www.DB2Factory.com
Frequently Asked Questions
www.DB2Factory.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does the developer use DB2Factory in practice?
Q. What is a Class Library?
Q. Now that I have all of this source code, what do I do with it?Q. How much does this service cost?
Q. Is template customization a possibility?
Q. Do I need a license for each PC that uses DB2Factory.com?
Q. How do I set up additional projects?
Q. I have a 30 day trial account. Can I set up multiple projects?
Q. What other functions are available at the Account level?
Q. Does The Object Group, Inc. offer implementation assistance?
Q. Is one browser better than another in the use of DB2Factory.com?Q. Is COBOL required on my PC/Server to use DB2Factory?
Q. How are the DB2Factory generated programs used?
Q. What DB2 Data types does DB2Factory.com currently support?
Q. What DB2 join types does DB2Factory.com currently support?
Q. Isn't it easier if I use JDBC, some other dynamic SQL?
Q. Why do I need COBOL code for the SQL?
Q. What is DB2Factory?
A. DB2Factory is a code generation service. Simply put, you send us your DDL (Data Definition Language), we send you source code. The source generated by DB2Factory.com provides the application developer with subroutines (MVS batch, CICS, and/or JavaScript/CGI) that perform basic table maintenance and table viewing. The application developer can supply custom selection and sequencing criteria (Where and Order by) for a given generated program. Additionally, for your applications that are beyond basic list management in nature, DB2Factory.com can be used to generate the basis of code against which, you apply any customizations which you deem necessary. Given that the basic nature of business data processing is list management, DB2Factory.com can drastically cut your source code development time to a fraction of that required by manual coding efforts. The generation process takes a matter of seconds.A sample of the DDL (used to generate our demonstration Rolodex application can be found here. The Sample Rolodex application can be viewed here.
Q. How does the developer use DB2Factory in practice?
A. This is the most typical use of DB2Factory:
1.) Define/refine your data model in DDL format. (A rough draft is okay to start.)
Using your browser and DB2Factory menu options:
2.) Send us your DDL.
3.) Generate class libraries and individual COBOL/SQL programs as required.
4.) Download, compile and integrate the generated source code into your system.
5.) Repeat steps 1 through 4 as necessaryQ. What is a Class Library?
A. A Class Library is a group of programs that have common characteristics. Specifically, they have similar SQL operations (Fetch, Select, Insert, Update, Delete, or any combination), and, all use the same code template as a basis of generation. Also, they share common naming standards, and, as a default, assume prime key access to DB2 table data. A Class Library, when complete, will have one COBOL/SQL program for every DB2 table you selected.This option allows you to generate many programs at once. You specify a range of tables, a naming standard, and a template, and we do the rest. You can generate a Class Library for your entire data model in minutes or seconds using this option.
It is possible that you can have several class libraries for a given project. One Class Library might be specific for MVS batch programs, another for CICS programs, and a third for Java Script / HTML access to your DB2 database. A Class Library can include all or part of your data model.
Q. Do I need a license for each PC that uses DB2Factory.com?
A. No. Your programming staff can access DB2Factory.com from any PC that has a connection to the Internet. There are no restrictions on where the PC is located, or how many PC's can access your data on DB2Factory.com. However, for a given project, only one user at a time may be logged on. It is quite easy for you to set up different projects for different staff members.Q. Now that I have all this source code, what do I do with it?
A. The first thing you will probably do is compile the delivered source code. If your intended target is an MVS mainframe, you will want to upload the source text files (not the zip files) to a TSO dataset and compile them using your standard compile procedures. If your intended target is a PC based platform, you will want to compile the source code using a compiler for that platform. Included in the download files are example batch files for a Micro Focus Intel platform. You may want to modify these sample batch files to your own standards. Once compiled, you will need to do a DB2 Bind for the data access program on your data server or mainframe. If generated, you will also want to compile the CGI and move the executable and the corresponding Java Script to the appropriate CGI-BIN directory on your web server. If you generated the HTML Java Script you can kick start your favorite browser, type in the URL and begin viewing and/or transacting your DB2 data.Q. How much does this service cost?
A. The pricing information is located here.Q. Is template customization a possibility?
A. Yes. As a basic service, we offer three different templates for your use. They are MVS Batch, CICS, and JavaScript/HTML/CGI. These templates provide basic DB2 list management functionality. As an additional service to our customers, we can customize a template to your specifications. Please contact us for more information.Q. How do I set up additional projects?
A. Once you have been issued an account number and password with DB2Factory, you log onto DB2Factory.com using that account and follow the instructions for creating additional projects.Q. I have a 30 day trial account. Can I set up multiple projects?
A. No. You must be a registered user to gain access to Account level functions.Q. What other functions are available at the Account level?
A. Account/Project maintenance and Reports (generation counts and project data) are other account level functions.Q. Does The Object Group, Inc. offer implementation assistance?
A. Yes. The Object Group, Inc. can assist your organization in database design, system design, implementation, or customization. (These services can be provided on a time and material basis, or, a fixed price basis.Q. Is one browser better than another in the use of DB2Factory.com?
A. Although both I.E. and Netscape will work with DB2Factory, there are cosmetic, and some minor security advantages in using Netscape. It is also recommended that you use a high screen resolution. A screen resolution of at least 1024 * 768 is advised for the best viewing experience.Q. Is COBOL required on my PC/Server to use DB2Factory?
A. Only if you want to compile the generated source code on your PC. Otherwise you port the generated program to the platform where COBOL and DB2 reside - the mainframe, for example.Q. How are the DB2Factory generated programs used?
A. The DB2Factory generated programs are used as follows:1.) JavaScript/COBOL CGI/DB2Factory Called COBOL Programs are intended to be used as is without modification. The readme.txt distributed with the generated code contains the instructions for compiling, linking, and moving the programs to the appropriate tier in your architecture. Upon successful completion of the instructions, users can maintain DB2 tables directly from their browser.
2.) DB2Factory CICS COBOL programs are accessed via an EXEC CICS LINK statement from a User CICS Business Logic Program. An example of a User Business Logic Program is included with the readme.txt distributed with the generated code.3.) DB2Factory Batch COBOL programs are accessed via a CALL statement from a User Batch Business Logic Program. An example of a User Business Logic Program is included with the readme.txt distributed with the generated code.
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Q. What DB2 Data types does DB2Factory.com currently support?
A. "SMALLINT" "DOUBLE" "INTEGER" "DECIMAL" "CHAR" "VARCHAR" "LONGVAR" "DATE" "TIME" "TIMESTAMP" "FLOAT"Q. What DB2 join types does DB2Factory.com currently support?
A. Inner join only.Q. Isn't it easier if I use JDBC, some other dynamic SQL, or some other generated SQL to access DB2 data?
A. No. The SQL itself is only a portion of what is required to build a DB2 application program. Based on the DDL you send to us, DB2Factory will generate and send you the COBOL DB2 SQL source code and JavaScript HTML files necessary to access all of your mainframe based DB2 data from the Internet, an MVS batch program, or a CICS program. The generation is done in seconds.Q. Why do I need COBOL code for the SQL?
A. COBOL has many advantages.1.) The COBOL wrapper allows the SQL to be pre-bound to your DB2 database. Statically bound SQL results in response times many times faster than dynamic SQL. This difference in response time is particularly critical in high volume or mission critical applications.
2.) Regardless of the SQL implementation, host variables must be initialized for SQL operations (select, update, delete, etc.), host variables must be type-checked, and SQL return codes must be checked for the appropriate response. COBOL is a natural for all these functions.3.) COBOL is the most widely used programming language on IBM mainframes. COBOL programmers are widely available. COBOL is easy and intuitive. These reasons make COBOL the perfect choice for DB2 applications. Should there be a need, the generated COBOL code is highly maintainable and easy to understand.
