In our ongoing series about essential skills for modern IBM i development, we’ve explored REST APIs and JavaScript. Now it’s time to dive into Node.js, the powerful runtime that brings JavaScript to the server side and opens up new possibilities for IBM i development.
Why Node.js Matters for IBM i
If you’ve followed our series so far, you understand how REST APIs provide a standardized way to integrate systems and how JavaScript offers powerful tools for modern web development. Node.js brings these elements together, allowing you to run JavaScript directly on your IBM i system. This isn’t just another trend – it’s a IBM-supported technology that bridges the gap between traditional IBM i applications and modern web services.
Understanding Node.js in the IBM i Context
Think of Node.js as a new engine in your IBM i toolkit. Just as your system can run RPG, COBOL, and CL programs, it can now run JavaScript code natively. This brings several key advantages:
- Native Performance: Node.js runs directly on IBM i, allowing for efficient integration with existing applications
- Asynchronous Processing: Handle multiple requests simultaneously without blocking operations
- Rich Ecosystem: Access to millions of pre-built packages through npm
- Modern Development Patterns: Support for current web development practices and tools
Getting Started with Node.js on IBM i
Setting up Node.js on IBM i is straightforward, thanks to IBM’s official support. Here’s a practical approach to getting started:
- Install Node.js using Access Client Solutions (ACS)
- Set up your development environment (We recommend Visual Studio Code with IBM i extensions)
- Create your first Node.js application
Here’s a simple example of a Node.js application that interfaces with IBM i:
const express = require(‘express’);
const { dbconn, dbstmt } = require(‘idb-connector’);
const app = express();
app.get(‘/api/customers/:id’, (req, res) => {
const connection = new dbconn();
connection.conn(‘*LOCAL’);
const sql = ‘SELECT CUSNUM, CUSNAM, CITY FROM QIWS.QCUSTCDT WHERE CUSNUM = ?’;
const statement = new dbstmt(connection);
// Asynchronously prepare the SQL statement
statement.prepare(sql, (prepErr) => {
if (prepErr) {
console.error(‘Error in prepare:’, prepErr);
res.status(500).json({ error: ‘Internal server error’ });
return;
}
// Bind the SQL query parameter
statement.bindParameters([req.params.id], (bindErr) => {
if (bindErr) {
console.error(‘Error in bindParameters:’, bindErr);
res.status(500).json({ error: ‘Internal server error’ });
return;
}
// Execute the SQL query
statement.execute((result, execErr) => {
if (execErr) {
console.error(‘Error in execute:’, execErr);
res.status(500).json({ error: ‘Internal server error’ });
return;
}
// Asynchronously fetch all rows from the result set
statement.fetchAll((rows, fetchErr) => {
if (fetchErr) {
console.error(‘Error in fetchAll:’, fetchErr);
res.status(500).json({ error: ‘Internal server error’ });
return;
}
res.json(rows[0] || { error: ‘Customer not found’ });
statement.close();
connection.disconn();
connection.close();
});
});
});
});
});
app.listen(3000, () => {
console.log(‘Server running on port 3000’);
});
Node.js vs. Traditional IBM i Development
Node.js complements rather than replaces traditional IBM i development. Here’s how they compare:
Traditional IBM i Strengths:
- Batch processing
- Database operations
- Business logic
- System integration
Node.js Strengths:
- Web services and APIs
- Real-time applications
- Modern protocol support
- Package ecosystem
Leveraging npm in IBM i Development
One of Node.js’s most powerful features is npm (Node Package Manager), which we’ll cover in detail in our next post. With npm, you can:
- Access millions of pre-built packages
- Manage dependencies efficiently
- Share code between projects
- Implement common functionality without reinventing the wheel
Security Considerations
While Node.js opens up new possibilities, it also requires attention to security:
Package Management:
- Regularly update dependencies
- Use package-lock.json for consistent installations
- Implement security scanning in your development pipeline
Application Security:
- Implement proper input validation
- Use secure session management
- Follow HTTPS best practices
- Implement rate limiting
IBM i Integration:
- Control access to system resources
- Implement proper user authentication
- Monitor and log system access
Enterprise-Grade Development with Node.js
For production environments, consider using integration platforms like Eradani Connect, which provide:
- Automated API generation
- Security and authentication management
- Performance monitoring
- High availability features
- Development best practices
Real-World Applications
Here are some practical ways to use Node.js on IBM i:
- API Layer: Create RESTful APIs that expose IBM i services to web and mobile applications
- Modern Web Applications: Build web interfaces that interact with traditional IBM i applications
- Real-Time Services: Implement WebSocket connections for live data updates
- Integration Hub: Connect IBM i with cloud services, web APIs, and modern applications
Best Practices for Node.js on IBM i
Architecture:
- Use modular design patterns
- Implement proper error handling
- Follow RESTful principles for APIs
- Document your code thoroughly
Performance:
- Implement caching where appropriate
- Use connection pooling for database access
- Monitor memory usage
- Implement proper logging
Development Workflow:
- Use version control (Git)
- Implement automated testing
- Follow consistent coding standards
- Use TypeScript for large applications
Moving Forward
Node.js on IBM i represents a significant step forward in modernizing your development capabilities. Whether you’re building new applications or extending existing ones, Node.js provides the tools and ecosystem needed for modern enterprise development.
Ready to start your Node.js journey on IBM i? Remember that while understanding the fundamentals is crucial, you don’t have to build everything from scratch. Platforms like Eradani Connect can help you leverage Node.js while maintaining the security and reliability your enterprise applications require.
Have questions about implementing Node.js in your IBM i environment? We’d love to hear from you!
