Books Written by Jim Buck
We offer several books focused on IBM i education. Choose from selections providing the modern IBM resource knowledge and learning.
Programming in ILE RPG
Fifth Edition; Bryan Meyers and Jim Buck, MC Press 2015
ISBN: 978-1-58347-379-5
The book includes complete coverage of the program development process, the newest development tools, RPG IV instructions and operations, creating and using files, program workflow and structured design, arithmetic operations and functions, accessing and updating database files, writing interactive applications, modular programming, service programs, error handling, subfiles, APIs, and more. This book is the one guide you need to learn how to be successful with all aspects of ILE RPG.
Programming in RPG IV
MC Press – 2007 Co-Author 4th Edition, MC Press
Mastering IBM i
Jim Buck & Jerry Fottral, Publisher – MC Press, 2011
Control Language Programming on the IBM i
MC Press – 2008 Co-Author 3rd Edition
Get up to speed on today’s RPG IV! Since its original publication, Programming in RPG IV has given thousands of students and professionals a strong foundation in the essentials of business programming using RPG IV. Now, Bryan Meyers has teamed up with Jim Buck to produce the most significant update to the book since that first edition. The book has been completely reorganized and rewritten to reflect the RPG IV style and techniques used by today’s most capable RPG technicians.
RPG IV is evolving and gaining capabilities at a more rapid rate than any of today’s other computer languages, and this text is comprehensive in its coverage of the specifications, operations, and functions of the language. The coverage uses V5R4 as its base release and is compatible with later releases. Free-format specifications, modular procedures, the latest built-in functions, and more are all covered in a highly approachable style, complete with numerous programming examples and support material.
The book includes complete coverage of the program development process, RPG IV specs and operations, top-down structured design, database definition and processing, and interactive applications. This edition also explains important concepts of the Integrated Language Environment (ILE), including the use of modular procedures and service programs in a modern IBM i application.
A series of appendices will prove useful not only while you are learning RPG IV but also as everyday references to RPG IV syntax elements, RPG IV style, program development tools, program debugging, and legacy syntax and techniques for use when maintaining older applications.
Upon completion of this book, you will be well-equipped to create highly effective and maintainable RPG IV programs using the latest techniques. By focusing on real-world problems, down-to-earth solutions, and the latest style techniques, this book will make you stand out in the RPG marketplace.
The IBM i operating system running on IBM Power Systems is a platform in transition. Today’s programmers must have a solid understanding of IBM i’s traditional concepts and tools, but they also need to know how to take advantage of the latest tools and methods. Now, both new and experienced programmers finally have a complete and up-to-date resource for the tools and concepts needed to work with today’s IBM i.
For new IBM i programmers, the book introduces the fundamentals of working with the system, explaining traditional tools and concepts as well as IBM’s latest tools in depth. For veteran programmers, the book provides the resources to gain the expertise required to update current skills. The book serves as a handbook for many of IBM’s newest tools, providing information that will be useful regardless of your level of IBM i expertise.
Mastering IBM i is equally well suited to a classroom setting or individual study. Like its highly regarded predecessor, Mastering the AS/400, the book takes an hands-on, experience-based approach to learning. Each chapter includes key terms and review questions plus step-by-step chapter labs that reinforce understanding through doing. New chapters cover Rational Developer for Power (RDP), Remote System Explorer, RDP’s Screen Designer and Report Designer, IBM i Access for Windows, IBM i Access for Web, and IBM DB2 Web Query for i.
Whether you are a novice programmer who needs to get up to speed on the ins and outs of CL or an experienced professional looking for a daily CL reference, this comprehensive book is the guide you need. Here, you will find all the must-know basics of the CL language, as well as full coverage of its latest and most powerful features–including structured programming capabilities, file processing enhancements, and the Integrated Language Environment (ILE).
The book introduces the basics quickly for those without any previous knowledge of CL. Progressing methodically into more complex processes and concepts, it guides readers smoothly toward a professional grasp of CL programming techniques and style.In addition to 25 chapters covering CL from start to finish, the book includes a condensed reference appendix to the most commonly used CL commands, as well as appendices addressing the essentials of programming tools and debugging. End-of-chapter review questions and programming assignments complete your master course in CL and make the book suitable for use in a classroom or tutorial setting. Students who plan careers as IBM i programming professionals will find this book essential reading.