Business Computer Design (BCD) has enhanced WebSmart PHP, a PHP web application development tool for IBM i, to bolster developer productivity, leverage existing RPG programs, and make it easier to work in environments with multiple database or server platforms. Version 2.0 offers a new wizard that eliminates the need to code the many required lines of PHP to call existing PRG programs. The wizard also guides developers by prompting them for the program name, library, and parameters and generates the PHP code.

Also new to Version 2.0 are expanded template capabilities. WebSmart PHP templates include built-in programming logic and functionality to help developers create professional-looking programs. A new feature lets customers copy elements from existing program templates. WebSmart PHP includes more than 75 pre-configured application templates. The update creates a new template family and incorporates the template files on your PC. All related CSS files on the IFS will automatically and properly reference the new CSS file and director in the new templates.

BCD has incorporated separate System i repositories into Version 2.0 so that each time you install WebSmart PHP on a new server, the tool will create a separate repository for all the business rules used on that server. Developers can easily toggle between these repositories with a drop-down box in the WebSmart IDE Repository window.

Another feature in the enhanced product from BCD lets programmers set up entire web application development environments in a single WebSmart IDE. An environment consists of configuration settings for the servers that you can manipulate, including the System FTP, database servers, and System i.

Customers must have V5R3 or later to operate WebSmart PHP Version 2.0. You must also have TCP/IP and Zend Core running on your System i. The development environment should include a PC minimally running Windows 98 and Internet Explorer 4.

--Vicki Hamende, application development & database editor