you to monitor system performance in real-time, displaying charts, alarms, and statistics.
- Simplification of Complex Tasks: Some tasks, such as job management or security configuration, can be simplified through Navigator for i's graphical interfaces.
- Remote Access: You can access Navigator for i from any computer or device with a web browser, making system management possible even remotely.
Navigator for i is the perfect example of how IBM i evolves and modernizes, while maintaining the power and flexibility of traditional interfaces.
Conclusion
The IBM i management interface, far from being a "relic of the past," is a powerful, efficient, and surprisingly easy-to-use system. The combination of logical command nomenclature, comprehensive integrated help, the "GO" command, other simplifications, and the web interface of Navigator for i makes IBM i an extremely manageable system for both inexperienced users and industry experts. If you have never truly explored the heart of this system, I encourage you to try it. You might be surprised at how efficient and modern it is.
#IBMi #AS400 #IBMNavigator #OpenSource #SoftwareDevelopment #InformationSystems #Technology #IT #Informatics #Modernization
------------------------------
[Giancarlo] [Lui]
[CTO]
[Horsa Power]
[Milan] [Italy]
02 3359 1375
------------------------------